Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a highly impactful model that can bring about significant changes in people’s lives. It equips individuals with the skills to fundamentally transform their relationship with internal thoughts, feelings, and emotions, enabling them to make substantial progress in their lives. This model delves into profound questions about meaning and purpose, offering a transformative shift in how individuals navigate their existence.
Knowing where to begin, which techniques to utilise, and how to approach clients’ problems from an ACT perspective can be perplexing. Acquiring new knowledge and developing skills may initially feel counterintuitive or difficult to grasp. If you are seeking a structured, comprehensive, step-by-step approach to learning ACT that is both practical and creative, this workshop is designed for you.
About this workshop
Led by master trainer Dr Joann Wright, this workshop goes beyond the basics of the ACT model. Joann will guide you through the specific nuances that enhance your ability to gain a deeper understanding of your clients’ needs and effectively support them in moving closer to the life they desire. She will cover the six core processes of ACT, providing theoretical insights, practical applications, and opportunities for experiential learning. These processes include defusion, acceptance, contact with the present moment, self-as-context, values, and committed action. Additionally, Joann will enhance your understanding of the model by exploring the behavioural foundations of ACT, Including the links between the core processes and behavioural theory. She will also discuss and help you to learn to apply Relational Frame Theory (RFT) – a theory of language – which serves as the theoretical underpinnings of ACT.
Throughout the workshop, Joann will train you in key ACT interventions, such as utilising workability and creative hopelessness to enhance motivation and change behaviour. You will also learn how to strengthen perspective-taking skills and effectively address challenging and unwanted thoughts. Joanne will guide you in creatively engaging clients with fluid or structured presentations, ensuring a comprehensive understanding and practical application of the ACT model.
During the workshop, Joann will also delve into the application of ACT in different therapeutic settings, such as individual and group therapy. Furthermore, she will explore how you can incorporate additional modes of learning, such as music, art, and imagery, to enhance your clients’ comprehension of the concepts.
The course also covers the self-practice/self-reflection (SP/SR) model developed by James Bennet-Levy as it pertains to ACT. This section of the workshop is highly interactive and offers a profound exploration of using the ACT model processes in your personal life. We will examine your own struggles and professional challenges, allowing you to gain a deeper understanding of how ACT can be applied and integrated into your own experiences through self-reflection and self-practice.
What will you get out of this workshop?
In this workshop, you will acquire the necessary knowledge and skills to apply the ACT model effectively with your clients. The following are some of the key areas that will be covered:
- Assisting clients in moving towards the life they desire.
- Providing a fresh perspective on their relationship with their thoughts.
- Developing awareness of when clients are moving towards wilfulness and helping them transition into willingness.
- Facilitating increased contact with the present moment, allowing for greater distance from past and future thoughts.
- Supporting clients in cultivating a more flexible and lighter relationship with their conceptualised self.
- Exploring values across different domains of clients’ lives.
- Guiding clients in adhering to committed actions that align with their chosen life path.
- Deepening your understanding of relational frame theory (RFT) to enhance your ability to engage in effective perspective-taking with clients.
- Learning the self-practice/self-reflection model, enabling you to apply the core processes of the ACT model to your own struggles. This practice will enhance your empathy and compassion towards your clients’ challenges.
Who would benefit from this workshop?
This workshop is designed for clinicians, psychologists, BCBAs, coaches, and practitioners seeking to expand their knowledge of the ACT model. It is suitable for individuals with little to no previous experience in ACT, as well as those who have some familiarity with the model but wish to deepen their understanding and explore new applications.
Group booking discounts
Contextual Consulting offer discounts for groups of people from the same organisation e.g. an NHS Trust that does not have a contract arrangement with us.
Please email us here to arrange a group discount or find out more about our CPD contracts here.