Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Introduction & Skills Building

This introductory ACT workshop is designed to combine the head, hands, and heart of ACT to maximize the group workshop time together in a way that can’t be gained from solo study. Initial components of the workshop will focus on the conceptual underpinnings of ACT, while not centering on those topics that could be just as easily understood through reading ACT books and articles. A significant portion of the workshop will revolve around experiential exercises that bring the heart of ACT to the fore through direct learning and engagement. Finally, participants will have the opportunity to practice the new skills that they are acquiring and give and receive feedback between participants and the expert trainers.

Participants will be guided through the ACT foundational hexaflex, learning about each of the six core processes. Throughout the workshop, attendees will learn about the application of each of these core processes through case conceptualizations, role plays, and discussions of clinical examples. The trainers will provide examples of specific exercises and metaphors, while working with the participants to understand the importance of the function, rather than the form, of the intervention. Special attention will be given to working with clients to clarify their personal life values and helping to facilitate meaningful committed action for clients.

The two peer-reviewed ACT trainers, Gillanders and Batten, are fully-versed in ACT and are Fellows and Founding Members of ACBS, with extensive experience delivering ACT training internationally. Their open and compassionate style models the ACT therapeutic stance, while demonstrating skills and responding to participant questions based on research-informed knowledge.

About David Gillanders, DClinPsy: 

David Gillanders is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, member of the British Psychological Society, Health & Care Professions Council, British Association of Behavioural & Cognitive Psychotherapy and a founding member of the Association for Contextual Behavioural Science. He is the Head of Clinical and Health Psychology at the University of Edinburgh. Formerly working for the NHS, he has extensive experience of working psychologically with people with both chronic physical and mental health problems from both an ACT and traditional CBT perspective. David has trained several hundred therapists in using an ACT approach across the globe and also supervises others using an ACT approach. He is a peer reviewed ACT trainer with ACBS, and the former ACBS Training Committee Chair, responsible for developing the current strategy to showing evidence of training competency and undertaking research in the area of ACT training

About Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D.:

Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist with a specialization in traumatic stress, who has worked in policy, clinical, and research leadership positions in the public and private sector. Dr. Batten is a recognized ACT trainer, a Past-President of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, the author of Essentials of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and the co-author of Committed Action in Practice. Dr. Batten is an experienced leader with a demonstrated history of working in the management consulting industry; skilled in Organizational Development, Health Care Operations, Leadership Development, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy; a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, certified Change Management Practitioner, and experienced Coach and Mentor.