Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on the development of psychological flexibility, which involves being present in the moment, accepting one’s thoughts and feelings, and taking action towards living a fulfilling life.
Mindfulness plays a crucial role in ACT, as it helps individuals become more aware of their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations. By bringing attention to the present moment without judgment, individuals can learn to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than trying to control or avoid them. In this way, mindfulness allows the individual to develop psychological flexibility by learning how to respond effectively to challenging situations instead of reacting impulsively based on past experiences or automatic thoughts.
During part one of this training, we will explore exactly how mindfulness is integrated into the ACT framework. Specifically, we will explore the ACT principles of Acceptance, Cognitive Defusion, Contact with the Present Moment, and Self-as-Context.
This will be an experiential and interactive day-long training, so in addition to theory, there will be time for plenty of practice of mindfulness skills. We will also address how to introduce mindfulness to clients in a trauma-informed manner, as well as explore how our clients with ADHD – who might believe that mindfulness is an impossible task – can find practices that align with their neurodiversity.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Explain role of mindfulness in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
- Discuss how mindfulness is defined.
- Explain how to practice mindfulness daily.
- Describe how to overcome common challenges to mindfulness practice.
- Discuss how to cultivate a consistent mindfulness practice.
- Demonstrate at least ten practical ways to practice mindfulness in session and at home.
- Distinguish how to introduce mindfulness in a trauma-informed manner.
- Illustrate how to modify mindfulness practices for clients with ADHD.
Syllabus:
Introduction
Objective #1: Explain the role of mindfulness in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Introduction to ACT
- Six main components
- How mindfulness relates to each one
Objective #2: Discuss how mindfulness is defined
- Focus on present awareness
- Non-judgment
- Willingness
Objective #3: Explain how to practice mindfulness daily
- Visualization
- Guided imagery
- Breathwork
Objective #4: Describe how to overcome common challenges to mindfulness practice
- Time
- Lack of understanding
- Distractions
Objective #5: Discuss how to cultivate a consistent mindfulness practice
- Connecting mindfulness to values
- Committed action
Objective #6: Demonstrate at least ten practical ways to practice mindfulness in session and at home
- Grounding exercises
- Breathing activities
- Focusing on activities in the present moment
Objective #7: Distinguish how to introduce mindfulness in a trauma-informed manner
- Paying attention to the client’s history
- Variations of activities
Objective #8: Illustrate how to modify mindfulness practices for clients with ADHD
- Focus on grounding
- Focus on shorter time periods
- Focus on somatic
Summary/Q&A
Social workers completing this course receive 6 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 6 hours of Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: March 21, 2025
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 6hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com