Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) combines mindfulness and cognitive-behavioral approaches with strategies for living a values-driven life. The goal of ACT is to help clients create a healthy relationship with their thoughts and feelings in service to living a fulfilling life. In this highly experiential workshop, you’ll learn the philosophy behind ACT as well as the processes that make it work. In addition, we’ll practice skills that you can begin integrating into your work with clients.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Define the principal components of ACT
- Understand the relationship between mindfulness and emotional regulation
- Identify applications of ACT for various client populations
- Implement at least five ACT-based interventions with clients
Syllabus:
Introduction to ACT
- Define ACT as a mindfulness-based psychotherapy
- Emphasize acceptance of the present moment and value-driven living
- Learn the foundational influences: Relational Frame Theory, Applied Behavioral Analysis, Functional Contextualism, and Buddhism
- Understand the primary goal: developing psychological flexibility
Objective #1: Determining Client Suitability for ACT
- Evaluate behavior based on “workability”
- Ask: “Is what you’re doing helping create a meaningful life?”
- Explore avoidance strategies and their effectiveness
Objective #2: The Six Core Principles of ACT (The Hexaflex)
- Contact with the Present Moment
- Values
- Committed Action
- Self-as-Context
- Cognitive Defusion
- Acceptance/Willingness
Objective #3: Contact with the Present Moment
- Develop mindfulness skills
- Shift attention flexibly between internal and external events
- Practice mindfulness exercises such as broad-to-narrow focus and “Dropping Anchor”
Objective #4: Values and Meaningful Living
- Clarify personal values and their role in guiding behavior
- Explore how misalignment with values affects life satisfaction
- Practice exercises on core values and energy awareness
Objective #5: Committed Action
- Translate values into concrete, consistent actions
- Identify and overcome barriers such as fear and lack of clarity or resources
Develop action steps through reflection exercises
Objective #6: Self-as-Context
- Differentiate between the “thinking self” and the “observing self”
- Cultivate a stable, centered identity beyond thoughts and emotions
Use metaphors and perspective-taking exercises
Objective #7: Cognitive Defusion
- Learn to “unhook” from unhelpful thoughts and emotions
- Reduce the believability and impact of thoughts
- Use techniques like thought repetition, thanking the mind, and “leaves on a stream”
Objective #8: Acceptance and Willingness
- Make space for uncomfortable internal experiences without avoidance
- Develop willingness to face discomfort in service of values
- Apply metaphors such as “the unwelcome party guest”
Objective #9: Applications of ACT Across Populations
- Review effectiveness of ACT for anxiety, depression, OCD, substance use, pain, stress, and terminal illness
- Explore emerging research for use with children and adolescents
- Adapt interventions to developmental stages and client needs
Objective #10: Review and Reflection
- Revisit the ACT Hexaflex and core principles
- Discuss personal resonance with specific principles
- Share takeaways and questions from training
Resources and Further Learning
- Recommended books including The Happiness Trap and ACT Made Simple
- Curated video resources for extended learning
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Dreya Blume, LCSW
Recording Date: September 18, 2024
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 3hrs 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