This Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) training course offers clinicians a comprehensive foundation in the theory and application of ACT with a focus on treating depression, anxiety, trauma, and shame. Participants will explore the six core processes of ACT—cognitive defusion, acceptance, contact with the present moment, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action—as tools to enhance psychological flexibility and reduce suffering. The course emphasizes how these processes can be used to help clients move away from avoidance and toward meaningful, values-based living, even in the presence of emotional pain. Through experiential exercises, case examples, and guided practice, clinicians will learn to apply ACT interventions to promote healing and resilience in diverse clinical settings.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Demonstrate knowledge of ACT basic principles and psychological flexibility.
- Experiment with at least two ACT interventions in clinical practice.
- Reflect on methods and rationale for incorporating ACT interventions into work with clients.
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Demonstrate knowledge of ACT basic principles and psychological flexibility.
- Kim case vignette
- The ACT hexaflex
- Core processes
- Choice point and struggle switch
- Anxiety: reasons and ACT responses
- CBT vs ACT
- Script examples of skills
- Video: How Mindfulness Empowers Us
Objective #2: Experiment with at least two ACT interventions in clinical practice.
- ACT for depression case examples
- Therapist experiential exercise
- ACT matrix case study
- Metaphors
- Clipboard/pushing away paper
Objective #3: Reflect on methods and rationale for incorporating ACT interventions into work with clients.
- Cultural considerations
- Working w/shame
- Important values questions
- Dropping Anchor video
- ACT for trauma
- Defusion: suicide
- Sweet spot exercise
- Poem: The Guesthouse by Rumi
- Resources
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: Clara Anderson Sainte, LCSW, LSCSW
Recording Date: October 25, 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: 08/7/2025 - 08/6/2026. 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.
System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device.
Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com