This course is designed for mental health and allied health professionals seeking practical, evidence-informed strategies for working with clients who experience intense emotional pain related to perceived rejection, criticism, or failure. Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) is commonly associated with ADHD, trauma histories, and mood disorders, and often presents as rapid emotional escalation, avoidance, interpersonal conflict, and self-criticism.
This training introduces Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a flexible and compassionate framework for understanding RSD. Participants will explore how experiential avoidance, cognitive fusion, and values-based challenges contribute to RSD symptoms, and how ACT processes can help clients develop psychological flexibility, emotional regulation, and self-compassion. Through clinical examples and applied strategies, attendees will learn how to support clients in responding more effectively to rejection-related triggers while maintaining engagement in meaningful relationships and life roles.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Describe the core features of Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD) and identify how it commonly presents across clinical populations, including individuals with ADHD, trauma histories, and mood disorders.
- Explain how key Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) processes—such as cognitive defusion, experiential acceptance, and values-based action—can be applied to conceptualize and treat rejection-related emotional dysregulation
- Apply at least two ACT-informed clinical strategies to help clients respond more flexibly to perceived rejection while supporting emotional regulation, interpersonal functioning, and engagement in meaningful life activities
Syllabus:
Objective #1: Understanding Rejection Sensitivity Dysphoria (RSD)
- Definition and characteristics of RSD
- Relationship between RSD and ADHD
- Perceived versus actual rejection
- Emotional and behavioral consequences of rejection sensitivity
Objective #2: Clinical Presentation of RSD
- Intense emotional reactions to criticism or rejection
- Shame, self-criticism, and low self-worth
- Social withdrawal and avoidance behaviors
- Impact on relationships, work, and daily functioning
Objective #3: Conceptualizing RSD Through an ACT Lens
- Psychological flexibility as a treatment goal
- The role of experiential avoidance
- Acceptance versus emotional control
- How ACT addresses suffering related to rejection experiences
Objective #4: Acceptance and Mindfulness Strategies
- Developing willingness to experience difficult emotions
- Mindfulness and present-moment awareness practices
- Reducing struggles with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings
- Building emotional awareness and tolerance
Objective #5: Cognitive Defusion Techniques
- Identifying unhelpful thoughts related to rejection
- Separating from thoughts rather than challenging them
- Reducing the influence of self-critical thinking
- Practicing defusion exercises to increase flexibility
Objective #6: Self-as-Context and Identity Development
- Differentiating self from thoughts, emotions, and experiences
- Reducing attachment to rejection-based identities
- Building a broader and more flexible sense of self
- Promoting psychological resilience
Objective #7: Values-Based Living and Committed Action
- Identifying personally meaningful values
- Moving toward valued goals despite emotional discomfort
- Reducing avoidance patterns driven by rejection fears
- Strengthening confidence through purposeful action
Objective #8: Clinical Interventions for RSD
- Applying ACT interventions in therapy sessions
- Supporting clients through rejection-related distress
- Enhancing self-compassion and emotional regulation
- Developing individualized treatment plan
Objective #9: Integrating ACT Principles into Practice
- Conceptualizing cases through an ACT framework
- Tailoring interventions to client needs and strengths
- Promoting long-term psychological flexibility
- Supporting sustained growth and resilience
Summary and Clinical Application
- Review of key concepts and treatment strategies
- Practical application of ACT interventions for RSD
- Common challenges and clinical considerations
- Questions, discussion, and integration into practice
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: Dr. Jillian Graves, MSW, LCSW, Ph.D.
Recording Date: May 29, 2026
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