Acceptance & Commitment Therapy: Basics
March 1st, 2024 -10am-1:15pm EST | Virtual
3 CEs
AMANDA RHODES, PsyD
Licensed Psychologist
Founder, The ACT Academy
Have you been wanting an absolute basics of ACT workshop? Have you heard of ACT but didn’t know where to start? This is it. Everything from learning that we call it “ACT” (one word) and not “A.C.T.” to how to pitch it to clients on your initial consultation calls. We’ll go over everything including the foundational definitions of the 6 core processes that make up ACT and the building blocks of behavioralism. I’ll teach you what makes ACT different from other models (like CBT) at a philosophical level. I’ve developed this workshop to be immensely digestible for all types of practitioners without all the mumbo-jumbo lingo that gets added along the way. And hey, maybe you’ve been practicing ACT for years! But, need a basics refresher to remind you of the processes? This is a no-judgement zone! We’re all ACT learners here.
Abstract: This workshop serves as an immersive exploration into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), combining didactic and experiential elements to provide participants with an introductory understanding and practical application of this evidence-based therapeutic approach. Grounded in the philosophical underpinnings of Functional Contextualism and Pragmatism, the workshop will delve into the transformative principles of ACT. Participants will engage in experiential exercises to grasp the core concepts of Relational Frame Theory, fostering a deepened comprehension of language and cognition. Additionally, the workshop will explore the six core processes of psychological flexibility in plain language, offering practical tools and strategies for fostering meaningful behavior change. Join us for an enriching experience that seamlessly integrates theory and practice, equipping attendees with valuable insights into the transformative potential of ACT.
Target Audience: The workshop is ideal for beginning practitioners new to the model as well as those already practicing ACT at an intermediate level who want to refresh their repertoire. It is appropriate for all behavioral health professionals, including Psychologists, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Psychiatrists, Social Workers, and Psychiatric Nurse-Practitioners.
Check out details below!
System Requirements: This course will be presented via Zoom teleconferencing software. Participants will not have to install any additional programs on their computer to take part. However, a web browser is necessary. (Mac users are recommended to use the Chrome or Firefox browsers to minimize tech issues). Participants can test their computer's capabilities by clicking here (or visiting http://zoom.us/test).
We recommend all participants test their ability to load Zoom in advance of the event to ensure there are no technical difficulties. All participants must log in via an individual connection, rather than as a group using one machine. A headset/headphones are recommended. A functioning microphone is also MANDATORY to attend this training, to allow for participation in role-play sessions.
Continuing Education Details: Participants are required to attend the entire training. Partial credits cannot be issued. For psychology CE credits, completion of the evaluation is strongly encouraged. If you do not wish to complete the evaluation but desire to receive psychology CEs please contact info@theACTacademy.com after the training event.
There is a 30-day time limit post-training to complete all CE requirements. CE Credit Certificates will be emailed to all completers of the training within 30 days after all course requirements have been completed. CEs are awarded contingent on timely post-event paperwork submission by event organizers.
CEs for Psychologists: The program is Approved for CEs for Psychologists. The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science maintains responsibility for this program and its content. CEs for Psychologists are awarded contingent on timely post-event paperwork submission by event organizers.
CEs for Counselors: ACT Basics has been Approved by NBCC for NBCC credit. The ACT Academy is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. NBCC Approval No. SP-4444.
CEs for Social Workers: This program is Approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval # 886914667-7366) for 3 continuing education contact hours.
Learning Objectives:
Describe the philosophical underpinnings of Functional Contextualism.
Formulate presenting problems in an ACT framework.
Define the 6 core processes of Psychological Flexibility.
About the Presenter: Amanda Rhodes, Psy.D a licensed clinical psychologist in Maryland, USA. She spent her early career as Research Psychologist at the NIH. Her research focused on contextual behavioral science and clinical health psychology in cancer and chronic illness populations. She has been researching, applying, and training others in ACT for the past 10 years. She currently directs an ACT-based clinical practice, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology at GWU, Founder of The ACT Academy, and a Research Consultant on international ACT-based research protocols. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for several international scientific organizations including President for both the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) Mid-Atlantic Chapter and ACBS Cancer Special Interest Group. She also currently serves on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science (JCBS).
Disclosures: Dr. Rhodes receives a speaking fee from The ACT Academy for this presentation and has no other relevant financial relationships to disclose. No commercial support was obtained for this CE program that could be construed as a conflict of interest.
Cancellation and Refund Policy: A $25 processing fee will be charged for registration refunds requested one or before February 15th. We regret that after February 15th, refunds cannot be made, but you may request credit toward a future ACT Academy program. If you need a refund, please contact us via email at info@theACTacademy.com.
ADA Accommodations: This workshop will be closed captioned in English. If there are additional ADA accommodations that you require, please contact us at info@theACTacademy.com or +1 (240) 542-8503. Mail can also be sent to 2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 915, Chevy Chase MD, 20815
9:45-10:00am EST Sign In
10-11 Building Blocks of ACT
Philosophical Models of Behavior
Introduction to Functional Contextualism
Relational Frame Theory Foundations
Process Goals of ACT
11-11:30 The Model of Psychological Flexibility
Definitions & Empirical Clinical Outcomes
Case Conceptualization
11:30-11:45 Break
11:45-1:15 6 Core Processes of Psychological Flexibility
Cognitive Defusion
Acceptance
Present Moment Awareness
Self-as-Context
Values
Committed Actions