Introduction to acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a third-wave relational approach to psychological therapy. This model advocates psychological flexibility as the gateway to a rich and satisfying life. ACT offers an alternative approach to therapy from the behaviourism (first wave) and cognitive and cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT, second wave) models that aim to modify the contents of thoughts and feelings that underpin psychological difficulties.
The ACT model is focused on how we relate to our thoughts and feelings suggesting attempts to control unhelpful thoughts and distress is the problem. ACT advocates via, acceptance, defusing from thoughts and commitment to engage in value-based activities we will build rich, fulfilling and satisfying lives.
About the course
This course will introduce how psychological difficulties are viewed within the ACT model along with how ACT Interventions are used to increase psychological flexibility and increase quality, richness and satisfaction in life.
What we will cover
- What is ACT? What are this model's assumptions?
- The role of control in psychological pain and suffering
- ACT models view of the six core pathological processes
- ACT HEX FLEX: The core principles of ACT
How the core principles map onto interventions:
- acceptance
- creative hopelessness
- clean vs dirty discomfort
- language, thoughts and mind in overdrive
- overview: ACT and thoughts
- our problem-solving brains
- cognitive fusion vs defusion
- workability vs true/false nature of thoughts
- experiential avoidance: difference between problem-solving in physical and inner worlds
- values: the compass of our lives
- the relevance of values in ACT
- identifying values/value assessment tools
- working towards values
About the trainer
Caroline Marzella Caroline has worked as a Clinical Associate in Applied Psychology in an NHS adult mental health team for over 17 years. She is a BABCP accredited therapist and supervisor and has ISST advanced certification in schema therapy. Over the years as she has built her knowledge and skills base attaining MA Hon in Psychology, Dip CBT and Groupwork, MSc in Psychological Therapy (CBT) in Primary Care and MSc in Counselling Psychology. Caroline has built on her initial knowledge/skills base in CBT with her learning on Humanism and 3rd wave relational models of therapy and currently adopts an integrative approach in her clinical work.
Details
Handouts and CPD certificates are included in the price.
Price: Early bird - standard £105, Ttrainee £85 until 28 Aug 2025. Thereafter standard £125/trainee £105.
For more information and to book, visit Greenwood Events.