This experiential discussion will introduce the theory and practice of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) through both a high-level discussion of ACT’s goals and techniques, and through practicing those techniques ourselves. This class is an introduction to ACT that may help therapists decide whether or not to pursue further training and experiences, but it’s also an opportunity for those more experienced with ACT to practice, discuss, and explore in a supportive group environment.
Graduate psychology/behavioral health students, use code STUDENT20 for the student discount (total price $65.00).
By the end of the program participants will be able to:
The Vermont Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor live continuing education for psychologists. The Vermont Psychological Association maintains responsibility for its programs and their content.
Completion of this course earns 6 continuing education credits. Psychologists licensed in states whose licensing board approves continuing education offered by APA-approved sponsors may earn continuing education credits for this course.
Courses sponsored by the Vermont Psychological Association are pre-approved for continuing education for psychologists by the Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners. This course qualifies for 6 continuing education credits.
Continuing education courses sponsored by the Vermont Psychological Association are pre-approved by the Vermont Office of Professional Regulation for continuing education credit for licensed independent clinical social workers in Vermont. This course provides 6 CE credits for Vermont licensing.
This course has been approved for continuing education credit by the Vermont Board of Allied Mental Health and earns 6 continuing education credits.
| ACT: An Experiential Introduction--Notes (1.1 MB) | 36 Pages | Available after Purchase |
Martin Seehuus, Ph.D. is an associate professor of psychology at Middlebury College and a clinical educator at the University of Vermont’s department of psychological science. His clinical background includes education and experience in CBT, DBT, and ACT, as well as the not-as-easily-abbreviated existential-phenomenological approach. His published research covers a broad range of topics, including college student and refugee mental health, sexuality, fantasy, and sleep disturbance. His teaching includes human sexuality, CBT for insomnia, ACT, and a comparative review of theories of clinical psychology. He lives in Middlebury, where he sometimes paints things.
Describe the theoretical framework of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to a colleague or patient, including the fundamentals of Relational Frame Theory.
Explain to a patient how ACT differs from theoretical orientations like CBT, DBT, or psychodynamic orientations, including the focus that ACT places on acceptance and not symptom reduction.
Describe to a colleague or patient the role of values in ACT, and be able to guide a patient through an appropriate values exploration exercise.
Explain to a patient or colleague the role of exposure in ACT treatment, and how the goals of that exposure only partially overlaps with exposure’s use in other theoretical domains.
Thoughtfully discuss their experiences with some of the processes and exercises associated with ACT, and explain the value of ‘doing ACT’ to ourselves.
