An Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

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Type:
  Course
Duration:
1 hour
CE credits:
1.0 CEs
Presented by:
DMH + UCLA Prevention Center of Excellence
Featuring:
Elizabeth Ollen, PhD
Relevant categories:
Behavioral Health Community Mental Health Resilience Trauma Informed Interventions
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Overview

This introductory acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) training provides mental health professionals with a practical foundation in third-wave cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Participants will explore ACT’s core focus on building psychological flexibility, learn the six functional processes central to the ACT model, and discover ways to support clients in living a rich and meaningful life instead of simply reducing symptoms. The module covers key distinctions between ACT and traditional CBT, introduces relational frame theory, and provides concrete examples and interactive methods for incorporating ACT principles into diverse clinical settings.

  Keywords: acceptance, cognitive behavioral therapy, emotional wellbeing, evidence-based practices, purpose and meaning
  Public link for sharing: https://learn.wellbeing4la.org/detail?id=401886&k=1765412886  
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Learning objectives

  • Describe ACT's foundational principles, including its placement within the broader context of cognitive behavioral therapies (CBT)
  • Distinguish ACT’s primary goal of fostering psychological flexibility from traditional CBT’s focus on symptom reduction, and articulate the significance of this difference in practice
  • Identify and explain the 6 core processes of ACT (present moment awareness, acceptance, cognitive defusion, self as context, values, and committed action) and their interrelationship
  • Apply ACT-based assessment strategies to conceptualize clients’ presenting problems and avoidance patterns from a psychological flexibility perspective
  • Utilize evidence-based ACT techniques and tools, including recommended readings and experiential exercises, to enhance client outcomes in various settings

Professional credit

  • This activity offers the following types of credit: APA
  • 1.0 CEs are available.
  • Additional details can be found in the activity document for this resource.

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