Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Mental Health Practice

John Forsyth and Jamie Forsyth are hosting a 5-day intensive training in ACT principles and techniques. Set in a professional retreat-based setting, this training is designed for both folks new to ACT and those with some experience in ACT. The goals of the training include (from the website:

• define three core elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that guide its practice
• identify the ACT model of human suffering in terms of six essential features outlined in the hexaflex model
• link each of the six elements of the ACT model of human suffering with six central treatment targets of ACT in practice
• define and identify “fusion” and “experiential avoidance” and their role in various forms of suffering
• utilize ACT with individuals suffering from a range of mental health concerns
• practice at least 3 basic ACT mindfulness and defusion techniques and describe how they can be useful for their patients and for themselves
• practice clarifying values and barriers to valued action and how this can be useful for their patients and for themselves
• frame and conduct exposure-based strategies in a context of mindful acceptance and valued living using experiential exercises, metaphors, and defusion techniques
• employ mindful acceptance and self-compassion strategies to help clients let go of needless struggle while moving in the direction of their chosen values and life goals
• discriminate ACT consistent and ACT inconsistent moves in clinical practice, and strategies to foster the development of ACT consistent competencies