Travel Information (Airplanes, Trains, ...)

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

Parma, Italy:

ii) High-speed trains operate on the Milan-Bologna route. Parma is 90 km from Bologna (1h by train) and 110 km from Milan (1h15 minutes by train).

iii) The highway A1 (Autostrada del Sole) links Parma to Milan and to Bologna, Florence, and Rome. The highway A15 connects Parma with La Spezia (and other sea resorts on the beautiful Tyrrhenian Sea on Italy west coast like Viareggio and La Spezia and Cinque Terre – Lerici, Porto Venere, Monterosso, etc.). You can also reach in two hours driving the Adriatic sea (east coast) and other touristic resorts like Rimini and Riccione.

Air travel:

Airports: Rome (FCO, CIA), Milan Linate (LIN), Milan Malpensa (MXP) ***, Bergamo (sometimes called Milan Orio al Serio) (BGY), Bologna (BLQ), Forlì (FRL), Parma (PMF), Pisa (PSA)

*** Milan Malpensa airport is the most convenient for then going on to Parma... if you have the option of Milan airports

I would not suggest to fly directly to Parma, from abroad, since it is more expensive.

SkyScanner.net. SkyScanner is excellent for searching all European airlines (even EasyJet, RyanAir, etc.).

Airlines for Travelling from European airports to Italy and in Italy:

Meridiana: http://www.meridiana.it/it/index.aspx

Windjet: http://www.volawindjet.it/

Blu-Express: http://www.blu-express.com/

Easyjet: http://www.easyjet.com/

Ryanair: http://www.ryanair.com/ (has a direct flight to Parma from London - Stansted)

Air Italy: http://www.airitaly.it/

AirOne: http://www.alitalia.com/AP_IT/home/index.aspx

European Low-cost airlines:

Ryanair: http://www.ryanair.com/

AirBerlin: http://www.airberlin.com/

AirLingus: http://www.aerlingus.com

Cimber Sterling: http://www.cimber.com/

Jet2.com: http://www.jet2.com/

Vueling.com: http://www.vueling.com/

Train travel:

Parma is connected to all the Italian cities by train. When landing in Italy it is better to take a train to Parma rather than looking for an internal flight. Less expensive and quicker.

Train tickets, if bought on Trenitalia website (www.trenitalia.com) are really discounted up to 50% till one month before departure.

(From the USA:)

My suggested strategy is to compare  flights from USA to Milan or Rome to flights to other that land in the big European airports: London, Madrid, Frankfurt, Paris and Amsterdam. From there take a low cost flight (they're very cheap if bought in advance). Low cost companies are: Ryanair, EasyJet, Windjet.

ACT Summer Institute - Now within the World Conference

ACT Summer Institute:

Anyone interested in the ACT Summer Institute... that event has been completely absorbed into the annual World Conference. The ACT SI was always an international event anyway, and now you'll get a chance to attend the half day workshops, as well as learn about current research going on in the ACT/RFT community. So you get it all!

About Reno, Nevada

Reno, Nevada: Come for the conference, stay for Nevada.

Been to Reno? If so, then you know why you want to come back. Never been to Reno? Then you're in for a real treat!

Reno is located on the eastern side of the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains. From the casinos to its unprecedented natural surroundings, Reno is a city rich in both tradition and exciting entertainment.

Forty-five minutes from world-famous Lake Tahoe (Emerald Bay at Lake Tahoe pictured right), the Reno-Sparks community is surrounded by natural beauty and limitless recreational opportunities.  The Reno-Sparks-Lake Tahoe region has over 18 world-class ski resorts, many just a short 45 minutes from downtown, and 40-plus golf courses.  World-class fishing, hiking, biking, kayaking, and numerous other outdoor activities abound. The area also boasts 60 gaming locations with excellent entertainment and restaurants, the National Bowling Stadium, the National Automobile Museum, the Nevada Museum of Art and the historic silver boomtown of Virginia City. The Reno Rodeo will also be in town at the time of the conference (and after).

High-peaked mountains surround the region in every direction. The geography ranges from high desert hills to valleys covered with deciduous and evergreen trees. The Truckee River flows casually through the heart of the city, winding its way through an eclectic mixture of stately manors, quaint churches, sleek high rises, city parks, and casinos. Shopping malls and new residential developments canvas the city limits and are nestled against mountains that offer endless outdoor recreation, and cradle the magnificent Lake Tahoe.

Calling itself “The Biggest Little City In The World”, Reno offers an extraordinary mix of history and culture, world-class ski and golf resorts, gaming and entertainment, a mild climate with four distinct seasons, a healthy, diverse economy, and an enduring sense of community spirit.

Reno now has it's very own Triple-A baseball team and a brand new stadium, within walking distance of the conference hotel. The Reno Aces have tickets available from $5-$29 dollars and there is no bad seat in the house!

Call for Posters - Closed

Call for Poster Submissions - Closed

Go to Online Submission Form

Deadline for poster submissions: April 1, 2010
Deadline for workshops, symposia, papers, panels, etc. was Sunday, February 7, 2010.

I am happy to announce that the ACBS Annual World Conference VIII will be in Reno, Nevada, USA, from June 21-24.

Pre-conference 2-day workshops will be held on June 19 & 20. The conference will take place at the campus of the University of Nevada, Reno. Bus service for all participants will be included in the registration cost between the conference hotel and the campus.

The structure of the program will be similar to previously successful ACBS World Conferences, and will be both ACT and RFT focused. We are hoping to reach out broadly at this conference and bring in people from outside ACT/RFT who can bring something new to the conference and broaden the attendance to include more new attendees. We want to give research and RFT a prominent place and we are looking for innovations and new clinical, as well as non-clinical, applications.

We will host a meet & greet evening event on June 20 at the Silver Legacy Hotel for those attending the World Conference. On June 21, after the first day of the conference, we will have a poster session/ barbecue which is intended to showcase clinical and experimental research in RFT and ACT—a great way to see what is happening around the world. Wednesday, June 23, we’ll have our famous 'Follies' night, with funny songs, skits, etc.

At this time, we would like to put out a call for submissions to the ACBS World Conference VIII. We want to open the call broadly and encourage proposals for short workshops (3 hrs. or less), panel discussions, research symposia, research papers (looking for a symposium), consultation sessions, or other types of sessions you think would be an asset to this year’s program. Feel free to contact me (jbluoma@gmail.com) to propose sessions you would like to see, along with those you would like to conduct.

We are eager to hear your ideas and will continue to post information regarding the conference as planning moves along.

For further description of purpose, audience, and style of sessions please read below.

On behalf of the program committee,

Jason Luoma, Ph.D.
ACBS Conference Program Chair

________________________________________________
PURPOSES
The primary purpose of the conference is to advance contextual behavioral science through sharing knowledge, scientific work, ideas, and skills. All over the world people are producing an exciting array of work, varying from fundamental research on basic processes, to clinical and nonclinical application of ACT, RFT, and related scientific approaches. We want the conference to be a place where all of these folks can meet and exchange the richness of their scientific and applied work.

A second purpose is to increase the skill of attendees in implementing ACT. This will be accomplished through a combination of targeted workshops, symposia, poster session, video demonstrations, live demonstrations, role playing, clinically focused case discussions, and experiential work.

A final purpose of the World Conference is to help interested attendees better understand RFT, its significance in understanding human suffering and how RFT principles can be translated into clinical practice, and to help attendees learn and develop methods and strategies for conducting ACT process and outcome studies in applied and academic settings. This will be accomplished through “user friendly” workshops and small group discussions.

AUDIENCE
The target audience for this conference is any practitioner, researcher, or student interested in learning more about the clinical and non-clinical application of ACT/RFT or related clinical approaches or in contributing to contextual behavioral science.

STYLE OF SESSIONS
We want the conference to be very interactive, with participants getting chances to increase their knowledge, enhance their understanding and develop skills, with lots of time for questions, presentations on different levels, chances to do role plays, watch videos, get feedback on difficult clients, and watch tapes of clinical work they have brought with them.

There will also be scientific symposia presented by researchers, with one entire track devoted to RFT research and applications for those with varying levels of familiarity.

Conference Hotel

Silver Legacy Resort Casino

407 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89501

This room block is closed.

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The Silver Legacy has deluxe rooms with terrific views of the Washoe Valley, with either 1 King sized bed, or 2 Queen sized beds. The Silver Legacy offers a free airport shuttle, dining and shopping coupons, a convenient downtown location within walking distance to the University of Nevada, Reno, onsite car rental, onsite Adventure Desk to plan your visit, six in-house restaurants, and much more.

Overflow Hotel

Our overflow room block is at the Eldorado Hotel Casino which is conveniently attached to the Silver Legacy.

This room block is closed.

Additional Hotel Options

If you still need a room, please consider these very close by options.

• The Circus Circus is attached to the Silver Legacy (as well as the Eldorado), so you will not even feel like you are at a different hotel. You can walk from one to the other without going outside.
• My second recommendation would be Harrahs Hotel Reno, it is a good hotel, and is about 2 blocks south of the Silver Legacy.
• My third recommendation would be Siena Hotel, it is a hotel with beautiful rooms. The only reason that it is third on my list is because it is about 5 blocks south of the Silver Legacy.
• To get the best rates at these hotels, I recommend calling or trying their online reservations to check the cost, but you'll likely get a better deal using a travel site. I recommend www.kayak.com or www.orbitz.com or Hotels.com.

Note: All "conference provided" transportation is to the Silver Legacy, however, convenient, free, public buses are available from 7:00am-7:00pm everyday from downtown to campus. Check out the map here.

Conference Venue

Conference Venue:

The conference will be held in the beautiful new Joe Crowley Student Union Building on the campus of the University of Nevada. Evening event locations:

• Sunday, June 20: Silver Legacy, Silver Baron E
• Monday, June 21: Manzanita Bowl, UNR campus
• Tuesday, June 22: Reno Aces Ballpark
• Wednedsay, June 23: Reno Ballroom (next to Silver Legacy)

Continuing Education (CE) Credits

Possible credit hours:

• 2-day pre-conference workshops: 14 hours

• Mindfulness & Meditation pre-conference workshop: 12 hours

• ACBS World Conference VIII (attending all events): 30 hours

Types of Credit Available:

• CE credit is available for psychologists (APA type).

• CE credit is available for LCSW and MFT credits with the State of California.
• CE credit is available for Counselors from NBCC (National Board of Certified Counselors).

• CE credit is available for Social Workers from the National Association of Social Workers (NASW).

The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science maintains responsibility for the program. APA CE rules require that we only issue credits to those who attend the entire workshop. Those arriving more than 15 minutes late or leaving before the entire workshop is completed will not receive CE credits.

ACBS is an approved provider of continuing education for MFCCs and/or LCSWs by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences, provider #PCE 4653.

This program has been approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors. (APPROVAL #SP-1782)

This program is approved by the National Association of Social Workers. (APPROVAL #886546228)

Refunds & Grievance Policies: Participants may direct any questions or complaints to ACBS Executive Director Emily Neilan Rodrigues, 1-269-267-4249 or through the "Contact Us" link on this website.

• CE credit fees are included in the price of registration. No further fee is required.

• CEs are only available for events that qualify as workshops or end of the day plenary sessions. Poster sessions, symposia, and paper presentations do not qualify for Continuing Education.

• (Note: CE credits are only available for professionals. You may not earn CE credits with a student registration.)

Diet / Catering (Special Needs)

The University of Nevada is able to provide Kosher, Gluten Free, and Vegan meals if needed for attendees of the World Conference VIII, and the Pre-Conference workshops, if we are notified well in advance. They make the Gluten Free and Vegan meals in-house and purchase the Kosher meals from outside.

If you require one of these special order meals or have further dietary restrictions we will do everything possible to accommodate your request. If the university is unable to provide you with your required menu (due to kitchen limitations), please talk to us about other arrangements we can make with you.

• All requests for special meals must be made in writing to acbs@contextualpsychology.org by June 1, 2010, due to catering deadlines.

Please email ACBS at the email address above with your meal requirements (for anything other than vegetarian or non-vegetarian) after you have registered for the World Conference or for a Pre-Conference workshop. If your dietary requirements are different from "Kosher, Gluten Free, or Vegan", please email us (Emily Rodrigues) at acbs@contextualpsychology.org before registering so that we can discuss your needs.

We apologize that we are unable to accommodate special meal requests made after June 1, 2010.

Guest Registration (Spouses/Children/etc.) for June 21 BBQ

This event, 6:00pm - 11:00pm (pending confirmation we can be there that late), June 21, 2010, in the Manzanita Bowl (corner of N. Virginia St. & 9th St., approx. 4 blocks from the Silver Legacy Hotel) on the campus of the University of Nevada Reno, will be a good time for all!

(If you are registered to attend the World Conference 8, this event is included.  The prices below only apply to your guests.)

Spouses/Children are invited to attend, but because there is a real cost for each participant, we must collect payment for your guest(s).

Prices:

• Children ages 6 & under, free! (no need to register)
• Children ages 7-18, $15
• Adults, $20
• Note: If you do not register via the instructions below by June 3, 2010, ADD $10 to each registration. (so, $25, $30 respectively)

To Register your Guest...

1. Email Emily at acbs@contextualpsychology.org by May 28, tell her your guest's name, adult or child, vegetarian or non-vegetarian.

2. On June 20 or June 21 at the registration desk, please give Emily the registration fee (Cash Only, exact change), and she'll give you the badge(s) for your guest(s). Alternatively you may give your phone number in the email you send to Emily and she will call you to get your credit card information, and take your payment that way.

What will be at the BBQ?
(food will be served at 6:30pm)
For Meat Eaters:
Championship Award Winning Pulled Pork & Shredded Chicken Sandwiches, BBQ Smoked Meatballs,
Gordon's Famous Meaty Beans, Green Salad with Dressing, Whole Kernel Corn, Garlic Bread, Soda or Bottled Water

For Vegetarians:
Portabella Mushroom Sandwiches, Vegetarian 4 Cheese Lasagna, Vegetarian Beans, Green Salad with Dressing, Whole Kernel Corn, Garlic Bread, Soda or Bottled Water

Dessert:
Your choice of 4 flavors of ice cream from Tahoe Creamery

Bar:
A reasonably priced Cash bar will be available onsite.

Entertainment:
Contract with band pending

Invited Speakers: Additional Information

Invited Plenary Address: The Art and Science of Thought Suppression by Daniel Wegner

Abstract:
So how can we suppress an unwanted thought? This talk looks into why thought suppression is difficult—and what can make it easy. Suppression can be difficult because the mental mechanisms involved include a search for the very thing we don’t want to think—and this ironically increases our sensitivity to the thought and promotes its return. Suppression can be easier, however, when we sidestep such ironic monitoring. Successful indirect strategies can be found in relaxation and body awareness, self-disclosure and social relationships, and practice in avoiding direct suppression. Scientific studies of thought suppression can inform the art of thought suppression in everyday life.

About:
For decades, Harvard Professor Daniel M. Wegner has been a fellow traveler of the ACT/RFT community. His work on the paradoxical effect of mental control has supported our research and clinical insights, enriching our pool of knowledge on this specific topic with an independent and rich perspective. Daniel M. Wegner’s work is not only supportive to ACT/RFT; in his book The illusion of conscious will (Wegner, 2002), he questions the common sense idea that conscious will is the cause of action, a position that pretty much aligns with our behavioral tradition. Plus, if you haven’t been in one of Dr. Wegner talks, this is an opportunity you won’t regret. He expertly combines scientific rigor with the investigation of highly relevant topics in a very amenable and refreshing fashion.

Invited Address: Emotion Regulation and ACT by James Gross

Abstract:
One cannonical distinction in the field of emotion research is the distinction between emotion generation and emotion regulation. This distinction fits comfortably with folk theories which view emotions as passions which arise unbidden and then must be controlled by reason. For example, a child may get angry when a sibling gets a treat but she does not (emotion generation). The child then may need help calming down after the upset (emotion regulation). But is it really possible to distinguish between the processes (and brain regions) implicated in emotion generation versus emotion regulation? In the first part of this talk, I will make the case that such a distinction is (often) both possible and useful. In the second part of this talk, I will then spell out how emotion regulation research makes contact with ACT.

About:
James Gross is a pioneer in the field of emotion research. He earned a degree in philosophy from Yale and a doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. He is currently director of the Stanford Psychophysiology Laboratory. His work has foci in emotion regulation strategies, the neural correlates of mindfulness and cognitive behavior therapy interventions, and mindfulness training with children and families. Gross’s work is an exemplar of experimental laboratory research that has direct relevance to clinical work and everyday life.

Invited Plenary Address: Improving CBT:  Problems and Prospects by G. Terrance Wilson, James Herbert and Kelly Wilson

Partial Abstract (G.T. Wilson):
Obstacles to improvement can be grouped into misconceptions about “evidence-based treatment ” and the applicability of research findings to clinical practice on the one hand, and gaps in our current knowledge about treatments, mechanisms of change, and reliable means of training competent practitioners. I criticize the APA notion of evidence-based practice, summarizing the well-documented limitations of subjective clinical judgment and emphasizing the need for high quality treatment guidelines (e.g., NICE). Treatment research priorities include identifying predictors, moderators, and mechanisms of change. Other needs are the development of practical and valid measures of treatment integrity, and innovative research on dissemination and implementation of effective treatments. Ways in which transdiagnostic models and therapy manuals enhance individualization of treatment and address comorbidity are noted.

About G. Terrance Wilson:
Dr. Wilson is currently Professor and Oscar Krisen Buros Professor of Clinical Psychology at Rutgers University. A former President of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (1980-81), and twice a Fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences at Stanford, California (1976-77; 1990-1991), Terence Wilson is a distinguished guest at this year’s ACBS conference. Dr. Wilson has been a faculty member at Rutgers University since 1971. Currently, he is the Coordinator of the Rutgers Clinical Psychology Program, and is the Director of the Rutgers Eating Disorders Clinic. His research has focused on the application of social learning theory to the analysis and treatment of clinical problems. In particular, he has made significant contributions to our understanding of the psychological mechanisms of change in treatments for eating disorders. He continues to seek more effective theory-driven interventions for treatment-resistant patients.

Invited Address: Evolving Psychologically Flexible Cultures by Anthony Biglan

Abstract:
If the findings on the value of psychological flexibility are correct, then promoting psychological flexibility in our societies would be very valuable. This presentation will present a set of challenges for the ACT/RFT community—the research and practice that seem needed if we are going to translate existing knowledge into widespread changes in people’s psychological flexibility. Does caring naturally emerge when people become skilled at defusion? Can we find ways to teach psychological flexibility at an early age? Can such flexibility be promoted through the media? Are there public policies that would foster flexibility? Is it possible to promote a pragmatic approach to public discussions as an alternative to the type of vitriolic political culture that has characterized recent American history? What is the relationship between materialism and psychological flexibility?

About:
Dr. Anthony Biglan has worked for decades toward transforming behavioral scientific knowledge into widespread improvements in human wellbeing. He authored Changing Cultural Practices: A Contextualist Framework for Intervention Research, published by Context Press, and has devoted himself to this approach to cultural change, producing over 100 publications. Dr. Biglan has been a part of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science since its inception, contributing to empirical work, and attending or facilitating numerous Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) workshops both nationally and internationally.

Dr. Biglan is Senior Scientist at Oregon Research Institute and has directed the Center on Early Adolescence and Center for Community Interventions on Childrearing. He has been a researcher for more over 30 years on the prevention of adolescent problem behaviors, conducting numerous experimental evaluations of interventions to prevent tobacco, other drug use, high-risk sexual behavior, reading failure, and aggressive social behavior. He was a Fellow at the Center for Advanced Study in the Behavioral Sciences and worked with colleagues there to publish a summary of complex factors involved in preventing and treating multiple problems in youth.

In addition, Dr. Biglan has been the Principal Investigator of the Teacher Wellbeing Project and Co-Principal Investigator of the Promises Network Research Consortium. He has served as a Participant on the Behavior Change Expert Panel of the Office of White House National Drug Control Policy and as a grant reviewer for the National Institute of Drug Abuse Epidemiology and Prevention Review Committee. He is Past President of the Society for Prevention Research for which he was a board member for many years and co-authored Community-monitoring systems: Tracking and improving the well-being of America’s children and adolescents, a monograph published by that society (Mrazek, Biglan, & Hawkins, 2004).

Invited Workshop: Introduction to Longitudinal Data Analysis by Robert Gallop

Abstract:
Longitudinal data acquisition has always been a component of psychotherapy research, but the reporting of results through longitudinal data analysis (LDA) has been advanced substantially during the past 20 years. Previously, longitudinal data would be summarized into one measure through methods such as last observation carried forward (LOCF). Then analyses would incorporate cross-sectional methods such as analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) for reporting study results. The fundamental difference with LDA methods is that they recognize that the repeated observations within subjects are correlated. This correlation has a profound impact on the resulting tests of significance. When this within subject correlation is properly incorporated, the LDA takes full advantage of all information obtained from each subject, thereby greatly increasing statistical power over methods that compare treatments cross-sectionally. At least two general approaches are available in a number of software packages for analyzing longitudinal data:

• Multilevel models adjusting for the hierarchy of clusters with nested random effects

• General Mixed Model Analysis of Variance.

The workshop will be data driven with examples from various psychotherapy studies.

Recommend Reading: Hedeker, D. & Gibbons, R.D. (2006). Longitudinal Data Analysis. New York, NY: Wiley.

About:
Robert Gallop, Ph.D. is Associate Professor of Statistics at West Chester University, West Chester, PA. Dr. Gallop has expertise in longitudinal data analysis using multi-level modeling in psychotherapy outcome trials, has additional interests in psychometrics and mediational analysis, and has provided consultant support as a statistician for NIMH-funded grant projects for nearly a decade. He has co-authored over 40 publications including outcome studies for treatment for addictions, depression, and borderline personality disorder, prevention of relapse, prevention of symptom development, and the importance and role of therapist adherence, competence, and therapeutic alliance. Additionally, he has produced numerous papers on the proper statistical procedures for power analyses and effect size calculations in therapeutic outcome studies and suggestions for the proper procedures in multilevel modeling in psychotherapy research. Gallop's expertise also includes simple explanations and recommendations for common but sometimes complex statistical concepts and analyses.

Invited Pre-Conference Workshop: Functional Analytic Psychotherapy by Robert Kohlenberg & Mavis Tsai

Abstract:
Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) is a third-wave behavioral treatment in which the therapist enters mindfully into the therapeutic relationship and responds genuinely in the moment to shape up more workable client repertoires. The developers of FAP and the authors of its first treatment manual, Mavis Tsai, Ph.D. and Robert Kohlenberg, Ph.D., will be offering a two-day pre-conference workshop entitled Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP): New Frontiers in Awareness, Courage, Love, and Behaviorism on June 19 & 20. The workshop will demonstrate how sound behavioral principles can be brought to bear in bringing about curative change through meaningful, intense, and intimate therapeutic interactions.

About:
Mavis Tsai, Ph.D., is a psychologist in independent practice and a clinical instructor at the University of Washington where she is involved in supervision and research. Her interests include PTSD, disorders of the self, power issues in marital therapy, incorporating Eastern wisdom into psychotherapy, racism and minority groups, and women’s empowerment. She has led numerous workshops nationally and internationally and is known for her engaging interpersonal style as well as her behaviorally informed multi-modal approach to healing and growth that integrates mind, body, emotions, and spirit.

Robert Kohlenberg, Ph.D., ABPP, is a professor of psychology at the University of Washington. He has presented “Master Clinician” and “World Round” sessions at the Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy and has presented FAP workshops both in the US and internationally. He has received research grants for FAP treatment development, and his current interests are identifying the elements of effective psychotherapy, the integration of psychotherapies, and the treatment of co-morbidity.

Invited Lecture: Translating Processes in Contextual Behavioral Science into the Creation of More Nurturing Cultures by Anthony Biglan

The ultimate goal of contextual behavioral science could be to increase the prevalence of wellbeing in entire populations. Choosing this goal would ensure that our scientific work contributes, not just to the alleviation of individuals’ psychological and behavioral problems, but to the creation of nurturing environments in which fewer people have problems and many more become caring and productive members of their communities. Such an outcome is a realistic prospect thanks to the substantial progress that has been made in contextually oriented behavioral sciences. The progress includes the development of a wide array of effective preventive interventions, which were identified in the recent report of the Institute of Medicine. These family and school-based interventions have been shown to reduce the incidence of antisocial behavior, anxiety and depression, substance use, risky sexual behavior, child abuse, marital conflict, and stress-related problems. At the same time, research on Relational Frame Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has pinpointed basic verbal processes that subserve all of these problems and clinical research on ACT shows that modifying these processes can ameliorate a wide variety of psychological and behavioral problems.

This presentation will review the evidence supporting the above assertions and provide a synthesis of the two lines of work that can form the basis for creating nurturing cultures that not only reduce the burden of psychological, behavioral, and health problems, but significantly increase the proportion of people who are able to live productive lives in caring relationships with others.

Analysis of the generic features of effective preventive interventions indicates that they make family, school, neighborhood, and workplace environments more nurturing. Nurturing environments have four features: (a) they minimize biologically and socially toxic events; (b) they model and reinforce prosocial behavior; (c) they limit antisocial behavior; and (d) they promote psychological flexibility. In this talk, I will focus on how the promotion of psychological flexibility could function as the foundation for achieving the other features of nurturing environments. And I will delineate lines of research that could contribute to the goal of increasing the prevalence of wellbeing.
Psychological flexibility appears to enhance people’s caring toward others, although research on this issue remains limited. It appears that ACT interventions help people become more willing to have feelings, which, if avoided, would interfere with caring relationships. They also encourage people to make their values explicit and those values typically include closer relationships with others. (Further research is needed on whether values involving better relationships with others naturally emerge; this possibility is suggested by evolutionary analyses of the value to human groups of having positive social relationships.) Finally, ACT facilitates people acting in the service of their values, which is aided by defusion from difficult thoughts and feelings that arise when others are aversive.
Increasing individuals’ psychological flexibility has the potential to increase the proportion of the population that is caring toward others. It might also encourage others to become more psychologically flexible, as the tendency to “hold our thoughts and feelings lightly” is spread from person to person.

As the proportion of people who are psychologically flexible spreads, the tendency of social environments to be aversive should diminish and the modeling and reinforcement of prosocial behavior should increase.
However, it is unlikely that this will happen solely through clinical interventions. If our ultimate goal is to affect the prevalence of psychological flexibility in society, why not open up other lines of research and practice that could contribute to this goal? This presentation will conclude with a framework for research and practice that should contribute to the spread of environments that nurture prosociality and thereby human wellbeing. The framework includes: (a) further research and effective communication of epidemiological evidence that promotes the establishment of environments that promote prosociality; (b) experimental evaluations of comprehensive interventions to promote prosociality; (c) evaluations of ACT interventions to promote social cohesion, trust, and prosociality in organizations and comity and pragmatism in public discussion; (d) the development of a surveillance system to track progress in evolving nurturing environments.

Invited Lecture: For the Benefit of My Patients, A Family Physician's Journey into ACT by Debra Gould

This lecture will focus on the application of ACT in the primary care setting. The presenter will describe her experience of learning how to integrate ACT into her practice as a family physician and as a teacher in a family medicine residency program. Based on both personal experience growing up in a rural, underserved community and her professional experience, she will discuss the rationale of providing ACT via an integrated behavioral health service model and/or through training family physicians and other primary care providers in ACT technology. She will also present the practical and potential challenges associated with these activities and advocate for ACT research in primary care settings.

Invited Lecture: Balancing Clinical Innovation with the Imperative to Utilize Best Available Practices by James Herbert

Clinicians have an obligation to use the best available practices in their work. For scientifically minded clinicians (including those grounded in contextual behavioral science), this means state-of-the-art technologies that are supported by the best available research. At the same time, there is a pressing and ongoing need for clinical innovation, as existing technologies are (and forever will be) far from perfect. The tension between the imperative to use current best practices and the need to innovate plays itself out in multiple domains, from front-line clinical work to clinical research. Various solutions to this problem have been offered, but the field has yet to achieve consensus. This talk will explore this issue, proposed solutions, and future directions.

Invited Lecture: Multi Professional Pain Rehabilitation Based on ACT Principles by Per-Olof Olsson, Lena Thermaenius-Spångmark, Åsa Storkamp, Anna-Maria Weingarten, Karin Granholm, Linnea Karlsson, & Joanne Dahl

The aim of this paper is to show how ACT principles can be used by a multidisciplinary team consisting of a psychologist, occupational therapist, physical therapy and social worker in pain rehabilitation. The session will illustrate how the ACT core processes are used in the conceptualization and treatment of the client with chronic pain from the particular perspective of each of the team members. Preliminary results from the application of this model for groups of clients with chronic pain will be presented.

Invited Lecture: Using the Hexaflex Model to Develop Depth in a Dynamic ACT Conceptualization by Brent Ryder, Melissa Rowland & Daniel J Moran

When the Hexaflex Model for conceptualization from ACT in Practice is employed on a regular basis, it can be used to incorporate client data from sessions, and then coupled with relevant therapeutic ACT interventions to yield a path for further clinical progress. Clinical improvement can become apparent in more relevant detail by applying this process. Whether an aspiring therapist, or an experienced ACT clinician, the Dynamic ACT Conceptualization should prove valuable.

Invited Lecture: Training and Assessment of Relational Precursors and Abilities (TARPA): Preliminary Findings and Future Directions by Ian Stewart

The Training & Assessment of Relational Precursors & Abilities (TARPA) is a recently developed computer-based protocol for the assessment of a progression of key domains of responding critical to the development of generative language. The TARPA is comprised of ten stages as follows: (i) basic discrimination; (ii) conditional discrimination involving similarity; (iii) conditional discrimination involving non-similarity (2 comparisons); (iv) conditional discriminations involving non-similarity (3 comparisons); (v) mutually entailed relational responding; (vi) mutually entailed relational responding (3 comparisons); (vii) combinatorial entailed relational responding (2 comparisons); (viii) transfer of function [responding to a stimulus in a new and appropriate way based on it’s participation in a derived sameness relation] (2 comparisons); (ix) combinatorial entailed relational responding (3 comparisons); (x) transfer of function (3 comparisons). Each stage is further subdivided into multiple levels, and in the stages assessing derived relations (i.e., Stages 5-10), levels are subdivided into training sections and derivation sections.

A preliminary version of the TARPA has been correlated with the Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale (VABS; Sparrow, Cicchetti & Balla, 2005). Currently ongoing research is using the most up-to-date version to assess the emergence of relational responding with typically developing children and children with autism in order to correlate performance on this protocol with level of functioning as assessed using standardized measures of language and cognition (e.g., PLS-4; Zimmerman, Steiner & Pond, 2002) as well as to gain some insight into the hierarchical structuring and other features of the protocol to aid its further development and refinement.

Invited Lecture: Pillars and Posts and Arches, Oh Boy!: What's Up With This Response Style Business Anyway? by Kirk Strosahl

One of the more recent developments in ACT has been the attempt to streamline the clinical model so that it is more efficient as a case formulation method and is more accessible to non-mental health trained helping professions. A potentially useful way to do this is to move from reliance on six core processes to three basic response styles. This talk will examine progress that is being made on this front. I will define what we mean by a "response style" and then individually examine each one in terms of its clinical significance. Various attempts have been made to incorporate this idea into ACT case formulation and treatment planning models (i.e., pillars & posts, psy-flex arches, three legged stool) and I will briefly review these developments. The movement to a response style model also has significant implications for ACT/RFT research, for example, does the research support the parsimony of moving to three response styles over six core processes?

Invited Discussion: The Client's Perspective on a Preliminary Brief Group Intervention for Chronically Depressed Treatment Resistant People by Jacopo Pisaturo & Mark Webster

This session will be looking at video feedback from clients who attended a preliminary brief group intervention based on the Grid/Matrix. They will be sharing their experience of the group looking at what was helpful and also not so helpful. The intervention was delivered in three 'pulses' and the rationale for this format will be presented along with the format itself. The data collected includes AAQ-II and BDI2, and it will be considered in the context of the clients' perspectives, including further narrative data.

Invited Discussion: Many Hands: Raising the Single-Case Design Collaboration! by Kelly Koerner

What if we pooled efforts to carry out single-case design research? Where should we focus? What would we need? What would you like to see happen? What do you have energy for? Come help raise the barn: many hands will make it easy to start-up a collaborative practice-research network! We will be brainstorming together on a wall at the conference, come jot and chat with us and we'll see just how powerful a self-organizing passionate group can be!

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles (All Transportation)

Getting to Reno:

By Air:

The following airlines service the Reno-Tahoe International Airport (airport code: RNO): Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Horizon Airlines, Northwest Airlines, Southwest Airlines, United, U.S. Airways.

You probably have your own method to search for flights, but, in the USA/ Canada, I love Kayak, it has a funny name but is a great tool for finding good fares, and good schedules.  The only domestic US airline that it does not include is Southwest Airlines. You'll have to create a free login, but it's worth it.

For Europe-USA flights, I recommend trying Kayak or SkyScanner. (Please note, if you're thinking of doing some other traveling within the US while here for the conference, please check Southwest Airlines, they only fly domestically, but I'd say they're like a deluxe version of EasyJet (not quite as cheap though), and as of January, 2010, you can still check 2 bags onto the plane for free.)

By Train:

The Amtrak train provides service to Reno via the California Zephyr line. This line goes from Chicago all the way to Emeryville, CA (Bay Area) with service to Reno. The train station is approximately 2 blocks from the Silver Legacy conference hotel.

By Car:

Reno, Nevada is approximately this far (by car) from:

Lake Tahoe (Incline Village) - 49 minutes / 37.48 miles

San Francisco - 3 hours 42 minutes / 217.85 miles

Las Vegas - 7 hours 11 minutes / 448.48 miles

Portland, Oregon - 9 hours 14 minutes / 547.10 miles

While in Reno:

Airport - Hotel Shuttle:

The Silver Legacy Hotel shuttle departs from the hotel at the top of the hour from 5 am to 11 pm and departs from the airport on the bottom of the hour from 5:30 am to 11:30 pm. Upon your arrival at the Reno-Tahoe International Airport, proceed to the baggage claim area and follow the signage directing you to the general airport shuttle area to board the Silver Legacy shuttle. (The airport is 4.12 miles (about 12 minutes) from the Silver Legacy Hotel. If you instead chose to take a taxi, it would cost $10-$15 one-way.)

Parking:

Parking at the Silver Legacy Hotel is convenient and free in their 11-story self-parking garage; complimentary valet service is also available. In addition, Silver Legacy's valet can accommodate oversized vehicles such as RV’s and boats at an off property location.

You can park at the UNR campus on the top level of the Brian J Whalen Garage (building #083 on this map or this map) for $5 for all day. Other visitor Parking at the University of Nevada, is available for 2 hours at a time at paid metered parking on campus ($1.50 per hour). You can park at any meter on campus for free on Saturday and Sunday.

Directions for campus parking

Please plan to use our conference shuttle service, or the city's free Sierra Spirit shuttle.

City Shuttle - Sierra Spirit:

Sierra Spirit Route Map
This is a free public bus that you can ride, every 10 minutes, between the University and downtown (where the Silver Legacy Hotel is) between 7:00am and 7:00pm every day.

Conference Shuttle:

The conference hotel and conference venue are about 1.5 miles apart, therefore we are offering a free shuttle between the hotel (Silver Legacy Valet area) and the University before and after conference & 2-day workshop events.

Busing will begin at 7:45am each morning, and will finish at approximately 9:15/9:30am.  We will have multiple coaches and shuttles looping in the morning. If you do your math, you'll see that if you catch the shuttle bus after 8:45am, you'll be late!  This also means that if everyone attending the conference tries to catch the bus at the exact same time, you all won't make it.  Please consider this when planning for the shuttle.  As early as 8:00am we'll have coffee & tea up at the university for you and you'll have access to the conference bookstore if you'd like to take that time to peruse the books (the bookstore will be closed in the morning on Saturday & Monday).

We will have shuttles in the evening to take you back to the hotel after events at the JCSU.

Reno City Buses:

City bus information is available on the RTC website.

Car Rental:

You can rent with Hertz at the Silver Legacy. All other car rentals can be obtained at the airport.

Traveling to San Francisco:

A number of people have already told me that they are planning to go to San Francisco after the conference.  San Francisco is a terrific city and I highly recommend it.  You can take the Amtrak train, or I would recommend taking Southwest Airlines into Oakland, or another airline into the San Francisco Airport.  From the Oakland Airport you can get a shuttle to the BART (San Francisco's public transportation train system).  If you fly into the San Francisco Airport, you can directly access the BART, but it's just a few minutes farther away than Oakland. You can drive to San Francisco, but be prepared to pay $20-$30 per day for parking. When I go there, I try to stay in the "Union Square" area.  It's a nice area and fairly central, although there are other great areas to stay in.  Try http://www.hotels.com or Kayak for hotels and neighborhoods.

(If you live in the area, or have visited recently and have other suggestions, please click "Add new comment" at the bottom of this page, and I'll incorporate your info here.)

Pre-Conference Workshops (June 19 & 20, 2010)

REGISTRATION HAS CLOSED for these events.

These 2-day workshops will be held the 2-days immediately preceding the ACBS World Conference VIII, at the same venue. (The Meditation workshop is the exception to this.) They will be 9:00-5:00pm on Saturday and Sunday, June 19 & 20, 2010.

*These workshops run concurrently, therefore you may only attend one of the workshops below, and they require their own registration and fee (they are not a part of the ACBS World Conference).

Pre-Conference 2-day Workshops Registration (June 19-20, 2010):

Note: Onsite registration is not available for the pre-conference workshops

• Students: $170
• Professionals: $305

 Above prices include 2 lunches, coffee/tea on site, as well as transportation to/from the hotel. 

FAP Workshop (June 19-20, 2010) - This workshop has closed.

• Students: $195
• Professionals: $325

 Above prices include 2 lunches, coffee/tea on site, as well as transportation to/from the hotel. 

Mindfulness & Meditation ACT Workshop (on Lake Tahoe, evening June 18- June 20, 2010)

• Students: $200
• Professionals: $365

 Above prices include shared dorm sleeping, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners. 

• Disarming Anxious Suffering Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A 2-Day Professional Workshop (introductory/ intermediate): John Forsyth, Ph.D. (CLOSED)
• Introductory ACT Workshop (introductory/ intermediate): Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D. (CLOSED)
• ACT with Children & Families (introductory - advanced): Lisa Coyne, Ph.D. (CLOSED)
• An Experiential Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (not just for beginners) (introductory - advanced): Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D. (CLOSED)
• Introduction to Relational Frame Theory (RFT) for Clinicians (intermediate): Niklas Törneke, M.D., & John T. Blackledge, Ph.D. (CLOSED)
• ACT: Advanced Training in Core Skills and Flexible Use of the Model (intermediate/ advanced): Robyn Walser, Ph.D. (CLOSED)
• Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP): New Frontiers in Awareness, Courage, Love, and Behaviorism (introductory/ intermediate): Mavis Tsai, Ph.D., & Robert Kohlenberg, Ph.D. (CLOSED)
• Mindfulness & Meditation ACT Workshop Retreat (intermediate): JoAnne Dahl, Ph.D., Lindsay Fletcher, M.A., Fredrik Livheim (CLOSED)

Program, June 21-24

Below is a working list of the sessions that will be presented at the WC8. A complete program will go online as soon as it is complete.

View/download the final World Conference 8 Program (PDF file, 2.86MB)

 

Workshops

Symposia

Invited Events

Panel Discussions

Workshops

 

• Stress Less, Live More: How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Can Help You Lead a Busy yet Balanced life --- RICHARD BLONNA, EdD
• Matrix Workgroups for Adolescents --- SAM FARLEY, MSW, KEVIN POLK, Ph.D.
• Eating Dialog – An academic program for physician and dietitian using ACT to make the shift from the diet paradigm focuses on weight to the HAES paradigm focuses on well being. --- AYELET KALTER, MSc. RD
• An Engaging Partnership: Integration of ACT and the Motivational Interviewing Model --- KRISTIN L. DEMPSEY, MFT, Member, Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), Ali Hall, JD, MINT
• ACT with Depression --- ROB ZETTLE, Ph.D.
• ACT With Challenging Patients --- KIRK STROSAHL, Ph.D.
• ACT as a Brief Intervention --- KIRK STROSAHL, Ph.D.
• RFT Basis of ACT and Third Wave CBT --- LOUISE MCHUGH, Ph.D., IAN STEWART, Ph.D. , NIC HOOPER, EMILY SANDOZ, MS
• ACT-consistent relaxation techniques: “Body- and Mindfulness” in practice. --- GRACIELA ROVNER, MSc Physical Therapist, Pain Specialist
• Ongoing Defusion and Deliteralization of Language in ACT --- ZAMIR KORN, Ph.D.
• Enhancing ACT-Based Contextual Behavioral Supervision --- SONJA V. BATTEN, Ph.D., ROBYN D. WALSER, Ph.D.
• Improving clinicians' empathy skills with ACT --- MATTHIEU VILLATTE, PH.D, JEAN-LOUIS MONESTES, ROGER VILARDAGA
• Linking RFT to the Hexaflex: How basic principles apply to clinical issues and ACT techniques. --- MATTHIEU VILLATTE, Ph.D , JEAN-LOUIS MONESTES
• The Matrix and the Art of Improvisation: Making snap decisions in psychotherapy that work --- KEVIN POLK, Ph.D., & JEROLD HAMBRIGHT, Ph.D.
• Supporting self-help ACT with e-mail counseling --- KARLEIN SCHREURS, Ph.D., MARTINE FLEDDERUS, MSC
• Sticky Thoughts & Other Unwanted Experiences --- MARTIN J BROCK, MSc, ROBYN D WALSER, Ph.D
• Yoga and Mindfulness: Flexibility and strength for body and mind --- GRACIELA ROVNER, MSc Physical Therapist, Pain Specialist
• ACT-Based Family Intervention for Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa --- RHONDA M. MERWIN, Ph.D., ALIX C. TIMKO, Ph.D., NANCY L. ZUCKER, Ph.D., Lindsay Martin, BS, Ashley A. Moskovich, BA
• ACT for Spiritual Development --- HANK ROBB, Ph.D., ABPP
• Doing ACT While Still Recalling Your A-B-C’s --- HANK ROBB, Ph.D., ABPP
• Using Acceptance and Commitment Group Training in Vocational Rehabilitation Programs with Special Needs Veterans. --- JOHN P. BILLIG, Ph.D., JOHN MERLADET, Ph.D., DIANE ACORD, MA, CRC, CBIS
• How to integrate ACT into your existing treatments for OCD --- MICHAEL P. TWOHIG, Ph.D., JEFF SZYMANSKI, Ph.D.
• ACT in Real Time: A workshop to ACTively Refine your ACT skills --- MARY SAWYER, ROBYN WALSER
• Standing Your Ground: Why Philosophy Matters for Clinicians --- JOANNE STEINWACHS, LCSW, ARNICA BUCKNER, Ph.D., MATT HEERMAN, M.A.
• Values and Willingness: New Strategies to Enhance Willingness in ACT Values Work --- MATTHEW MCKAY, Ph.D.
• ACT Group Treatment for Health Anxiety --- LISBETH FROSTHOLM, Ph.D., TRINE EILENBERG, M.SC.
• Social Communication and Relational Frame Theory --- LOUISE MCHUGH, MATTHIEU VILLATTE, ROGER VILARDAGA, M.A.
• ACT according to RFT. Transformation of functions involved in values clarification and defusion. --- CARMEN LUCIANO, Ph.D., FRANCISCO J. RUIZ, MARISA PÁEZ-BLARRINA
• ACT Training: What is carried forward, what might be left behind, and does it matter? --- DARRAH WESTRUP, Ph.D.
• Creating Real Behavior Change in Primary Care: Providing ACT for the Masses --- PATRICIA ROBINSON, Ph.D., DEBRA A. GOULD, MD, MPH
• Using ACT to Enhance Mindfulness and Engagement in Primary Care Practice --- PATRICIA ROBINSON, Ph.D., DEBRA A. GOULD, MD, MPH, KIRK D. STROSAHL, Ph.D.
• ACT Treatment for Depression in Groups --- KIRK STROSAHL, Ph.D., PATRICIA ROBINSON, Ph.D.
• The shaping game – using DBT, FAP & ACT for clients with chronic distress --- SANDRA GEORGESCU, PSY.D., Paul Holmes, Psy.D.
• Experiential Metaphor: The life line --- JOANNE DAHL, Ph.D.
• An Experiential Journey Through the Matrix --- KEVIN POLK, Ph.D., MARK WEBSTER, BENJAMIN SCHOENDORFF
• Transformation in Psychotherapy --- BEATE EBERT
• ACT Noodles in the Soup of Dharma --- JAMES SACAMANO, MD, FRCPC
• Using Appreciation in ACT --- KELLY WILSON, PH.D, MAUREEN FLYNN, M.A., NADIA LUCAS, B.A.
• Doing ACT research: An interactive primer for beginners --- JASON LILLIS, Ph.D.
• Single Case Designs for Clinicians- Bridging the gap between research and practice --- JENNIFER BOULANGER, M.A., MERRY SYLVESTER, M.A.
• Enhancing Values Work in Psychotherapy: Practical Tools and Exercises --- JOANNE DAHL, Ph.D., JENNIFER PLUMB, M.A.
• Using the Matrix and FAP tools to conceptualize and strengthen the therapeutic relationship in ACT --- BENJAMIN SCHOENDORFF
• How do we ACT in teams? --- PETER HEUTS, MD, Ph.D., KARLIN SCHREURS, Ph.D.
• ACT in the Treatment of Psychosis --- PATRICIA BACH, Ph.D.
• ACT for Anxious Children, Adolescents, and Families --- LISA COYNE, PH.D, ELIZABETH DAVIS, M.A.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Body Image Dissatisfaction: A 3 Hour Clinician's Workshop --- ADRIA PEARSON, Ph.D.
• RFT and the Self: Theory, Research and Applications --- JENNIFER BOULANGER, M.S., IAN STEWART, Ph.D.
• Things Might Go Terribly, Horribly Wrong --- KELLY WILSON, PH.D, REGAN M. SLATER
• The Wisdom to Know the Difference --- TAMI JEFFCOAT, MIKAELA HILDEBRANDT, JAMES YADAVAIA
• ACT on Happiness?? --- KATHRYN JARDINE, Ph.D.
• The Basic Behavior Analytic Principles of Psychotherapy --- WILLIAM FOLLETTE, Ph.D., GLENN CALLAGHAN, Ph.D., SABRINA DARROW, M.A., JORDAN BONOW, M.A.
• ACT in Practice: Case Conceptualization in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy --- PATRICIA BACH, Ph.D., DANIEL J. MORAN, Ph.D., BCBA-D
• ACT for Safety --- DANIEL J. MORAN, Ph.D., BCBA-D
• Finding Hope Inside Creative Hopelessness --- JENNIFER BOULANGER, M.A.
• ACT for Conceptualization, Assessment, and Treatment of Disordered Eating --- EMILY SANDOZ, M.S., KATIA MANDUCHI, NANNI PRESTI, M.D.
• ACT on Living and Dying: End-of-life, meaning, and mechanisms of longevity --- JENNIFER GREGG, Ph.D.
• ACT for young adults (16-28 year olds) – ACT used in group format as prevention or an early intervention aimed towards psychological ill-health and stress --- FREDRIK LIVHEIM, clinical psychologist
• ACT with Young People: Exploring Ways to Create Experiential Exercises --- DR. LOUISE HAYES
• ACT-Enhanced Behavioral Parent Training --- CLINT FIELD, Ph.D., ANDREW ARMSTRONG, M.S., JESSICA MALMBERG, M.S.
• ACT for Addiction --- KELLY WILSON, PH.D

Symposia: Symposium title in italics with papers following

• Further Developments in Measuring Cognitive Fusion --- HELEN BOLDERSTON, DAVID GILLANDERS, Lindsey Campbell, Sian Kerr
• Clinical validation of the Cognitive Fusion Questionnaire --- HELEN BOLDERSTON, Sue Clarke
• Further developments of the CFQ in community samples --- DAVID GILLANDERS, Lindsey Campbell, Louise Tansey
• Cognitive Fusion, Beliefs about Thinking and Rumination in Depression --- DAVID GILLANDERS, Sian Kerr
• ACT with Students and Educators: A Review of Successes and Challenges --- ANTHONY BIGLAN, ROSA M. VIZCAINO, NADIA LUCAS, TAKASHI MUTO , MICHELLE WOIDNECK, M.A.
• Evaluation of an Acceptance and Mindfulness Training for Elementary Staff, Educators, and Administrators --- MICHELLE WOIDNECK, M.A., Micheal P. Twohig, Ph.D., Donna Gilbertson, Ph.D., Jesse M. Crosby
• A Randomized Controlled Trial of an ACT Intervention to Support Teacher Wellbeing --- ANTHONY BIGLAN, Ph.D., LAURA BACKEN JONES, Christine Cody, KATHLEEN FORRESTER, Erika Hinds
• Deictic framing protocols to increase discrimination of own behavior and reduce maladaptive behavior --- ROSA M. VIZCAINO, Carmen Luciano, Francisco Ruiz, Vanessa Sánchez, Enrique Gil
• Why Am I In College? Bringing Values to the Classroom --- NADIA LUCAS, Maureen Flynn, M.A., Kelly Wilson, Ph.D., Kate Kellum, Ph.D.
• Using ACT Bibliotherapy to Reduce Distress Among Japanese International College Students --- TAKASHI MUTO, Ph.D., Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., Tami Jeffcoat
• Testing the efficacy of third wave interventions --- LOUISE MCHUGH
• How deictic relational responding can improve mindfulness skills --- MATTHIEU VILLATTE, Suzy Yardley, Roger Vilardaga, M.A., Jean-Louis Monestès, Louise McHugh
• Decision making deficits after Acquired Head Injury: Mindfulness as a potential intervention --- LOUISE MCHUGH, Rodger Wood
• The Role of Mindfulness on the Relations between Disordered Eating-Related Cognition and Psychological Distress --- AKIHIKO MASUDA, Ph.D.
• Development of a novel mode of service-delivery (PH-ACT) to promote autonomy in socially-isolated older people --- ANDREAS LARSSON, Lisa Osborne, Phil Reed, Louise McHugh
• Research and Therapeutic Application in the Context of Valued Living --- STEPHANIE L. NASSAR
• Exploring the Use of the Hexaflex Functional Dimensional Experiential Interview (HFDEI) --- MAUREEN K. FLYNN , Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D., Kate Kellum, Ph.D., Stephanie L. Nassar, Regan M. Slater
• Update on Values-Centered Adaptation of The Expressive Writing Paradigm --- STEPHANIE L. NASSAR, Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D., Kate Kellum, Ph.D.
• Exploring Values and Present Moment: An Examination of the Sweet Spot Exercise --- REGAN M. SLATER, Kate Kellum, Ph.D., Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D.
• ACT and Trauma: New Data and Directions --- VICTORIA FOLLETTE, Ph.D., Chair, ROBYN WALSER, Ph.D., Discussant, SONJA BATTEN, Ph.D., Discussant
• Experiential Avoidance and Anger in Veterans with PTSD --- SONJA BATTEN, Andrew P. Santanello, m.b. ranucci
• Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Group Treatment for Uniformed Services Professionals with Complex Trauma --- JAMES BASTIEN, Barbara Hermann, Dana Moore
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Group Treatment for Veterans with Posttraumatic Stress Disorder --- ALETHEA A VARRA, Tracy L. Simpson, Matthew Jakupcak
• ACT for Complex PTSD in Trauma Survivors --- VICTORIA FOLLETTE, Ph.D., Devika Ghimire, Jessica Heaton
• Intensive Outpatient PTSD Treatment --- KEVIN POLK
• Developing behavioral measures of ACT/RFT processes: An international lab meeting --- Douglas M. Long, TAHASHI MUTO, Ph.D., CHAD E DRAKE, Ph.D., MICHAEL LEVIN, NIC HOOPER
• Is Interresponse time (IRFT) variability useful for a measurement for psychological flexibility? --- TAHASHI MUTO, Ph.D.
• IRAPing our Way to Psychological Flexibility --- CHAD E DRAKE, Ph.D.
• Using derived relations to model thought suppression: Combining cognitive paradigms with behavioral preparations --- NIC HOOPER
• Testing the Impact of a Brief Acceptance, Mindfulness and Values Intervention on Multiple Features of Task Persistence --- MICHAEL LEVIN
• Modeling key psychological phenomena using RFT --- LOUISE MCHUGH
• Modeling the direct and indirect effects of thought suppression on behavioral preference --- NIC HOOPER, Louise McHugh, Ian Stewart
• Contextual control over non arbitrary relational responding and pragmatic verbal analysis --- IAN STEWART, Ph.D. , Gillian Kelly, Louise McHugh, Dermot Barnes-Holmes, Denis O’Hora
• Complex hierarchical relational networks: analysis of the transformation of functions --- Enrique Gil , Carmen Luciano, Ph.D., FRANCISCO J. RUIZ
• Transformation of functions through temporal relations --- Juan C. López, CARMEN LUCIANO, Francisco J. Ruiz
• ACT for the Spectrum of Body-Image and Disordered Eating-Related Concerns: Theory, Assessment, and Practice --- AKIHIKO MASUDA, Ph.D.
• The Validation of Italian Version of Body Image Acceptance and Action Questionnaire (BIAAQ) --- ELISA RABITTI PsyD, Katia Manduchi PsyD, Giovanni Miselli PsyD, Giovambattista Presti MD, Paolo Moderato PsyD
• The Role of Psychological Flexibility in the Relations between Eating Disorder-Related Cognition and Psychological Distress Specific and Non-specific to Disordered Eating Spectrum Problems --- AKIHIKO MASUDA, Ph.D., Johanna W. Wendell
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Obesity and Weight Management: A Preliminary Investigation --- Giovambattista Presti, MD, Katia Manduchi, Psy D, FRANCESCA SCAGLIA, Psy.D., Giovanni Miselli, Psy. D, Elisa Rabitti, Psy.D
• Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Eating Disorders Treatment: A Single Case Study --- SARA BORELLI, Psy D, Ronchei, M. Psy
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Eating Disorders: Clinical Practice with a complex case --- KATIA MANDUCHI, Psy.D, Giovambattista Presti, MD, Giovanni Miselli, Psy.D, Elisa Rabitti, Psy.D
• Psychological Health/Flexibility in the context of Behavioral Medicine --- AKIHIKO MASUDA, Ph.D.
• Pain Intensity, Psychological Inflexibility, and Acceptance of Pain as Predictors of Functioning in Adolescents with Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis --- Amanda B. Feinstein, Evan M. Forman, AKIHIKO MASUDA, Ph.D., Lindsey L. Cohen, James D. Herbert
• Pain Intensity, Psychological Inflexibility, and Acceptance of Chronic Illness as Predictors of Quality of Life in Adolescents with Sickle Cell Disease --- Lindsey Cohen, AKIHIKO MASUDA, Ph.D., Amanda B. Feinstein, Josie Welkon, Kevin E Vowles
• Emotional awareness and acceptance predict coping with cancer screening and protect mental health --- JODIE LANDSTRA, M.A., JOSEPH CIARROCHI, Ph.D., Frank Deane, Ph.D., Leon Botes, Richard Hillman
• From Basic Science to Clinical Application: Empirical Advances in ACT Research with Children and Families --- LISA W. COYNE, CHAIR, AMY R. MURRELL, DISCUSSANT, ALYSHA D. THOMPSON, JASON J. BENDEZU, MELINDA I. MORRILL
• ACT-Relevant Constructs in Child Therapy Process: The Role of Child Experiential Avoidance, Willingness, and Safety Seeking Behaviors in a Family-Based CBT for Young Children with OCD --- ELIZABETH DAVIS, EVAN R. MARTINEZ, Lisa W. Coyne, Angela M. Burke, Abbe M. Garcia
• Experiential Avoidance of Parenting Questionnaire (EAP): Development Study --- MELINDA I. MORRILL, Katy Crowe, James V. Cordova
• Maternal Emotion Regulatory Strategy Mediates Maternal Depression and Child Internalizing Problems --- ALYSHA D. THOMPSON
• Maternal Avoidant Emotion Regulation and its impact on Emotion Regulation in Early Childhood --- JASON J. BENDEZU, Angela M. Burke, Jaclyn Jenkins, Evan Martinez, Mia Bensouda
• ACT and RFT Analog Component Research --- JARED DILLOW, B.S., J.T. Blackledge, Ph.D., NIC HOOPER, LOUISE MCHUGH, Ph.D., MARISA PÁEZ-BLARRINA, AKIHIKO MASUDA, JOHANNA W. WENDELL, AMANDA B. FEINSTEIN, & SHAWN SHEEHAN
• The Effects of Cognitive Defusion vs Restructuring on Distress --- JARED DILLOW, B.S., J. T. Blackledge, Ph.D.
• Thought suppression versus defusion in the mitigation of learned helplessness --- NIC HOOPER, LOUISE MCHUGH, Ph.D
• A RFT analysis of the verbal processes involved in acceptance, suppression, and distraction --- MARISA PÁEZ-BLARRINA, Carmen Luciano, Olga Gutiérrez-Martínez, Francisco J. Ruiz, Ph.D., Sonsoles Valdivia-Salas
• Cognitive Defusion versus Thought Distraction: A Clinical Rationale, Training, and Experiential Exercise in Altering Psychological Impacts of Negative Self-Referential Thoughts --- AKIHIKO MASUDA, Ph.D., Johanna W. Wendell, Amanda B. Feinstein, Shawn Sheehan
• Implementing ACT Online: Past and Future Projects --- MICHAEL LEVIN
• Supporting people diagnosed with cancer: Developing an ACT intervention for the internet --- JOSEPH CIARROCHI
• Strategies and difficulties in building, administering and testing ACT based and CBT based podcasts in a university counseling project. --- ANNA BIANCA PREVEDINI, M.A. , Giovanni Miselli, Psy. D., Francesco Pozzi, M.S., Elisa Rabitti, M.A., Giovanbattista Presti, M.D.
• The Red Room: ACT interventions on television and online in the Netherlands --- ANDO ROKX, Msc
• Smoking cessation and prevention of mental health problems: Discussing two ongoing projects --- MICHAEL LEVIN, Jacqueline Pistorello, Ph.D., Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., John Seeley, Ph.D., Jennifer Plumb, M.A.
• Developing ACT-based web treatment for Eating Disorders --- PÄIVI LAPPALAINEN, MA, Marja Koskinen, Raimo Lappalainen
• Perspectives on Applied Clinical Processes Involved in Compassion-Focused Psychotherapy Techniques in ACT --- DENNIS TIRCH, Ph.D., Chair, KELLY WILSON, Ph.D., Discussant
• An ACT-Consistent, Compassion-Focused Intervention for Generalized Anxiety Disorder --- DENNIS TIRCH, Ph.D., Chair
• Different Roads, Same Direction: DBT and ACT Processes --- JENNIFER TAITZ, Ph.D., Dennis Tirch, Ph.D., Robert Leahy, Ph.D.
• Relationships among Emotional Schemas, Psychological Flexibility, Dispositional Mindfulness, and Emotion Regulation --- LAURA SILBERSTEIN, Ph.D., Dennis Tirch, Ph.D., Robert Leahy, Ph.D.
• Applied ACT and RFT processes relevant to self-compassion --- BENJAMIN SCHOENDORFF, M.A.
• Leadership in Times of Change --- RAMONA HOUMANFAR, PH.D, Chair, IAN STEWART, Ph.D., Discussant
• The Additive Impact of Values Clarification Training to an Online Goal Setting Module on Academic Performance and Student Retention Rates --- JARED CHASE, M. A., RAMONA HOUMANFAR, PH.D., JENNIFER C. PLUMB, TODD A. WARD, M. A.
• The Potential Role of Motivative Augmentals in the Analysis of Cooperative Behavior in Organizations --- SHARLET RAFACZ, M. A., RAMONA HOUMANFAR, PH.D.
• Psychological Flexibility and Innovative Leadership --- TODD A. WARD, M. A., RAMONA HOUMANFAR, PH.D
• Functional Eclecticism: Four Conversations about Complex Behavior --- CHAD E DRAKE, Ph.D.
• The Treachery of Language: Do Emerging Artistic Styles throughout Human History Parallel the Pattern of Relational Frame Development for the Individual? --- DANIEL J. MORAN, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Julie L. Giampaolo
• Pulling the listener into the present moment: Using a self-assessment of verbal behavior to drive conversations that make a difference --- SCOTT A. HERBST
• Transforming The Matrix into a Measure of Psychological Flexibility --- BENJAMIN SCHOENDORFF, Benjamin Putois
• Fooling around with Definitions of Psychological Flexibility --- CHAD E DRAKE, Ph.D.
• Taking it Out of the Box: Multilevel ACT/RFT Applications inside Clinical Behavior Analysis --- MERRY SYLVESTER, MA
• An Investigation of Language-Building Procedures on Derived Relations of Coordination and Distinction: Implications for Comprehension. --- KENDRA RICKARD, MA, BCBA, Kimberly Nix-Berens Ph.D., BCBA-D, Patrick Ghezzi, Ph.D., BCBA-D, Tiffany Humphreys
• Improving Social Skills by Building Fluency on Deictic Framing and Relevant Relational Classes --- DONNY NEWSOME, MA, W. Larry Williams, Ph.D., BCBA-D
• The Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) in an Organizational Context: An Initial Field Study --- THOMAS G. SZABO, MA, BCBA, Merry Sylvester, MA, W. Larry Williams, Ph.D., BCBA-D
• Taking the Barrier with You: An ACT Group Treatment to Improve Behavior Plan Compliance Among Parents of Children with Autism and Developmental Disabilities. --- MERRY SYLVESTER, MA, Ashley Greenwald, MA, Thomas G. Szabo, MA, BCBA, Donald Jackson, Ph.D.
• Speaking across islands: Building communication between ACT and other approaches to clinical psychology --- MATTHIEU VILLATTE, PH.D
• ACT, RFT, & “Conventional” Behavior Analysis: Bridges, Gaps, and Group Hugs --- JOHN T. BLACKLEDGE, Ph.D.
• Integrating CBT and ACT --- JOSEPH CIARROCHI, Ph.D.
• Humanists and ACT --- HANK ROBB, Ph.D.
• Perspectives on Perspective Taking --- ROBERT D. ZETTLE, Ph.D., Chair, JASON LUOMA, Ph.D., Discussant
• Who Am I Now?: Perspectives on Self Following a Disabling Injury. --- MERRY SYLVESTER, MA , Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D.
• Enhancing Self as Context and Pain Tolerence --- NAKISHA CARRASQUILLO , Robert Zettle, Ph.D
• Developing a Spirituality Inventory --- SUZANNE GIRD , Robert D. Zettle, Ph.D. , Debra Renollet , Blake K. Webster , Britania Latronica
• Associations among Deictic Relational Responding, Empathy, Experiential Avoidance and Social Anhedonia in a sample of College Students --- ROGER VILARDAGA, M.A. , Ana Estévez , Michael Levin , Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D.
• Positive growth without Pollyannas thinking: Integrating ACT with Positive Psychology interventions --- JOSEPH CIARROCHI, Ph.D. , TODD KASHDAN, Ph.D.
• New Directions in ACT for Addiction ---
• Telephone-delivered Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) for adult smoking cessation: A feasibility study --- JONATHAN BRICKER, Ph.D.
• The role of brief residential programs in alcohol addiction treatment: presentation of an ACT consistent program --- GIOVANNI ZUCCHI, Psy.D. , Giovanni Miselli, Psy.D. , Elena De Bernardis, Psy.D.
• Mindfulness and Acceptance Processes in Relation to Weight-Related Difficulties and Diabetes ---
• Experiential avoidance and obesity: A random population study of adult women. --- CAROLINE HORWATH, Ph.D., Clara Madden, Sookling Leong
• Understanding values associated with weight control problems among Finnish obese subjects --- PÄIVI LAPPALAINEN, MA, Essi Sairanen, Henna Tuomela
• Psychological Inflexibility and Symptom Expression in Anorexia Nervosa --- RHONDA M. MERWIN, Ph.D., Ashley Moskovich, Nancy L. Zucker, Ph.D.
• The role of thought believability in the relationship between depression, diabetes, and stress. --- ERIC SCHMIDT, B.A., Kate Ward, Jennifer Gregg, Ph.D.
• The Influence of Summer Camps for Adolescents with Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus on Acceptance of Chronic Disease --- ELISA RABITTI, PsyD, Valerio Miselli, MD, Tosca Soprani, MD, Giovanni Miselli PsyD, Giovanni Zucchi PsyD, Paolo Moderato PhD.
• Assessment of Mindfulness and Acceptance Processes in ACT ---
• Mindfulness and Experiential Avoidance as Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Avoidance Symptom Severity --- BRIAN L. THOMPSON, Ph.D., Jennifer Waltz, Ph.D.
• Measuring cognitive fusion and defusion in depression using a modified Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale. --- BRIAN KEARNEY
• Continuing Assessment of the Bullseye Survey of Valued Living --- JOHN T. BLACKLEDGE, Ph. D., Cory Ruffing, Jennifer Taylor
• What is the Role of Self in ACT and Mindfulness? Are the Two Accounts Similar in this Regard? --- MAIREAD FOODY, Yvonne Barnes-Holmes, Dermot Barnes-Holmes
• New Interventions and Applications of ACT ---
• Preliminary results from the Lifengage trial - a randomised controlled trial of acceptance and commitment therapy for medication-resistant psychosis  --- JOHN FARHALL, Ph.D., Neil Thomas, Frances Shawyer
• The role of values in suicidal patients --- GIOVANNI ZUCCHI, Psy.D., Annalisa Oppo, Psy.D., Giovanni Miselli, Psy.D.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Treatment-Severe and Resistant Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Case Study --- MASSIMO RONCHEI, Psy.D
• A four session Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for depression --- RAIMO LAPPALAINEN, Ph.D., Elina Timo, Aino Kohtala
• Interventions to Foster Resilience and Psychological Flexibility in Non-Clinical Populations ---
• ACT on stress: The efficacy of ACT for reducing stress and improving the quality of therapy in clinical psychology interns. --- MS JEANIE STAFFORD-BROWN, Kenneth I Pakenham
• Evaluation of an ACT Resilience Intervention for Adults --- KENNETH PAKENHAM, Ph.D, Nicola Burton, Ph.D., Wendy Brown, Ph.D.
• Parenting, Families, and Couples: ACT Applications ---
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a Treatment for Couple Dysfunction: the six core ACT processes in relationship issues. --- MASSIMO RONCHEI, Psy.D
• Treatment of Pediatric Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Utilizing Parent-Facilitated Acceptance and Commitment Therapy --- JENNIFER YARDLEY
• Acceptance and action or experiential avoidance in parents: can temperament make a difference? --- ELDA ANDRIOLA, PSY.D, GIOVANNI MISELLI, PSY.D, Georgianna G. Gardner, Psy.D

Invited Events

• Training and Assessment of Relational Precursors and Abilities (TARPA): Preliminary findings and future directions --- IAN STEWART, Ph.D.
• Pillars and Posts and Arches, Oh Boy!: What's Up With This Response Style Business Anyway? --- KIRK STROSAHL, Ph.D.
• For the Benefit of My Patients, A Family Physician's Journey into ACT --- DEBRA A. GOULD, MD, MPH
• Many Hands: Raising the Single-Case Design Collaboration! --- KELLY KOERNER Ph.D.
• Translating the Progress in Contextual Behavioral Science into the Creation of More Nurturing Cultures --- ANTHONY BIGLAN, PH.D.
• Balancing Clinical Innovation with the Imperative to Utilize Best Available Practices --- JAMES HERBERT, PH.D.
• Using the Hexaflex Model to Develop Depth in a Dynamic ACT Conceptualization --- BRENT G. RYDER, M.S., MELISSA ROWLAND, M.A., D.J. MORAN, PH.D, BCBA
• The client's perspective on a preliminary brief group intervention for chronically depressed treatment resistant people. --- DR JACOPO PISATURO, MARK WEBSTER
• Multi professional pain rehabilitation based on ACT principles. --- PER-OLOF OLSSON, LENA THERMAENIUS-SPÅNGMARK, Åsa Storkamp, Anna-Maria Weingarten
• Cultivation is not control: Broadening and Building on ACT --- TAMARA LOVERICH, Ph.D., Eric Miller, M.A, Sarah Wice, M.A.
• Dissemination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Depression in the Veterans Health Administration --- BRADLEY KARLIN, Ph.D., ROBYN WALSER, Ph.D.

Panel Discussions

• ACT Peer Consultation Groups: Opportunities for Learning and Supporting --- JONATHAN BRICKER, Ph.D., JOEL GUARNA, Ph.D., TRYM JACOBSEN, Cand.psych, SANDRA GEORGESCU, Psy.D, MATTHEW SMOUT, Ph.D.
• ACT Based Preventive Programming on College Campuses --- CHARLES MORSE, MA, LMHC, JACQUELINE PISTORELLO, Ph.D., MICHAEL LEVIN
• Special Issues in ACT Supervision: Training, Trauma, and Context --- VICTORIA FOLLETTE, RAIMO LAPPALAINEN, IRMELI SILTAKOSKI
• Evolving as an ACT trainer: What is working and where are we going? --- JOEL GUARNA, Ph.D., KEVIN POLK, Ph.D., GIOVANNI MISELLI, PsyD, JEAN-LOUIS MONESTES
• ACT/CBS Chapters: Serving Regional Needs of Clinicians, Scientifists, and Clients --- JONATHAN B. BRICKER, Ph.D., GIOVANNI MISELLI, Psy.D, CARMEN LUCIANO, Ph.D., JOSEPH CIARROCHI, Ph.D., JENNIFER PLUMB, M.A.
• ACT and the Full Spectrum of Disordered Eating: Challenges and Possibilities --- C. ALIX TIMKO, Ph.D., RHONDA MERWIN, Ph.D., NANCY ZUCKER, Ph.D., EMILY SANDOZ, MS, RAIMO LAPPALAINEN, Ph.D., MATTHEW BOONE, LCSW-R, ADRIA PEARSON, Ph.D., CARLA WALTON, B.Sc, D.Psyc.
• Surfing the Learning Curve: ACT, RFT, and Functional Contextualism --- MATTHEW BOONE, LCSW-R, KEVIN POLK, Ph.D., JOANNE STEINWACHS, LCSW, KELLY MINOR, Ph.D., ROB ARCHER, MSc , CATHY STONE, MSW,LISW-CP
• Implementing ACT in Large Clinical Institutions --- P. R. MITCHELL, B.S., MICHAEL P. TWOHIG, Ph.D. , DON HEBERT, Ph.D., LMFT, TERA L. LENSEGRAV-BENSON, Ph.D. , SONJA V. BATTEN, Ph.D., ANDO ROKX, Msc, GRANT CLOWERS, MSW, PAUL R. BENSON, Ph.D.
• Reconstructing Measurement Theory From a Contextualist Perspective --- KELLY WILSON, PH.D , FRANK BOND, PH.D, JOSEPH CIARROCHI, PH.D, STEVEN HAYES, PH.D, MICHAEL BORDIERI, M.S., Chair
• Efficacious and effective practice: from clinical trials to everyday therapeutic routine. A panel discussion --- GIOVAMBATTISTA PRESTI, JENNIFER PLUMB, M.A., MICHAEL TWOHIG, KELLY KOERNER, Ph.D., JOSEPH CIARROCHI, Ph.D.
• Toward a contextual neuroscience? --- BENJAMIN SCHOENDORFF, STEVEN HAYES, PH.D, LINDSAY FLETCHER, M.A.
• Analysis of “Intrapersonal” Psychological Processes from an “Interpersonal” Perspective --- JORDAN T. BONOW, M.A., GLENN CALLAGHAN, Ph.D., BARBARA KOHLENBERG, Ph.D., WILLIAM C. FOLLETTE, Ph.D.
• Contributions of a Contextual Behavioral Approach to the Assessment and Treatment of Trauma --- JORDAN T. BONOW, M.A., VICTORIA M. FOLLETTE, Ph.D., ROBYN D. WALSER, Ph.D., SONJA V. BATTEN, Ph.D., ALETHEA VARRA, Ph.D., WILLIAM C. FOLLETTE, Ph.D.
• Developments in RFT --- STEVEN C. HAYES, Ph.D., KELLY G. WILSON, Ph.D., IAN STEWART, NIGEL VAHEY, LOUISE MCHUGH
• ACT and RFT --- CARMEN LUCIANO, Ph.D., KELLY G. WILSON, Ph.D., STEVEN C. HAYES, Ph.D., JOHN T. BLACKLEDGE, Ph.D., LOUISE MCHUGH
• IRAP round table: Relational Frame Theory is more “Cognitive” than Mainstream Social-Cognitive Psychology: How Weird is That? --- DERMOT BARNES-HOLMES (via WebConference), NIGEL VAHEY, CHAD E DRAKE, Ph.D., IAN STEWART
• Where is the field going in the treatment of anxiety disorders? --- MICHAEL TWOHIG, Ph.D., TODD KASHDAN, Ph.D., JEFF SZYMANSKI, VICTORIA FOLLETTE, Ph.D., JAMES HERBERT

Registration & Fees

We have CLOSED REGISTRATION for the World Conference; our venue is full!

(Onsite registrations can not be accepted.)

We apologize in advance for any inconvenience.

---

 

World Conference

World Conference VIII (June 21-24, 2010):

• Students: $220
• Professionals: $420

Above prices include 4 lunches, 1 dinner, coffee/tea on site, 1 opening cocktail reception (June 20), as well as transportation to/from the conference hotel and conference venue.

Pre-Conference Workshops

2 Day Workshops (June 19-20, 2010)

• Students: $170
• Professionals: $305

Above prices include 2 lunches, coffee/tea on site, as well as transportation to/from the conference hotel.

FAP Workshop (June 19-20, 2010)

• Students: $195
• Professionals: $325

Above prices include 2 lunches, coffee/tea on site, as well as transportation to/from the conference hotel.

Mindfulness & Meditation ACT Workshop Retreat (Lake Tahoe, evening June 18- June 20, 2010)

• Students: $200
• Professionals: $365

Above prices for the Meditation Retreat include shared dorm sleeping, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners.

Regular and Onsite (Late) Registration:

• Online registration will end June 1, 2010. (Due to catering deadlines.)
• Onsite (Late) registration fees will be the regular registration fees plus $100.
• No onsite registration is available for the World Conference or any pre-conference workshops.

Refunds:

A $25 processing fee will be charged for World Conference & Pre-conference registration refunds up to June 1, 2010. We regret that after June 1, 2010, refunds can not be made.

Enrollment limitations:

Enrollment may be limited due to the limitation of our venue to accommodate additional sessions and attendees.

Reno Conference Maps

General Reno Information

University of Nevada Campus Map
We'll be in the Joe Crowley Student Union (building number 087, near the very center of campus).

University of Nevada Parking Map

Sierra Spirit Route Map
This is a free public bus that you can ride, every 10 minutes, between the University and downtown between 7:00am and 7:00pm every day.

View World Conference VIII in a larger map

Reno Dining

Reno is home to a vast selection of diverse dining experiences.

 

Walkable from Campus/Silver Legacy:

Archie's

N. Virginia St (just north of campus)

College atmosphere with beer, burgers and pub food. Price Range: $5-10

Chocolate Bar

California Ave and Arlington St

SoHo-style bar serves up creative martini concoctions and offers a small selection of well-crafted appetizers, entrees and desert options. A local favorite is the chocolate fondue. Price Range: $10-20

Beaujolais Bistro

130 West Street

This charming country French bistro is set ½ a block from the riverfront with carefully prepared entrees and a friendly atmosphere. It is satisfying, classy, and a local favorite for dinner! Entrees: $20+

Blue Moon

California Ave and Virginia St

Gourmet pizza options are creative and filling and served in a hip pizza parlor atmosphere. Slices and full pizzas available. 

Louis’  Basque Corner

301 E. 4^th Street

Family style seating and food from the Basque country. Simple comfort food and wine served in humble surroundings. Menu is evening specials. Price Range: about $20

Nugget Diner

233 N. Virginia Street (about 1/2 block south of the Reno Arch)

This is one of those completely unhealthy, but famously yummy greasy spoons. The "Awful Awful" burger & fries (more than you could ever eat), and "The Hangover Omelet" (served with a Bloody Mary) are probably their most famous meals, but they have all kinds of American food.  If no seats during peak hours, you can always elbow your way to the counter and get it to go. Open 24 hours; breakfast served anytime; Cash Only. Price Range: $4-$9

Peg’s Glorified Ham and Eggs

420 South Sierra Street

Yummy breakfast and lunch options with Texas-sized portions. Price: $8-15

Sterling’s Seafood Steakhouse

Inside the Silver Legacy

Sterling’s opens at 5 p.m. and reservations are recommended and can be made by calling 775-329-4777. Outstanding and unique steak and seafood finely presented.

La Famiglia Ristorante

180 E. 1st Street

Homemade pasta, creative daily specials, and an extensive wine list make this family-owned and cozy Italian restaurant a worthwhile visit. Entrees: $20+

Harrah’s Steak House

Inside Harrah’s Casino

The finest “old school” steak house in Reno. Bring your wallet and your appetite. Bring fire to the table by ordering Diablo Coffee with your dessert. Entrees: $30+

Silver Peak

135 N Sierra St 89501. 

This microbrewery boasts the “best suds in town”(with seasonal specials) and offers a creative pub-style menu with large portions and includes items as humble as hot wings and as sophisticated as pistachio crusted salmon. Prices from $8-$20, and excellent happy-hour choices.

Wild River Grille 

17 S. Virginia St

Wide-ranging menu options appeal to any taste and serves good food at affordable prices. This restaurant boasts patio seating along the Truckee River in downtown Reno. Lunch: $10. Dinner: $20.

Zagol Ethiopian Restaurant 

855 E. 4th St

If you are looking for something a little different, Ethiopian fare is a bright and delightful alternative to the burger or pasta platter. For those unfamiliar, most dishes are served with a light and fluffy sponge-like bread instead of utensils - don't be afraid to get your hands dirty for this delicious treat!

Entrees: $10+

Buffets:

Looking for a buffet downtown? Plan wisely, depending on the time of day & day of the week your wait can be 15 - 90 minutes, but some of them are worth it.  In the downtown area I would try The Buffet (Eldorado) or Carvings Buffet (Harrah's).

Looking for a seafood buffet? Most only have seafood on Friday and/or Saturday night, however Carvings Buffet (Harrah's) and the Lodge Buffet (inside Grand Sierra Resort, near the airport) have snow crab nightly. 

 

Here are some favorites of the lab students, a listing of local favorites, a sample of fine-dining Reno hotspots, and a more complete list of choices within 10 minutes of downtown Reno.

The Wolfpack Labbie Picks for Eating in Reno:

Lillis' Pick: Silver Peak

135 N Sierra St 89501. 

This microbrewery boasts the “best suds in town”(with seasonal specials) and offers a creative pub-style menu with large portions and includes items as humble as hot wings and as sophisticated as pistachio crusted salmon. Prices from $8-$20, and excellent happy-hour choices. The original location (1 mile south of downtown): 124 Wonder Street 89502. (Sierra location walkable from hotel).

Doug (Doogie)'s  Pick: Bangkok Cuisine

55 Mount Rose St 89509.

Well known in Reno for its delicious Thai food.  It gives filling portions at very reasonable prices. We recommend the Pad Thai. (A short cab ride away).

Jamie's Pick: India Kabab and Curry

1091 S. Virginia Street 89502

Good, vegetarian-friendly Indian food (especially saag paneer). You never have to wait for a table, and there is a lunch buffet for $8.95 that will only satisfy. Truly a no-holds-barred orgiastic gustatory experience! Entrees $8.95 - $12.95. (A short cab ride away)

Jenn (Boo)'s Pick: Pneumatic Diner

501 W. 1^st St. 89503

Vegetarian comfort food. Nothing fancy and very small.  A healthier, hipper version of the classic greasy spoon. Don't be afraid to wait for a seat – it's worth it! Prices: $5-12. (Walkable from hotel).

Mistress Merry's Pick: El Adobe

55 W Arroyo St 89509

El Adobe serves excellent Mexican food, and the best mole rojo sauce in Reno. They boast world-class tequila selections for their killer margaritas. You will enjoy the traditional Mexican atmosphere with friendly staff. One of our labbies might fly back to Reno just for the mole enchiladas! Plates range from $8.00 to $15.00. (A short cab ride away).

Jen (Hum)'s Pick: Sup

719 S Virginia St 89501

 This stylish hole-in-the-wall offers tempting salads, sandwiches, and scrumptious homemade soups that won't dent the budget. At dinnertime this casual lunch place transforms into a swanky but homey establishment with dinner options available for more discerning tastes. Lunch: $7-15, Dinner: about $25. (A very short cab ride away).

Lindsay (Fletch)'s Pick: Bertha Mirada's

336 Mill St. 89501

Mexican food at its best. Comfortable, open setting with traditional Mexican atmosphere puts you in the mood for a margarita and home-made tortilla chips.  Reasonably priced.  Family friendly. Entrees: $10-15.  (A very short cab ride away).  
 
Tuna's Pick: Stone House Café

1907 S Arlington Ave 89509.

A European style, fine dining café with an interesting selection of items. Indoor and patio seating. Open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Entrees: $8-18. (A short cab ride away).

Mikaela (Mac)'s Pick: Newman's Deli

20 California Ave 89509.

A local favorite and very busy at lunch.  A fast-paced counter serves up a killer sandwich and some of the best Pastrami in town. Price: $5-10. (A very short cab ride/long walk away).

Mike (Soup)'s Pick: The Golden Flower

205 W. 5^th St 89503.

A humble Vietnamese place with delicious down-to-earth Pho for the starving student’s budget. Price: $5-12. (Across  from hotel).

Tami's Pick: The Little Waldorf Saloon

1661 N Virginia St 89503.

Pizzas, burgers, sandwiches, beer and Wolfpack history. Located just across the street from campus, the “Wal” probably fed your elders if they lived in Reno. The menu also includes some cool items outside the ‘bar’ box. Price: $5-12. (Across from campus).

  

Fine Dining a short cab-ride away:

Rapscallion Seafood House and Bar:

1555 S. Wells Ave  89509

This place has served reliably great seafood in Reno for years. Seafood, steaks, old-New-England-style ambiance, and an outstanding wine list. Open for lunch and dinner.  Price: $15+

4^th St. Bistro

3065 W. 4th St 89523.

Excellent French-inspired cuisine. Contemporary fresh, sustainable, local, seasonal, with most of the menu featuring local, organic farm produce. Open for dinner Tuesday through Saturday from 5 pm. Reservations recommended - (775) 323-3200‎. Entrees: $20+

Sezmu

670 Mount Rose St

One of the hipper fine dinning favorites in Reno.  Each dish is made with love and more than a  touch of flair. Open California ambiance and extensive house-designed cocktail and wine selections make this experience truly satisfying.  Reservations recommended - (775) 327-4448‎. Entrees: $25+

Lulu's Restaurant

1470 S. Virigina St 89502

Carefully crafted cuisine worthy of the big-city. Seasonal specials and an excellent wine selection highlights this cozy establishment. Reservations recommended - (775) 329-9979‎. Entrees: $25+

Charlie Palmer’s Steakhouse and Fin Fish

2500 E 2nd St

Inside the Grand Sierra Resort

These two fine options are located together inside the Grand Sierra Resort (formerly the Hilton hotel). The steaks and wine list are superb and, in each of Palmer’s places, the menu is a work of delicious culinary creativity. Entrees: about $30

Reno/ Tahoe Attractions

Reno Attractions

www.visitrenotahoe.com for additional options!

UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA AREA

Fleischmann Planetarium and Science Center 
1650 N. Virginia St. 
University of Nevada, Reno 
http://planetarium.unr.edu/index.html

Showtime hotline: (775) 784-4811, Business office: (775) 784-4812

The planetarium’s uniquely shaped building, officially termed a “hyperbolic parabaloid,”  was designed by famed Reno architect Ray Hellman, and is now listed on the National Register of Historic Buildings. It houses: 
• An exhibit hall with changing hands-on displays 
• A 30-ft. diameter, 60-seat theater with both a state-of-the-art digital star projector and a large-format film projector, as well as a powerful surround-sound system 
• A gift shop stocked with high-quality science-related toys, clothing, software, and books 

Nevada Historical Society Museum

1650 N. Virginia St.

University of Nevada, Reno

Phone: (775) 688-1190

http://museums.nevadaculture.org/

As the oldest museum in the State of Nevada, the Society's museum collection consists of more than 15,000 artifacts and works of art. The permanent exhibition on Nevada history illustrates the highlights of the state's history, including the lives of the earliest inhabitants of the Great Basin, the desert stretches of the Immigrant Trail, the Comstock era, the effects of Nevada's liberal marriage and divorce laws, and the rise of the gambling industry.

DOWNTOWN AREA

Nevada Museum of Art

160 West Liberty St.

Phone: (775) 329-3333

www.nevadaart.org

The Nevada Museum of Art is the only accredited art museum in the state of Nevada. The Museum features 15,337 square feet of gallery space, museum store and Café Musée, as well as ground level and rooftop sculpture galleries offering views of Reno’s skyline as well as the Sierra Nevada mountain range. The Permanent Collection consists of over 2,000 works of nineteenth through twenty-first century art and is divided into five focus areas that are unified by an overarching focus on natural, built and virtual environments.

Wingfield Park

First & Arlington Streets

http://visitreno.com/parks/wingfield.php

Wingfield Park occupies two islands in the Truckee River as well as some land along the banks. Within and around the park, you can find picnic shelters, barbeque, basketball courts, an ampitheater, pathways and trails along the Truckee River. It's a great place to relax if you're in the downtown area. Surrounding the park are some charming restaurants, stores, and coffee shops. The Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts and Brucka Theater (see below) as well as the Riverview Movie Theater are all within walking distance.

Reno Arch

The iconic Reno Arch spans N. Virginia St. between 2^nd and 3^rd Streets right in the heart of the casino glitz. Although the Arch enshrines Reno’s distinction as “The Biggest Little City in the World,” it does not make any reference to functional contextualism. Visit the surrounding casinos and drop some money in the slots so that we have some tax money for education.

National Automobile Museum: The Harrah Collection

10 South Lake St.

www.automuseum.org

Phone: (775) 333-9300

A place where time, culture, beauty, history, human invention, ingenuity, and frivolity merge to fascinate us in the form of cars. Voted one of the top ten automobile museums in the country and the best 16 in the world, the National Automobile Museum houses an astounding collection, where visitors can explore decades of intriguing automobiles, stroll down period-style street scenes and stand inches from cars once owned by the rich and famous.

Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts

100 South Virginia Street

Phone: (775) 686-6600

http://www.pioneercenter.com/index.htm

The Pioneer Center is the home of our area’s most prominent performing arts organizations: Broadway comes to Reno, Reno Philharmonic Orchestra, Nevada Opera Association, A.V.A. Ballet Theatre, Reno Concerts.

Bruka Theater

99 N. Virginia St.

Phone: (775) 323-3221

http://www.bruka.org/Index.html

The seats in the Bruka theater are actually couches, making for a casual and intimate theater experience. Call or visit the Web site to see what’s playing.

ADDITIONAL FAMILY FUN

Wild Island Family Adventure Park

250 Wild Island Court, Sparks

www.wildisland.com

With a water park, go-karts, mini-golf, bowling, birthday parties and group parties - at Wild Island there is something fun for everyone. During the summer months, Wild Island’s water park has everything from daredevil slides, to the kiddy areas for the tamer adventure. Take a dip in the wave pool, or float the afternoon away on an inner tube. If miniature golf is your thing, Wild Island’s links are some of the best in the region, with holes that are both challenging and fun. Grab the putter and enjoy a round. Go indoors for some 10-pin action at Coconut Bowl. In addition to blacklit lanes that get the party started, there is an arcade area, food and beverage, and even an adult lounge.

Ultimate Rush Thrill Park

2500 E. 2^nd St, Reno

(at the Grand Sierra Resort)

www.grandsierraresort.com/activities/recreation/ultimate_rush/

Take the most thrilling aspects of hang-gliding, the most perilous moments of bungee jumping and the adrenaline inducement of sky diving. Combine these elements with a fall from a 185-foot tower and you have the once-in-a-lifetime experience called the Ultimate Rush, the Grand Sierra Resort’s family park. The park also offers miniature golf, a racing oval and road course for go-kart fun, along with bumper cars and other family friendly fair.

Wilbur D. May Center at Rancho San Rafael Regional Park

1595 N. Sierra St, Reno

www.maycenter.com

The Wilbur D. May Center is an adventure for people of all ages. It is a Museum, a collection of rare and exotic artifacts, a place to experience fun traveling exhibits and special moments. The Arboretum is where gardeners gather seeds of knowledge; an incomparable display and living museum of colorful flowers, creekside meadows, outdoor courtyards and secluded benches. The Great Basin Adventure is a fun-filled family experience where kids can pet animals, ride a pony, pan for gold, ride an old fashioned log flume, or explore in our "touch anything" Discovery Room.

Sierra Safari Zoo

10200 N Virginia Street, Reno

www.sierrasafari.org

Sierra Safari Zoo is Nevada’s largest zoo and the only zoo in Northern Nevada. It houses dozens of animals, from cats to sloths, marsupials, rodents, small mammals and hoof stock. It is located in northern Reno.

Animal Ark Wildlife Sanctuary

1265 Deerlodge Road, Reno

www.animalark.org

Animal Ark is a 38-acre wildlife sanctuary and nature center northwest of Reno, Nevada. This facility’s rural setting provides an ideal place to house non-releasable wildlife and allows the public a unique opportunity to view these animals in natural habitat exhibits through glass viewing areas.

 

Lake Tahoe Attractions

Tahoe Boat Cruise

Cruise Emerald Bay at the southern end of Lake Tahoe on the M.S. Dixie or the Tahoe Queen

http://www.zephyrcove.com

Tahoe Rim Trail

For breath-taking views of the lake, pick a section of the Tahoe Rim Trail and go for a day hike.

We especially recommend the hike up Mt. Rose if you are looking for a challenging day hike with rewarding views. It is just 30 minutes from Reno to the trailhead.

http://www.tahoerimtrail.org

Thunderbird Lodge

Tour the historic home of local eccentric George Whittell, Jr. who once housed elephants and lions on this incredible property on the eastern shore of Lake Tahoe.

http://www.thunderbirdlodge.org/index.html

Rafting on the Truckee River

For a leisurely 5 mile float down the Truckee River, check out these outfits for rentals. BYOB.

http://www.truckeeriverraft.com

http://www.tahoetruckeerafting.com/

Tahoe City

For excellent cuisine, cute coffeeshops, and shopping, visit Tahoe City on the western shore of Lake Tahoe. You will also enjoy beautiful views of the lake from Commons Beach.

http://www.visittahoecity.com/

Room Share/ Ride Share

Please use this page to find hotel roommates, rides to the World Conference, and/or rental car sharing.

To post your need, click "add new comment" (which appears in blue below). It is recommended that you list your email address so that you may be contacted directly, but that is up to you.

To respond to a posting, click "reply" at the bottom of a post, and your reply will appear on this page (you may want to give your email address so that you may be contacted directly).

When your need has been met, please go back to your comment (be sure you are logged in) and click "edit", and delete the content of your post. (admin is the only one who can delete the post entirely, but if you have deleted all of the content, I'll know to delete the post) Otherwise people will just keep contacting you....

Click "Contact Us" above in the header of the site for feedback or assistance. You only need a login to interact with this page, paid membership is not required to participate.)

Schedule of Events

General Schedule of Events:

• June 19 & 20: Pre-conference, 2-day, Experiential Workshops
• June 20, 7:00pm-9:00/9:30pm: Poster Session, Early Registration, & Social event at the Silver Legacy Hotel - Room "Silver Baron E"

ACBS Chapters & Special Interest Groups: Come Socialize & Have a Drink with Your Fellow Members & Potential Members - 8:00-9:30pm, June 20, Silver Legacy Hotel - Room "Silver Baron D"

This will be informal in the service of building community.

• June 21- 24: World Conference VIII (June 24th will conclude at 1:45pm)
• June 21 evening: BBQ & Evening Social Event - UNR campus

This BBQ is part of the ACBS conference, and will begin immediately after the final plenary on June 21, so please dress accordingly. If you would like to bring spouses or children you are welcome, and we will email attendees about the costs and method of payment for additional guests as soon as we have it finalized (because we need to notify the caterer, we will need to know about these extra guests at least 3 weeks before the conference). We will have BBQ and delicious vegetarian fare, a cash bar, and a beautiful setting on the south side of the University campus (only a few blocks from the conference hotel).

• June 22 evening: Reno Aces baseball (minor league) game & social

ACBS Goes to the Aces: Baseball, Food and Family Fun

Tuesday evening, join ACBS at the Reno Aces minor league baseball game! This is a great opportunity to enjoy Reno's newly built ballpark with fun for the whole family. The ticket you collect in Reno in your registration packet includes admission to a reserved section of the lawn seating just for us, which is situated for excellent views, is cool and comfortable, and allows for easy mingling (there is a playground directly behind the grass berm where we'll be sitting and kids are invited to run the bases after the game). ACBS will make a splash at the game, with Steve Hayes throwing out the first pitch, and one of our members signing the National Anthem to start off the game. Once in the park, there is access to concession food and drinks. If baseball is not quite your cup-of-tea, your ticket also buys admission into the Freight House District adjacent to the park; an awesome new complex of restaurants and bars. The District is high class with swanky outdoor bars and terrace areas but has moderately priced food for all tastes, including a Sports Bar (with up-scale pub food and views of the game), an Irish pub (with 100 beers on tap and wood-fired pizzas), an industrial loft/bistro (with Cajun-style entrees) that becomes a dance club later on, and a fresh Mexican place. Your game ticket covers admission to the Freight House District and you can easily move back and forth between it and the park. Both are centrally located, within walking distance of the Silver Legacy; convenient for those who might like to stay out late after the game.

Not going or need another ticket for a family member? We'll have a Leave-A-Ticket, Take-A-Ticket basket at the registration desk to make swapping easier. Or you can purchase these lawn tickets for your family at the ballpark for $5. Don't forget to bring a towel or blanket to sit on at the game!

• June 23, evening: Follies - Reno Ballroom (next to the Silver Legacy Hotel)

The Follies began as a manifestation of one of our CBS values -- remembering to hold ourselves and the work lightly -- and what better way to do so than through humor? Today it consists of songs, skits, and funny powerpoint presentations related to the conference, ACT, RFT, and psychology, put together by conference attendees, and coordinated by our own lovely Sonja Batten. (When you get to Reno, if you have an event to add to the follies let Sonja know so that she can help you and get you on the schedule.)

While not an official ACBS event, ACBS has always made room for this popular night. This event is open to conference attendees and spouses/partners (even though they may not understand all of the psychology humor!); we request that children are not brought to this event, as the content is sometimes not kid friendly. A reasonably priced cash bar will be available.

Program & Schedule

• Click Here to View the Session Schedule

After the call for submissions is complete, and the program is finished, the detailed program will be loaded to this website.

WC8 Conference Committee

Thank you to our generous volunteer Conference Committee!

Conference Chair:
Jason Luoma, Ph.D.

Program Committee:
Linda Bilich, University of Wollongong, Australia
Frank Bond, Goldsmiths, University of London, UK
Jennifer L. Boulanger, University of Nevada, Reno
Martin Brock, Nottingham Psychotherapy Unit, UK
Lisa Coyne, Suffolk University, Boston, MA
Brandon Gaudiano, Brown University, Providence, RI
Steven C. Hayes, University of Nevada, Reno
Jason Luoma, Portland Psychotherapy Clinc, Research, & Training Center, PC, Portland, OR
Louise McHugh, University of Wales, Swansea, UK
Giovanni Miselli, ASCCO-Parma; IULM University-Milan; AUSL-Reggio Emilia, Italy

On Site Event Planners:
Jennifer Boulanger, University of Nevada, Reno
Lindsay Fletcher, University of Nevada, Reno
Mikaela Hildebrandt, University of Nevada, Reno
Tami Jaffcoat, University of Nevada, Reno
Mike Levin, University of Nevada, Reno
Jennifer Plumb, University of Nevada, Reno
Emily Rodrigues, ACBS
Merry Sylvester, University of Nevada, Reno
Jamie Yadavaia, University of Nevada, Reno

WC8 General Flier for Distribution

If you are interested in downloading a general flier advertising the conference, please do so here. We recommend emailing the flier as an attachment to groups that allow attachments.

In the case that you'd prefer to send an email blurb, we have some sample text below that you can use as a starting point; feel free to edit for your purposes.

We're hoping for record numbers, so spread the word!

-----------------------------------------------EMAIL TEXT-----------------------------------------------------

I am writing to inform you of a very exciting opportunity this summer! The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science World Conference will take place JUNE 21-24, 2010 at the University of Nevada, Reno.
http://www.contextualpsychology.org/wc8

The World Conference will bring together clinicians and researchers from all over the globe to present cutting-edge research and provide intensive and expert clinical training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and other modern acceptance- and mindfulness-based therapeutic approaches.

All health professionals, researchers and students/trainees are invited to attend.

Learn core skills and case conceptualization in ACT, mindfulness methods, Functional Analytic Psychotherapy, Motivational Interviewing, group treatment methods, supervision skills, brief intervention strategies, and attend panel discussions, plenary sessions, and symposia on cutting-edge research topics.

CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS:

• FREE CEs in Psychology, Social Work* & MFT* (*CA approval; national SW & LPC approval pending)

• Registration is all-inclusive: lunch, evening activities, all clinical workshops

• Discounted hotel rates, free parking at hotel, transportation provided to campus

• Gain intensive clinical training and network locally and internationally

• Invited Speakers: James Gross, Daniel Wegner, G. Terrance Wilson discuss cutting edge research in emotion regulation, thought suppression and the progression of CBT as a field

• Leading statistician Robert Gallop provides ½ day workshop on HLM and Multi-level modeling

• Learn about recent advances in basic and applied research topics such as RFT, behavioral health, prevention science, clinical methods development, conducting research within clinical practice, and discuss the progression of clinical science.

PRE-CONFERENCE WORKSHOPS (June 19-20)

Immediately preceding the main conference, these intensive workshops provide focused training. Registration is separate from the main conference and start times and locations vary. Visit the website for details and register early as these tend to fill quickly.

• Two-day intensive and experiential training in ACT: beginner, intermediate, & advanced workshops offered by Steve Hayes, Kelly Wilson, John Forsyth, & Robyn Walser

• Two-day intensive training in ACT with Children & Families (Lisa Coyne)

• Two-day intensive training in Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (Bob Kohlenberg & Mavis Tsai)

• Mindfulness Meditation & ACT Retreat at a rustic and relaxing setting over-looking Lake Tahoe (Joanne Dahl, Lindsay Fletcher & Fredrik Livheim)

• Two-day introduction to Relational Frame Theory for clinicians (Niklas Törneke & John T. Blackledge)

PLEASE VISIT http://www.contextualpsychology.org/wc8 FOR MORE INFORMATION AND TO REGISTER.

WC8 Powerpoints / Handouts

UNDER CONSTRUCTION

We are collecting many of the powerpoint presentations and handouts from presenters at the ACBS World Conference VIII, which is taking place June 21-24, in Reno, Nevada. These are available for download for any current, paid ACBS member. It can cost you as little as $1 to join, so please consider it! Find out how to join and learn about the benefits of membership.

 

• ACT and Trauma: New Data and Directions (Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Group Treatment for Uniformed Services Professionals with Complex Trauma) - Bastien, Hermann, & Moore
• ACT as a Brief Intervention - Strosahl
• ACT-Based Family Intervention for Adolescents with Anorexia Nervosa - Merwin, Timko, & Zucker
• ACT Based Preventive Programming on College Campuses - Levin
• ACT Based Preventive Programming on College Campuses - Morse
• ACT for Anxious Children, Adolescents, and Families - Coyne & Davis
• ACT for Conceptualization, Assessment, and Treatment of Disordered Eating - Sandoz, Manduchi, & Presti
• ACT for Conceptualization, Assessment, and Treatment of Disordered Eating (Anorexia case) - Sandoz, Manduchi, & Presti
• ACT for Spiritual Development - Robb
• ACT for the Spectrum of Body-Image and Disordered Eating-Related Concerns: Theory, Assessment, and
  Practice (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Eating Disorders: Clinical Practice with a complex case) - Manduchi
• ACT for young Adults (16-28 year olds): ACT used in group format as prevention or an early intervention aimed towards psychological ill health and stress - Livheim
• ACT for young Adults (16-28 year olds): ACT used in group format as prevention or an early intervention aimed towards psychological ill health and stress - Livheim (Handout)
• ACT Group Treatment for Health Anxiety - Eilenberg & Frostholm
• ACT in Practice: Case Conceptualization in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy - Bach & Moran
• ACT on Living and Dying - Gregg
• ACT with Challenging Patients - Strosahl
• ACT with Children & Families (2-day workshop) - Coyne
• ACT with Depression - Zettle
• ACT with Students and Educators (Evaluation of an Acceptance & Mindfulness Training for Elementary Staff, Educators, & Administrators) - Woidneck
• ACT with Young People - L. Hayes
• Assessment of Mindfulness and Acceptance Processes in ACT (Measuring cognitive fusion and defusion in
  depression using a modified Dysfunctional Attitudes Scale) - Kearney
• Assessment of Mindfulness and Acceptance Processes in ACT (Mindfulness and Experiential Avoidance as
  Predictors of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder Avoidance Symptom Severity) - Thompson
• The Basic Behavior Analytic Principles of Psychotherapy - W. Follette, Callaghan, Darrow, & Bonow
• Building a Firm Foundation: Intervention Development from the Bottom Up - Hayes, Wegner, Gross, & Kashdan
• Developing behavioral measures of ACT/RFT processes: An international lab meeting (IRAPing our Way to Psychological Flexibility) - Drake
• Developing behavioral measures of ACT/RFT processes: An international lab meeting (Testing the Impact of a Brief Acceptance, Mindfulness and Values Intervention on Multiple Features of Task Persistence) - Levin
• Doing ACT while still recalling your A-B-Cs - Robb
• Eating Dialog: An Academic program for physician and dietitian - Kalter
• An Engaging Partnership: Integration of ACT and the Motivational Interviewing Model - Dempsey
• Enhancing Psychotherapy With Values: Practical Tools & Exercises - Dahl & Plumb
• Enhancing Psychotherapy with Values (Handouts) - Dahl & Plumb
• An Experiential Journey Through the Matrix - Polk, Webster, & Schoendorff (Handout)
• Finding Hope Inside Creative Hopelessness - J. Villatte
• From Basic Science to Clinical Application: Empirical Advances in ACT Research with Children and Families (ACT-Relevant Constructs in Child Therapy Process: The Role of Child Experiential Avoidance, Willingness, and Safety Seeking Behaviors in a Family-Based CBT for Young Children with OCD) - Davis, Coyne, & Martinez
• From Basic Science to Clinical Application: Empirical Advances in ACT Research with Children and Families (Experiential Avoidance of Parenting Questionnaire (EAP): Development Study) - Morrill, Crowe, & Cordova
• From Basic Science to Clinical Application: Empirical Advances in ACT Research with Children and Families
  (Maternal Avoidant Emotion Regulation and its impact on Emotion Regulation in Early Childhood) - Bendezu
• From Basic Science to Clinical Application: Empirical Advances in ACT Research with Children and Families
  (Maternal Emotion Regulatory Strategy Mediates Maternal Depression and Child Internalizing Problems) - Thompson
• Functional Eclecticism: Four Conversations about Complex Behavior (Fooling around with Definitions of Psychological Flexibility) - Drake
• Implementing ACT Online: Past and Future Projects (Smoking cessation and prevention of mental
  health problems: Discussing two ongoing projects) - Levin
• Improving CBT: Problems and Prospects - T. Wilson
• Interventions to Foster Resilience and Psychological Flexibility in Non-Clinical Populations (ACT on stress: The efficacy of ACT for reducing stress and improving the quality of therapy in clinical psychology interns) - Stafford-Brown & Pakenham
• Introduction to Longitudinal Data Analysis - Gallop
• Introduction to RFT for Clinicians (Pre-Conference Workshop) - Torneke & Blackledge
• Linking RFT to the Hexaflex - M. Villatte & Monestes
• The Matrix and the Art of Improvisation - Polk & Hambright (Handout)
• Mindfulness and Acceptance Processes in Relation to Weight-Related Difficulties and Diabetes (Experiential avoidance and obesity: A random population study of adult women) - Horwath
• Mindfulness and Acceptance Processes in Relation to Weight-Related Difficulties and Diabetes (The role of thought believability in the relationship between depression, diabetes, and stress) - Schmidt, Ward, Gregg, Tarango, & Vanveghel
• New Directions in ACT for Addiction (Experiential Avoidance and Self-Stigma in Addiction: Two New Measures) - Luoma
• New Directions in ACT for Addiction (Telephone-delivered Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) for adult
  smoking cessation: A feasibility study) - Bricker
• Perspectives on Applied Clinical Processes Involved in Compassion- Focused Psychotherapy Techniques in
  ACT (Relationships among Emotional Schemas, Psychological Flexibility, Dispositional Mindfulness, and Emotion Regulation) - Silberstein
• Perspectives on Perspective Taking (Associations among Deictic Relational Responding, Empathy, Experiential Avoidance and Social Anhedonia in a sample of College Students) - Vilardaga
• Perspectives on Perspective Taking (Developing a Spiritual Invetory) - Gird
• Perspectives on Perspective Taking (Enhancing Self as Context and Pain Tolerence) - Carrasquillo
• Pillars and Posts and Arches, Oh Boy - Strosahl
• Psychosis and ACT (Preliminary results from the Lifengage trial - a randomised controlled trial of acceptance and commitment therapy for medication-resistant psychosis) - Farhall
• Psychosis and ACT (Rule-Governed Behavior as delusion maintenance factor in schizophrenia) - Monestes, Stewart, & M. Villatte
• Reconstructing Measurement Theory From a Contextualist Perspective - Wilson, Bond, Ciarrochi, Hayes, & Bordieri
• RFT Basis of ACT and Third Wave CBT - McHugh, Stewart, Hooper, & Sandoz (Handout)
• The Road Ahead: Developing an ACT research and publication strategy consistent with Contextual Behavioral
  Science - Hayes
• The Shaping Game: Using DBT, FAP & ACT for clients with chronic distress - Georgescu
• Speaking Across Islands: Building Communication Between ACT and Other Approaches to Clinical Psychology - M. Villatte, Blackledge, Ciarrochi, & Robb
• Single Case Designs for Clinicians: Bridging the Gap Between Research and Practice - J. Villatte
• Standing Your Ground: Why Philosophy Matters for Clinicians - Steinwachs, Buckner, & Heerman
• Stress Less, Live More - Blonna
• Stress Less, Live More - Blonna (Handout)
• Supporting self-help ACT with email counseling - Schreurs & Fledderus
• Taking it Out of the Box: Multilevel ACT/RFT Applications inside Clinical Behavior Analysis (Improving Social Skills by Building Fluency on Deictic Framing and Relevant Relational Classes) - Newsome
• Toward a contextual neuroscience? - Fletcher
• Toward a contextual neuroscience? - Hayes
• Transformation in Psychotherapy - Ebert
• The truth about Functional Contextualism - Hayes, Moderato, Miselli, & Biglan
• Using Acceptance and Commitment Group Training in Vocational Rehabilitation Programs with Special Needs Veterans - Billig, Merladet, & Acord
• Values, Verbal Relations, and Compassion: We can do a better job of facing global challenges (plenary) - Hayes

2-Day Pre-Conference Workshops

All of the Pre-Conference Workshops have filled. Please check our Training Events Calendar for other training opportunities in your area. Or come to the World Conference, where you can learn from all of these trainers, and more.

These 2-day workshops will be held the 2-days immediately preceding the ACBS World Conference III, at the same venue. They will be roughly 9:00-5:00/5:15pm on Monday and Tuesday, June 29 & 30, 2009.

*These workshops run concurrently, therefore you may only attend one of the workshops below, and they require their own registration (they are not a part of the ACBS World Conference).

Pre-Conference 2-day Workshop Early Registration (June 29 & 30):
Note: Onsite registration is not available for the 2-day workshops

€275: Professional/ Affiliate
€165: Student

Prices include 2 lunches, coffee/tea.

• WORKSHOP FULL: ACT with Youth and Parents (introductory - advanced):
  Amy Murrell, Ph.D., and Rikard Wicksell, Ph.D.
• WORKSHOP FULL: Tweedaagse Experientiele Introductie Workshop Acceptance en Commitment Therapie (In het Nederlands- In Dutch!!!) (introductory):
  Ando Rokx, MSc, and Lucas Goessens, MSc
• WORKSHOP FULL: Using the Hexaflex Functional Dimensional Experiential Interview (intermediate - advanced):
  Kelly Wilson, Ph.D., Emily Sandoz, & Regan Slater
• WORKSHOP FULL: Introductory ACT Workshop (introductory/intermediate):
  Steve Hayes, Ph.D.
• WORKSHOP FULL: Applying ACT to Complex Chronic Dug in Problems emphasizing the use of experiential dramatization of Core Processes (intermediate/advanced):
  JoAnne Dahl, Ph.D.
• WORKSHOP FULL: Personal Willingness and Compassion: Advanced Workshop in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (advanced):
  Robyn Walser, Ph.D.

CE Credits (Continuing Education)

Possible credit hours:

• 2-day pre-conference workshops: 14 hours

• ACBS World Conference III (attending all events): 21 hours
  (July 1 - 6.5 hours, July 2 - 7.5 hours, July 3 - 7 hours)

Types of Credit Available:

• Accreditation (CE's) for Dutch participants will be available for the VGCT, FGzP, NVVP and Eerstelijnspsycholoog NIP.

• CE credit is available for psychologists (APA type).

Approval:
Accreditation (CE's) for Dutch participants will be available for the VGCT, FGzP, NVVP and Eerstelijnspsycholoog NIP. These CE credits are maintained and provided by GGNet.

The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science maintains responsibility for the program. APA CE rules require that we only issue credits to those who attend the entire workshop. Those arriving more than 15 minutes late or leaving before the entire workshop is completed will not receive CE credits.

Refunds & Grievance Policies: Participants may direct any questions or complaints to ACBS Executive Director Emily Neilan Rodrigues, 1-775-746-2013 or through the "Contact Us" link on this website.

• CE credit fees are included in the price of registration. No further fee is required.

• (Note: CE credits are only available for professionals. You may not earn CE credits with a student registration.)

Call for POSTER Submissions - Closed

[img_assist|nid=3685|title=|desc=|link=none|align=right|width=100|height=97]
ACBS WORLD CONFERENCE III- 2009

Call for Submissions - Closed

Go to Online Submission Form
Poster Submission Deadline Extended to April 1, 2009

I am happy to announce that planning for the ACBS World Conference III is underway. The Institute will be held at the Technical University of Twente on 1-3 July, 2009 in Enschede, The Netherlands.

Pre-conference 2-day experiential workshops will be held on 29-30 June. The conference as well as the social events will take place at the campus of the University. Enschede can be reached by a direct, two-hour train trip from Schiphol Airport in Amsterdam. Most of the designated hotels are within walking distance of the campus (designated hotels farther away will provide shuttle service).

The structure of the program will be similar to previously successful ACBS World Conferences, and will be both ACT and RFT focused. We are hoping to give the conference a European flavor so we especially want to hear from European clinicians and/or researchers. Of course we also hope to welcome a lot of folks from outside Europe. We want to give research and RFT a prominent place and we are looking for innovations and new clinical, as well as non-clinical, applications.

We will host an opening evening on Tuesday (30 June) with a poster session/ cocktail event which is intended to showcase clinical and experimental research in RFT and ACT—a great way to see what is happening around the world. There will be a big barbecue on Wednesday evening for all participants of the conference. On Thursday we’ll have our famous Follies night as well as a separate place with music and drinks if you prefer.

At this time, we would like to put out a call for submissions to the ACBS World Conference III. We want to open the call broadly and encourage proposals for short workshops (3 hrs. or less), panel discussions, research symposia, research papers (looking for a symposium), consultation sessions, or other types of sessions you think would be an asset to this year’s program. Feel free to propose sessions you would like to see, along with those you would like to conduct.

We are eager to hear your ideas and will continue to post information regarding the ACBS World Conference III.

For further description of purpose, audience, and style of sessions please read below.

Looking forward to seeing you all here!

On behalf of the program committee

Ando Rokx
GGNET Apeldoorn
The Netherlands
________________________________________________
PURPOSES
The primary purpose of the conference is to share knowledge, scientific work, ideas, and skills about ACT and RFT. All over the world people are producing an exciting array of work, varying from fundamental research on basic processes to clinical and nonclinical application of ACT and RFT. We want the conference to be a place where all of these folks can meet and exchange the richness of their scientific and applied work.

A secondary purpose is to increase the skill of attendees in implementing research and application of ACT. This will be accomplished through a combination of targeted workshops, symposia, poster session, video demonstrations, live demonstrations, role playing, clinically focused case discussions, and experiential work.

A final purpose of the World Conference is to help interested attendees better understand RFT, its significance in understanding human suffering and how RFT principles can be translated into clinical practice, and to help attendees learn and develop methods and strategies for conducting ACT process and outcome studies in applied and academic settings. This will be accomplished through “user friendly” workshops and small group discussions.

AUDIENCE
The target audience for this conference is any practitioner, researcher, or student interested in learning more about the clinical and non-clinical application of ACT/RFT or who is interested in building the scientific ACT/RFT base of knowledge.

STYLE OF SESSIONS
We want the conference to be very interactive, with participants getting chances to increase their knowledge, enhance their understanding and develop skills, with lots of time for questions, presentations on different levels, chances to do role plays, watch videos, get feedback on difficult clients, and watch tapes of clinical work they have brought with them.

There will also be scientific symposia presented by researchers, with one entire track devoted to RFT research and applications for those with varying levels of familiarity.

Did my registration go through? / Was my payment received?

Registration
This is easy to check.

While logged into your account, on the right, below your username, click "Transaction History". This will show everything you've paid for, or events you've registered for in the past 2 years.

If you were not logged into your account when you registered, you'll need to contact us.

Payment
If you have received an email receipt, your payment has been processed, and you're all set.

If you look under "Transaction History" (see instructions above) and it says "Completed" on the right side of your registration, then payment has been received. (If it says "Pending" then the payment information has not yet reached ACBS.)

Please note: If you are paying by Euro Bank Transfer (we thank you!), it may take up to 10 days for your payment information to be updated on the website. (The information is being securely sent to ACBS every 7-10 days.) When your account is updated, registration completed, payment received, you will receive an email confirmation.

If you're just not sure, please contact us.

Enschede, The Netherlands - Maps, Restaurant Info, etc.

Visit Enschede

• Includes transportation, bed & breakfast, restaurant, event information, etc.

General information about visiting The Netherlands

The Netherlands Board of Tourism & Conventions

Enschede City Map I found an Enschede City Map of the downtown area, with landmarks noted, at VisitEnschede.nl It is attached at the bottom of this page for ACBS members. (You won't see the link if you're not logged into your current, paid ACBS member account.)

Interactive Google Map of Enschede & the University of Twente

Scroll to the northwest to see hotels, restaurants, and more in Hengelo.

Click "Sat" in the top right corner of the map to see a satellite view.

View Larger Map

Michelin Map

There is an alternative map from Michelin here: Michelin Map.

General Schedule of Events

Pre-Conference Experiential Workshops (2-days):

• Monday, June 29, 9:00am-5:00/5:15pm
• Tuesday, June 30, 9:00am-5:00/5:15pm

ACBS World Conference III:

• Tuesday, June 30, 7:30pm-10:00pm (poster session begins at 8:00pm) - Poster Session/ Opening Cocktail Social Event
• Wednesday, July 1, 9:00am-5:45/6:00pm, 1st day of sessions (workshops/ symposia/ plenary sessions)
• Wednesday, July 1, 6:00pm-11:30pm - University Hosted BBQ Dinner and Social Event
• Thursday, July 2, 9:00am-5:45pm, 2nd day of sessions (workshops/ symposia/ plenary session)
• Thursday, July 2, 6:00pm - Midnight - Dinner, ACBS Follies/Skit night, and Social Event
• Friday, July 3, 9:00am-5:30, 3rd and final day of sessions (workshops/ symposia/ plenary session)

Hotel Accommodations

ACBS World Conference III, 2009 We have blocked rooms at the following hotels in Enschede. (Please note, the conference rate is only available until the dates listed for each hotel.)

• The prices listed are the conference room rates (including or excluding breakfast).

• Only the Drienerburght has rooms suited for one individual, the rest are rooms with two beds, intended to accommodate 1 person per bed.

• ACBS recommends staying at the Drienerburght or Eden Broeierd because of their proximity to the conference location.

1. Eden Dish, Eden Star, (Eden Broeierd - the Broeierd is currently full)

Location	Nearby the conference location and in the cities Enschede and Hengelo
Telephone	+31 53 85 06 500 (number for reservation for all the Eden-hotels)
Amount of Rooms	35 (Broeierd)/65 (Eden Star)/25 (Eden Dish)
Room Rates	€90,- for a room, breakfast €15,- per person
Reservation	Before the First of March rooms will be guaranteed, after 3/1/2009 reservations are possible for the reduced price until 4/28/2009 (while rooms last).
Subscription	You can make your reservation via this Eden hotels English language reservation PDF. If you are unable to view the pdf, you may get the form here.
Website	www.edencityhotels.com
Remarks	The reservations will first be placed in the Eden Broeierd, then Dish Hotel, because of the distance to the conference location. The Eden Broeierd Hotel is a chique place in a former farm (founded in 1831).

2. Van der Valk

Location	Hengelo
Telephone	+31 74 25 55 055
Amount of Rooms	100
Room Rates	€85,- for a room, breakfast €12.50 per person
Reservation	Reservations can no longer be made at the conference rate, but rooms are still available in this hotel as of 18 June.
Subscription	By e-mail receptie@hengelo-valk.nl or by telephone (+31 74 25 55 055).
Website	www.valk.com
Remarks	www.valk.com (English)

3. Drienerburght - THIS HOTEL IS FULL.

Location	Twente University (on campus)
Telephone	+31 53 43 31 366
Amount of Rooms	64
Room Rates	€72.50 incl. breakfast for a single room, €82.50, incl. breakfast for a double room.
Reservation	Booking should be made before April 15, 2009
Subscription	www.drienerburght.nl (English), choose reservations, complete your hotel room reservation and type ACT under "I take part in the congress" to book a room with the discount. Or by telephone: +31 53 43 31 366 under the reference ACT.
Website	www.drienerburght.nl
Remarks	The Drienerburght offers 51 single rooms and 13 double rooms. The hotel only has basic service and facilities.

Transportation

ACBS only offers free touringcar transportation from the hotels above. The Drienerburght and Broeierd are within ten walking minutes. ACBS does not offer transportation for these two hotels. You must submit a transportation request by June 1, 2009, at this link contextualpsychology.org/wc3_transportation to take advantage of the free shuttle.

Alternative Housing

For information concerning Bed & Breakfasts, cheap holiday homes (6-8 pax) call +31 53 432 32 00 or by e-mail info@enschedepromotie.nl

Or check out: http://www.hotelenschede.nl/holiday%20apartments.htm

I'm told it's 15 min from the University. You'll likely need to rent a car if you stay at this location, or sort out information about busing, to see if this will work for you.

Powerpoint presentations for World Conference III events

We have collected many of the powerpoint presentations and handouts from presenters at the ACBS World Conference III, which took place July 1-3, 2009, in Enschede, The Netherlands. These are available for download for any current, paid ACBS member. It can cost you as little as $1 to join, so please consider it! Find out how to join and learn about the benefits of membership.

• The ABC Course: A pilot ACT course for learning mindfulness - Trepka
• Acceptance and Present-Moment Processes with People who Hear Distressing Voices - Morris, Garrety, Peters
• ACT as a Brief Intervention: Theory and Application - Strosahl
• ACT based Treatment of Chronic Pain - Outcome data to three years - Vowles, McCracken, & Jeremy Gauntlett-Gilbert
• ACT Early: Acceptance, Mindfulness, and Values in Early Intervention for Psychosis - Morris, Oliver, Bloy
• ACT for Young Adults (16-28 year olds) - ACT used in Group Format as Prevention or an Early Intervention aimed towards Psychological Ill-health and Stress - Livheim
• ACT in Teams - Heuts
• ACT to prevent stress and promote health: Psychological Treatment of Youth under Stressful Conditions - A Pilot Evaluation of the Impact of ACT in an Adolescent Group - Livheim & Stavenow
• ACT with Love- Harris
• ACT with the Challenging Patient - Strosahl
• "ACTifying" Religious Traditions - Robb
• Applying ACT to Cases of Complex Depression: New Clinical and Research Perspectives - Gaudiano
• Applying ACT to Cases of Complex Depression: New Clinical and Research Perspectives - Dalrymple
• Building systems with values: Integrated care and beyond… - Webster, Ormston, & Harrington
• Can a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Intervention Change Personality? - Nyklicek
• Creative Confusion: An Idiot's Guide to ACT in Groups - Polk, Webster, Schoendorff, & Hambright (handout)
• A Group ACTivation Program for Us Old Folks - Rydberg
• From Verbal Content to Experiential Process with the iView - Polk
• From Verbal Content to Experiential Process with the iView - Polk (handout)
• Evaluating introductory ACT workshops: Changes in knowledge and responses to experiential exercises - Morris
• Identifying the Active Ingredients in ACT - Ciarrochi
• The Impact of ACT Training on Stress and Burnout in Human Services Workers - Lloyd & Bond
• The ImPActS model of principled living: Measuring the extent that people find principles to be Important, Pressured by others, Activated, and successfully engaged - Ciarrochi
• The Importance of RFT to the Development of Contextual Behavioral Science (Presidential Address) - Hayes
• Living a Vital Life with Obsessions: Treating OCD with ACT - Plumb & Schoendorff
• Measuring acceptance and fusion in individuals seeking treatment for chronic fatigue - Vowles, Catchpool, Johnson, Bristow, & Hadlandsmyth
• Mindfulness and Acceptance in the Treatment of Depression - Strosahl & Robinson
• On being present and feeling good: The link between present-moment awareness and emotional well-being amongst adolescence - Ciarrochi
• Overcoming Resistance - Made Simple - Harris
• OCD and Case Formulation in ACT - Brock (handout)
• Practical Mindfulness for Meditation Hating Clients: The appliance of Heartrate Coherence Training - Kleen
• The Primary Care Behavioral Health Model: A Platform for ACT - Robinson
• RFT & the Self: Theory, Research, and Applications - Boulanger & Stewart (pdf version)
• RFT: An Overview of the Evidence to Date - Stewart & Sandoz (pdf version)
• RFT - Basic Concepts and Clinical Implications - Torneke & Luoma or (pdf handout version)
• RFT and evolution: Are memetics the missing link? - Kleen
• Self-as-Context Made Simple - Harris
• Thought Suppression and the Transfer on Stimulus Functions - Hooper, McHugh, Saunders (pptx file)
• Using ACT to Empower the Unconscious - A-Tjak
• Using ACT to Improve Management of Chronic Pain in Primary Care - Robinson
• Working with Values in Chronic Pain - Vowles

Program

Complete, Final, Program - July 1, 2, & 3 (for ACBS members)

(please login to your current paid member account to download/view the pdf) (If you need to find something specific in the program, do a "Control+F" to find a name or title.) If you prefer, far below is a list of what will be at the World Conference III. Below are Workshops, Invited Talks, Symposia, Papers, & Posters.

Wednesday, July 1

Wednesday Morning 9:00-9:45am 

1. Welcome to the ACBS World Conference III, the University of Twente, and Enschede 

Plenary (9:00-9:45am): 

Room: Vrijhof – Agora/ Amphitheater 

ANDO ROKX, GGNET, Netherlands 

PROF. DR. HUBERT COONEN, Deacon Faculty of Behavioral Sciences, Twente University 

DRS. K. LEMKE, M.D., Member of the board of directors of GGNET 

STEVE HAYES, University of Nevada, Reno 

EMILY RODRIGUES, ACBS 

Target Audience: All 

 

Wednesday Morning 10:00am 

2. ACT in the Workplace Symposium (10:00-Noon): ACT - Other/ Organisational Psychology, Stress at Work, Burnout, Human Services Workers, Stigma 

Room: Vrijhof – Agora Chair: FRANK BOND, Goldsmiths, University of London, U.K. 

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced 

• The Impact of ACT training on Leadership FRANK BOND, Goldsmiths, University of London, U.K. 

• The Impact of ACT and CBT on Stress at Work Paul Flaxman, City University, U.K. FRANK BOND, Goldsmiths, University of London 

• The Impact of ACT Training on Stress and Burnout in Human Services Workers JO LLOYD, Goldsmiths, University of London, U.K. Frank Bond, Goldsmiths, University of London 

• Can ACT reduce staff stigma? Preliminary findings and work in progress SUE CLARKE, Dorset Healthcare Foundation Trust, UK GEORGINA TAYLOR, University of Southampton Kelly Wilson, University of Mississippi, USA Bob Remington, Southampton University, UK This symposium will present original research on organisational applications of ACT. The papers cover ACT interventions and investigations for stress management, leadership, stigma and burnout in a range of organisational contexts including human services workers, public sector workers and financial services. 

 

3. From Verbal Content to Experiential Process with the iView Workshop (10:00-Noon): ACT - Clinical/ Functional Contextualism and Mindfulness 

Room: Vrijhof – Amphitheater 

KEVIN POLK, PH.D., ACT Gone Wild and Togus VA 

Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced 

This will be a discussion of setting up the therapeutic context for ACT using the iView and then showing how the iView is used to transform a client's verbal story into experiential process. In this way clients are given multiple exemplars of ACT-consistent discrimination tasks. 

Educational Objectives: 

• Participants will learn what the iView is. 
• Participants will learn how to use the iView in relationship to their clinical practice. 

 

4. Using ACT to Improve Management of Chronic Pain in Primary Care Workshop (10:00-Noon): ACT - Clinical/ Chronic Pain 

Room: Drienerburght – Zaal A 

PATRICIA ROBINSON, PH.D., Mountainview Consulting Group 

Target Audience: Beginner 

Most chronic pain patients receive the majority of their care in primary care settings. They are often unhappy with the services they receive, and primary care providers often feel unprepared to address pain that does not respond well to treatment. This workshop suggests specific strategies for re-organizing care delivered to primary care patients who suffer from chronic pain. Participants will learn methods for integrating ACT strategies into primary care team interactions with patients, techniques for using ACT in on-going, monthly classes, approaches to evaluating outcomes, and strategies for preventing onset of chronic pain. 

Educational Objectives: 

• Learn strategies for teaching ACT to medical colleagues 
• Learn techniques for using ACT in monthly primary care classes 
• Learn strategies for preventing onset of chronic pain 

 

5. Applying ACT to Cases of Complex Depression: New Clinical and Research Perspectives Workshop (10:00-Noon): ACT - Clinical/ Depression 

Room: Drienerburght – Zaal B 

BRANDON A. GAUDIANO, PH.D., Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Butler Hospital 

KRISTY L. DALRYMPLE, PH.D., Alpert Medical School of Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital 

Target Audience: Intermediate 

Clients who present or are referred to psychotherapy for "major depression" typically have a heterogeneous mix of problematic behaviors for which they are seeking help. However, current clinical trial research and empirically-supported psychotherapy manuals tend to narrowly focus on depressed mood as the target problem, and fail to provide clinicians with a real-world approach for dealing with the multiple, complex problems that often co-exist with complaints of depression. ACT represents a trans-diagnostic approach that may offer a particularly useful clinical model for treating and understanding the depressive experience and its typically co-occurring problems. This workshop will describe newer clinical and research applications of ACT for complex cases of depression. Participants will learn how to use ACT in concert with traditional behavioral interventions such as behavioral activation and exposure techniques. Novel research being conducted by the presenters in these areas will also be described, including treatment development and testing of ACT-based interventions for depressed individuals with psychotic experiences, social anxiety concerns, or suicidal behaviors. 

Educational Objectives: 

• Participants will learn how ACT can be used to extend and enhance traditional behavioral interventions for multi-problem, depressed individuals. 
• Participants will understand how to apply ACT to problems often related to depression, including psychosis and social anxiety. 
• Participants will learn about new research being conducted using ACT to treat complex cases of depression. 

 

6. Developing Your Skills as an ACT Trainer, Part 1 Workshop (10:00-Noon): ACT - Skills/ Training 

Room: Drienerburght – Zaal C 

JASON LUOMA, PH.D., The Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center, PC 

ROBYN D. WALSER, PH.D., National Center for PTSD at the VA Palo Alto 

Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced 

In a discussion format, we will conduct a needs assessment for trainer development. We will help trainers identify common places where trainers can get stuck in workshops, conduct an assessment of their own strengths and weaknesses as a trainer, and help them develop plans for self-development as a trainer. This needs assessment will provide the material for the second part of the workshop to be conducted on the last day of the conference. In this second workshop, experienced trainers will develop a workshop that responds to the training needs identified in part 1 of this workshops series. If someone plants to attend part 2 of the workshop, it would also be helpful to go to part 1 in order to provide input into what will be in part 2 of the workshop. 

Educational Objectives: 

• Identify learning needs as a trainer. 
• Develop a plan for next steps in trainer development. 
• Develop learning focus for part two of the workshop. 

 

7. ACT for Well-Being of Children and Adolescents: Conceptualization, Prevention, and Intervention Symposium (10:00-Noon): ACT - Clinical, ACT - Other/ Mindfulness, Early Intervention, General Psychological Health, Stress, Adolescents, Diabetes 

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1212 

Chair: JOSEPH CIARROCHI, University of Wollongong 

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced 

 

• On being present and feeling good: The link between present-moment awareness and emotional well-being amongst adolescence 

JOSEPH CIARROCHI, University of Wollongong Todd Kashdan, George Mason University Patrick Heaven, University of Wollongong Peter Leeson, University of Wollongong 

 

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) To prevent stress and promote health: Psychological Treatment of Youth under Stressful Conditions - A Pilot Evaluation of the Impact of ACT in an Adolescent Group 

FREDRIK LIVHEIM, Karolinska Institutet, medical university Emma Stavenow, University of Copenhagen 

 

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for adolescents: Study 1 - individual treatment delivered in mental health services, and Study 2 - a group program delivered in schools 

LOUISE HAYES, Ph.D, University of Ballarat 

 

• Measuring processes of behavioral modification during a Diabetes Management Summer Camp: Acceptance in Diabetic Children 

GIOVANNI ZUCCHI, PSY.D., Villa Maria Luigia Hospital, Parma 

Giovanni Miselli, Psy.D., IULM University 

Giovambattista Presti, M.D., IULM University Paolo Moderato, Ph.D., IULM University Paola Accorsi, M.A., C. Magati Hospital, Reggio Emilia

Valerio Miselli, M.D., C. Magati Hospital, Reggio Emilia 

 

This symposium will explore the relevance of ACT for improving the well-being of children and adolescents. Paper 1 examines the relation between the present-moment awareness component of mindfulness and other psychological measures such as tendency to avoid, neuroticism, antisocial tendencies, and psychological flexibility in 10th grade students. Paper 2 describes a study using ACT – delivered by group leaders with limited traning – as an early intervention for young adults with already elevated levels of mental ill-health. Paper 3 reports on two pilot studies using ACT with adolescents as part of beyondblue: Australia’s national depression initiative. Paper 4 investigates the effect of a brieft 5-day summer camp for children with type 1 diabetes. 

 

8. Values in ACT: Conceptualization, Clinical Exercises and Assessment Symposium (10:00-Noon): ACT - Clinical/ Values 

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1216 

Chair: REGAN M. SLATER, University of Mississippi 

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced 

• What are Values? Unpacking Values as Conceptualized in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 

REGAN M. SLATER, University of Mississippi 

Stephanie L. Nassar, University of Mississippi 

Maureen K. Flynn, University of Mississippi 

Kate K. Kellum, University of Mississippi 

Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D., University of Mississippi 

 

• An Improved Measure of Valued Living: The Valued Living Questionnaire-II (VLQ-2) 

STEPHANIE L. NASSAR, University of Mississippi Maureen K. Flynn, University of Mississippi 

Regan M. Slater, University of Mississippi 

Kate K. Kellum, University of Mississippi 

Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D., University of Mississippi 

 

• Values-Centered Exercises: Impact of Values Work on Psychological Well-Being 

MAUREEN K. FLYNN, University of Mississippi 

Regan M. Slater, University of Mississippi 

Stephanie L. Nassar, University of Mississippi 

Kate K. Kellum, University of Mississippi 

Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D., University of Mississippi 

This symposium will discuss values, from unpacking the definition presented in Mindfulness for Two, an assessment of values to be used in both research and clinical work, and exercises to explore values work.

 

9. Experimental analysis of complex human behavior: Disambiguation of relational networks and transformations of functions through hierarchical and analogical relations. Symposium (10:00-Noon): RFT - Research/ Relational responding

 Room: Hogekamp – HO 1220

Chair: FRANCISCO RUIZ, University of Almería

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

 

• Relational coherence in ambiguous and unambiguous relational networks

Jennifer L. Quiñones, University of Nevada

STEVEN C. HAYES, Ph.D., University of Nevada

 

• Transformation of functions through hierarchical frames.

 ENRIQUE GIL, University of Almería

Carmen Luciano, Ph.D., University of Almería

Francisco Ruiz, University of Almería

Vanessa Sánchez, University of Almería

 

• Transformation of functions through analogical relations: An experimental analysis of metaphors as clinical method.

FRANCISCO RUIZ, University of Almería

Carmen Luciano, University of Almería

 

• Modelling Hierarchical Relational Responding

IAN STEWART, NIU Galway

This symposium brings together different topics from relational responding and Relational Frame Theory (RFT) fields. The first paper addresses the topic of the derivation of ambiguous relations. Specifically, the paper presents two experiments that were conducted to examine how individuals disambiguate relational networks. The second presentation discusses the nature of hierarchical relational responding and presents the advances to extend the model presented by Griffee & Dougher (2002) to arbitrarily related stimuli and categorization under the control of contextual cues for hierarchical relational responding. The third presentation provides further evidence of the transformation of functions through hierarchical relations proceeding from an independent laboratory. Participants were trained to respond to arbitrary stimuli as several relational contexts (specifically as similar, different and hierarchical relations) and then a complex relational network was formed. Functions were given to some stimuli and the transformation of functions was observed according with the specific relational context. Finally, the fourth presentation tries to provide a RFT account of the use of metaphors as clinical methods. Specifically, this paper shows a series of studies that explore the conditions under which transformation of functions occurs through analogical relations.

 

10. Introduction to ACT in Dutch; Introductieworkshop ACT – Nederlandstalig Workshop (10:00am-4:15pm): ACT - Skills/ Theoretical and experiential introduction to ACT therapy

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1224

JACQUELINE A-TJAK, PsyQ at Zaandam, The Netherlands

INGRID POSTMA, GGZ West Friesland, Hoorn, The Netherlands

Target Audience: Beginner

This is a workshop to introduce ACT to folks who take an interest in ACT, but know little of this form of therapy. The workshop will be held in Dutch, because it aims at Dutch and Flemish people who want to attend the world conference. We will address the ACT model of Psychological Flexibility and Inflexibility at a theoretical level and in experiential exercises. This will be done according to the ACT book: Learning ACT, which is available in Dutch at the beginning of 2009. The workhop aims at giving people some basic understanding of ACT, which will help understanding other workshops at the world conference with more ease. It can also been seen as a stand-alone workshop for people who want to get more acquainted with ACT. Deze workshop is bedoeld voor wie behoefte heeft aan een overzichtelijke en praktische kennismaking met ACT. Theoretische basiskennis wordt afgewisseld met experientiële oefeningen, waarin de deelnemer aan den lijve kan ondervinden wat ACT ‘met je doet’. De workshop laat deelnemers kennismaken met de basisprincipes van het ACTmodel van psychologische (in)flexibiliteit.

Educational Objectives:

• Have an understanding of the model of psychopathology underlying ACT
• Being acquainted with the six core processes
• Having experienced what it is like to undergo experiential exercises (experience the six processes)
• kennismaken met de 6 ACT kernprocessen: acceptatie, defusie, zelf-als-context, contact met het huidige moment, waarden en toegewijde actie.
• kennismaken met de ACT opvatting van wat psychopathologie is
• kennismaken met enkele ACT interventies

 

11. Framing different behavioral strategies in a coherent picture: Where ACT takes place Symposium (10:00-Noon): ACT - Clinical/ Insomnia, academic behavior, social behavior, gambling

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1228

Chair: GIOVAMBATTISTA PRESTI, M.D., Ph.D., IULM University, Milan; IESCUM (Italy)

Discussant: BENJAMIN SCHOENDORFF, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon (France)

Target Audience: Intermediate

• Case report: Compulsory, school and social problem behaviors in an 18 yrs old student GRETA CARLOTTI, PSY.D., Humanitas School of Childhood and Adolescence Clinical Psychology, Milan, IESCUM (Italy)

Giovambattista Presti, M.D., Ph.D., IULM University, Milan; IESCUM (Italy)

Paolo Moderato, Ph.D., IULM University, Milan; IESCUM (Italy)

 

• Case report: Dysfunctional behavioral repertoire in a pre-adolescent girl with congenital dwarfism Ramona Carlotti, Psy D., Humanitas School of Childhood and Adolescence Clinical Psychology, Milan, IESCUM (Italy)

GIOVAMBATTISTA PRESTI, M.D., PH.D., IULM University, Milan; IESCUM (Italy)

Paolo Moderato, Ph.D., IULM University, Milan; IESCUM (Italy)

 

• Case report: Dysfunctional behavioral repertoire in a young woman with mild mental retardation and bipolar disorder

FRANCESCA SCAGLIA, Psy. D., Academy of Behavior and Cognitive Sciences (ASCCO), Parma; IESCUM (Italy)

 

• ACT and 'Impulsive' behavior: A case study of pathological gambling

SARA BORELLI, Psy. D., Academy of Behavior and Cognitive Sciences (ASCCO), Parma; Risorse Psicologiche, Reggio Emilia; IESCUM (Italy)

 

• Case report: Applying ACT in a case of prolonged avoidance of school by an adolescent boy with performance anxiety

MASSIMO RONCHEI, Psy. D., Academy of Behavior and Cognitive Sciences (ASCCO), Parma; IESCUM (Italy)

 

• ACT approach in Chronic Insomnia: A case study KATIA COVATI, Academy of Behavior and Cognitive Sciences (ASCCO), Parma; Istituto Fysios, Parma; IESCUM (Italy)

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) works on human cognition, by creating spaces for expanding behavioral repertoires beyond the boundaries that restrict individual functioning. In addition it helps lowering barriers to implementing additional behavioral strategies that might directly address individual dysfunctional behavioral patterns. This symposium aims to address the synergy that arises from implementing ACT with other behavior modification strategies: e.g. functional behavior analysis, token economy, stimulus control strategies. Clinical cases presented and discussed have a wide range of behavioral disfunctioning often nested in complex symptomatic pictures. ACT contribution within a unique coherent behavioral frame of intervention will be presented. Advantages and disadvantages of using different strategies, in terms of efficacy and effectiveness, will be also discussed

 

12. Psychological Flexibility and Disordered Eating: Conceptualization and Treatment Symposium (10:00-11:00am): RFT - Research, ACT - Clinical, Other/ Eating Disorders, Experiential Avoidance and Eating Pathology, Mindfulness, Health Promotion

Room: Vrijhof – Kleine Zaal

Chair: THOMAS PARLING, M.SC., Department of Psychology, Uppsala University

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• Anorexia nervosa and implicit attitudes: An IRAP-study

THOMAS PARLING, M.SC., Department of Psychology, Uppsala University Martin Cernvall, M.Sc., Department of Psychiatry, Uppsala Academic Hospital

Ata Ghaderi, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, Uppsala University

 

• Experiential Avoidance and Eating Pathology in a Sample of College Students in Cyprus

MARIA KAREKLA, PH.D., University of Nicosia

 

• Evaluation of relaxation response and mindfulness strategies in overweight women: A two year randomized trial

CAROLINE HORWATH, PH.D., University of Otago, Dunedin, New Zealand Greer Hawley, MSc,

Andrew Gray, B Com (Hons),

Alison Bradshaw, MSc,

Lisa Katzer, MSc,

Janine Joyce, M Health Sci.,

Sue O'Brien, BHSc

This symposium discusses the analysis and treatment of eating disorders. Paper 1 reports on preliminary findings from a study examining the implicit attitudes towards body-shape and body perceptions using the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP). Paper 2 examines the relationship between experiential avoidance and other psychological factors, and eating pathology. Paper 3 compares a relaxation and mindfulness program with two other non-dieting programs using results from a 10-week intervention as well as follow-up data.

 

13. ACT and Chronic Illness Symposium (10:00-Noon): ACT - Clinical/ Physical Health, ACT Processes, Intervention, Research Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 5

Chair: DAVID GILLANDERS, University of Edinburgh, U.K.

Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced

• Beliefs, Acceptance, Knowledge, Emotional Distress and Self Care in Older People with Type 2 Diabetes.

DAVID GILLANDERS, University of Edinburgh, U.K. Vicky Thurlby, NHS Lanarkshire, U.K.

 

• ACT based Treatment of Chronic Pain - Outcome data to three years

KEVIN VOWLES, PH.D., University of Bath, U.K.

Lance McCracken, Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, U.K.

Jeremy Gauntlett-Gilbert, Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases, U.K.

 

• Flexing the gut - Quality of Life in Irritable Bowel Syndrome NUNO FERREIRA, University of Edinburgh, U.K.

David Gillanders, UNiveristy of Edinburgh, U.K.

 

• The Evolution of General Psychological Flexibility and Pain Specific Acceptance across time in people with Chronic Pain

ALEXANDRA DIMA, University of Edinburgh, U.K.

David Gillanders, University of Edinburgh, U.K.

In this symposium we will explore ACT relevant processes such as avoidance, fusion, acceptance, beliefs and behaviour as these apply to living successfully with chronic illness. Papers will outline original clinical research on chronic pain, irritable bowel syndrome and diabetes.

 

14. Getting Started with ACT Experiential Supervision Skills Workshop (10:00-Noon): ACT - Skills/ Supervision for ACT Clinicians

Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 6

MARY SAWYER, Private Practice Sydney Australia

Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced

This workshop will focus on how to do ACT experiential supervision and the challenges of providing supervision for your peers, interns or students. It will be both didatic and experiential, exercises will be completed in pairs as well as in group. On the spot feedback/guidance will be given during the workshop process. There will be adequate time to process and discuss the experinces of each participant. The main aims of the workshop are to develop psychological flexibility within the supervisor and the supervisee to assist both to utilise the processes of mindfulness, acceptance and committed action to do with whatever shows up in your ACT practice. Educational Objectives: At the completion of this workshop participants will have: 1. A better understanding of ACT experiential supervision. 2. Practiced supervising using role play with feedback. 3. Experienced their own barriers to clinician competence in the same process used with their clients.

 

15. Tinnitus and acceptance - "Is it the sound or your relationship to it?" Symposium (10:00-11:00am): ACT - Clinical/ Clinical trial

Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 3

Chair: GERHARD ANDERSSON, Linköping University Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced

 

• Randomized Controlled Trial of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Tinnitus Distress

VENDELA WESTIN, Linköping University

 

• Clients' in-session acceptance and cognitive defusion behaviors in ACT treatment of tinnitus distress HUGO HESSER, M.SC., Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning; Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Linköping University, Sweden Vendela Westin, M.Sc., Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning; Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Linköping University, Sweden

Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., Department of Psychology, University of Nevada, USA

Gerhard Andersson, Ph. D., Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning; Swedish Institute for Disability Research, Linköping University, Sweden

Tinnitus it defined as the perception of internal noises without any outer auditory stimulation and is a common condition reported by approximately 10-15% of general adult population. Despite recent advantages in research on tinnitus, few medical treatments can successfully alleviate the symptom. A growing number of studies support acceptance to be associated with less distress across chronic medical conditions, but to date this new avenue has not been extensively explored with tinnitus. This symposium will present the research on acceptance and related psychological processes with tinnitus. We will provide a brief overview of the condition and consider the theoretical ideas and clinical observations why acceptance might be useful for individuals suffering from tinnitus. Outcomes from acceptance-based psychological treatment of tinnitus distress will be highlighted along with the mechanisms by which the therapy might work. Data from controlled outcome trials, clinical process studies, correlational analyses will be presented to illustrate what we know so far about acceptance and tinnitus and provide listeners with broad coverage of the research within the area.

 

Wednesday Morning 11:15am

 

16. When Physical Struggles Overwhelm: ACT and Behavioral Medicine Symposium (11:15-Noon): ACT - Clinical/ Lupus, Chronic Pain, Health Psychology

Room: Vrijhof – Kleine Zaal

Chair: FRANCISCO MONTESINOS, PH.D., Spanish Cancer Association (aecc)/Instituto ACT, Madrid, Spain.

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• Application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the Treatment of Psychological Problems Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus

 TOMÁS QUIROSA-MORENO, University of Almería

Carmen Luciano, Ph.D., University of Almería N. Navarrete-Navarrete, Systemic Autoimmune Disease Unit, University Hospital "Virgen de las Nieves," Granada Olga

Gutiérrez Martínez Ph.D., Universidad de Barcelona

 

• Web Based Interventions for Relapse Prevention after Pain Management Program

NINA BENDELIN, M.SC., Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Sweden

Gerhard Andersson, Ph.D., Department of Behavioural Sciences and Learning, Linköping University, Sweden

Björn Gerdle, Ph.D., Division of Rehabilitation Medicine, Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Linköping University, Sweden

 

• Psychooncology and ACT: State of research and new challenges

FRANCISCO MONTESINOS, PH.D., Spanish Cancer Association (aecc)/Instituto ACT, Madrid, Spain. Marisa Páez, Ph.D., Instituto ACT, Madrid

ACT-based interventions have been successfully used with a several chronic diseases. The papers in this symposium examine the effectiveness of ACT components for patients with lupus, chronic pain, and cancer. Paper 1 reports on a study examining the efficacy of a brief six-session protocol for women diagnosed with systemic lupus eythematosus. Paper 2 evaluates an acceptance-based intervention for chronic pain delivered via the internet. Paper 3 reviews the state of ACT research with individuals with cancer using data from case studies, clinical trials, and randomized studies.

 

Wednesday Lunch 12:00-1:15pm

 

Wednesday Afternoon 1:15pm

 

17. Working with Values in Chronic Pain Panel Discussion (1:15-3:00pm): ACT - Clinical/ Pain

Room: Vrijhof – Agora

JOANNE DAHL, University of Uppsala

KENNETH FUNG, M.D. FRCPC MSc, University of Toronto

MATEUSZ ZUROWSKI, M.D. MSc FRCPC, University of Toronto

RIKARD WICKSELL, Pain Treatment Service, Astrid Lindgren Children's Hospital, Karolinska University Hospital

KEVIN VOWLES, PH.D., University of Bath, U.K.

Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced

ACT is emerging as a useful modality to treat chronic pain, a prevalent condition with significant long-term disability. For those afflicted with chronic pain, values are often abandoned in the natural pursuit for pain alleviation. Clinically, working with values is an important cornerstone in therapy, and in many treatment protocols, tend to become a therapeutic focus earlier compared to the treatment of other conditions. In this symposium, we would like to share, discuss, and raise questions about values work in the treatment of chronic pain. Specifically, we will explore: (i) definition of values; (ii) clinical application of values in chronic pain, including techniques to facilitate identification of values and ways of working with them; (iii) operationalization of values for measurement to facilitate tracking of clinical progress and research.

 

18. Towards a functional contextualist neuroscience Symposium (1:15-3:00pm): Other/ Basic behavioural science, neuroscience, ACT

Room: Vrijhof – Amphitheater

Chair: BENJAMIN SCHOENDORFF, Inserm, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France

Discussant: STEVEN C. Hayes, PH.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Discussant: Kelly G. Wilson, PH.D., University of Mississippi

Target Audience: Intermediate

• Don't you mind speaking of mind? Reflecting on mirror neurons and other homunculi on the Neuroscience scene

PAOLO MODERATO, IULM University, Milan (Italy)

 

• An exploration of acceptance related processes in presurgically implanted epileptic patients by means of real-time frequency-band analysis system

BENJAMIN SCHOENDORFF, Inserm, Université Claude Bernard, Lyon, France

Traditionally, behavior analysis has largely tended to consider brain functioning as being the preserve of physiologists rather than part of the science of behavior. This symposium/panel discussion will address the question of whether there is room for a functional contextualist neuroscience, or are attempts at linking neuroscience and behaviour necessarily reductionist? This symposium/panel discussion will bring together a general discussion of the issues as well as how they relate to presented neuroscience research projects.

 

19. ACT-Based Contextual Behavioral Supervision Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Other/ ACT Supervision

Room: Drienerburght – Zaal A

SONJA V. BATTEN, PH.D., University of Maryland School of Medicine

ROBYN D. WALSER, PH.D., National Center for PTSD, Palo Alto

Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced

Supervision in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is vital to learning to competently use this treatment model. In order to be an effective supervisor in this model, a context for establishing willingness to experience is fundamental. The supervisor needs to both model willingness and promote such behavior in supervisees in a way that is tangible and transferable to therapy sessions. Thus, working with the supervisee on personal acceptance and commitment, while also pointing to the parallel processes for the client can be a powerful training tool. Strategies for providing quality supervision that is ACT-consistent and compassionate will be presented. This workshop will begin with a discussion of the importance of the expression of emotion in ACT-based supervision. Suggestions will be made for shaping the ability of therapists in training to willingly experience and express emotion, with clarification of appropriate supervisory boundaries. This didactic discussion will be followed by multiple role plays and experiential exercises in which attendees will practice different ways of responding to challenging content in a supervisory setting.

Educational Objectives:

• Discuss the theoretical basis for including emotions in the psychotherapy supervision process.
• Describe how to focus on acceptance of emotion and thoughts, both within the supervisee's experience and the client's experience.
• Describe how to help supervisees assess the cost of avoidance as it relates to their own and to their clients' lives, as well as the process of psychotherapy.

 

20. Investigations into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Real Life Symposium (1:15-3:00pm): ACT - Other/ Non-Clinical Populations

Room: Drienerburght – Zaal B

Chair: NADIA LUCAS, University of Mississippi

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• The Effect of Commitment and Behavior Change Processes in ACT on Public Speaking Anxiety

NADIA LUCAS, University of Mississippi Regan Slater, University of Mississippi

Kelly G. Wilson, University of Mississippi

Kate K. Kellum, University of Mississippi

 

• Mindfulness at the Front of the Room: An Evaluation of ACT for Public Speaking Anxiety

REGAN M. SLATER, University of Mississippi Nadia Lucas, University of Mississippi

Kelly G. Wilson, University of Mississippi

Kate K. Kellum, University of Mississippi

 

• The Effects of ACT for Body Image Disturbance on Eating Behavior and Valued Living

Emily K. Sandoz, University of Mississippi

K. K. Kellum, University of Mississippi

Kelly G. Wilson, University of Mississippi

LINDSAY MARTIN, University of Nevada, Reno

 

• Examining the Effects of a Values Intervention to Enhance Motivation and Commitment to Engage in Studying Behavior

 JENNIFER C. PLUMB, University of Nevada, Reno

Michael Levin, University of Nevada, Reno

Steven C. Hayes, University of Nevada, Reno

Kate L. Morrison, University of Nevada, Reno

People often have psychological difficulties in their everyday lives that are not necessarily diagnosable but still create significant distress and disruption of valued living. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapeutic approach rooted in behavior analysis and has been found to be effective in helping people to live a valued life in the face of a variety of psychological difficulties. The following studies are designed to consider interventions rooted in ACT principles and relevant outcomes and change processes in non-clinical populations.

 

21. Self-as-context Made Simple Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Skills/ Mindfulness/Self-as-context

Room: Drienerburght – Zaal C

RUSS HARRIS, M.D., private practice, Melbourne, Australia

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

This is a highly experiential workshop that was well-attended and well-received in ACT SI4. It demonstrates in simple, clear, non-technical language many different ways to talk about and facilitate the experience of self-as-context -- from lengthy interventions such as the classic "Observer Exercise" to extremely brief ones. It brings together metaphors and experiential exercises from ACT practitioners such as Steve Hayes, Robyn Walser, Kirk Strosahl, Kelly Wilson, JoAnne Dahl, and Hank Robb (as well as some of my own innovations). By the end of this workshop, attendees will have repeatedly experienced the psychological space of self-as-context, and will have a variety of tools to facilitate this process in therapy. They will also get an opportunity to practice some of these techniques on each other.

Educational Objectives:

• Learn how to talk in simple everyday language about self-as-context
• Experience the "psychological space" of self-as-context
• Learn a variety of techniques for facilitating this experience in therapy

 

22. Integrating Values in Context: Conceptualizations and Applications of Valued Living Symposium (1:15-3:00pm): ACT - Other, ACT - Clinical/ Values, Therapy with Christians, Measurement, Values, Spirituality, Religion, "Other" Acceptance-based approaches

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1212

Chair: AMANDA C. ADCOCK, M.S., University of North Texas

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• The ImPActS model of principled living: Measuring the extent that people find principles to be Important, Pressured by others, Activated, and Successfully engaged

JOSEPH CIARROCHI, University of Wollongong

 

• Practising ACT with Christians - challenges and opportunities

INGRID ORD, Private Practice

 

• The Meta-Valuing Measure: Measuring Valuing Behavior and the Whole Life Concept

AMANDA C. ADCOCK, M.S., University of North Texas Cicely LaBorde, M.S., University of North Texas

AMY MURRELL, PH.D., University of North Texas

 

• Preliminary support for a spiritually integrated approach to valued living in the face of spiritual struggles

CARMEN K. OEMIG, M.A., Bowling Green State University

Kenneth I. Pargament, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University

Meryl Gibbel, M.A., Bowling Green State University

Maria Gear, M.A., Bowling Green State University

Elizabeth Krumrei, M.A., Bowling Green State University

Carol Ann Faigin, M.A., Bowling Green State University

Shauna McCarthy, Ph.D., Bowling Green State University

Kavita Desai, M.A., Bowling Green State University

The papers in this symposium focus on values and their role in psychological well-being. Paper 1 discusses the ImPActS model of principled living. This model suggests that ACT helps people to (1) identify what principles are important to them (Importance), (2) identify what principles are under compliance pressure (Pressure), (3) increase the extent that they engage in principle-congruent activity (ACTivity), and (4) increase the extent that they succeed at living their principles (Success). Paper 2 explores how practicing ACT with Christians can be aided or hindered by the rules that are brought into the therapy room. Paper 3 discusses values as augmentals and the importance of flexibility in valuing. In order to measure the difference between valuing flexibly and values as augmentals, a new measure called the Meta-Valuing Measure (MVM) will be discussed and the psychometric properties will be presented. Paper 4 deals with a nine-week, spiritually-integrated, group intervention – for the negative mental and physical health indicators associated with the “darker side” of religion and spirituality – called the Winding Road and its similarities with an ACT-based approach.

 

23. The Primary Care Behavioral Health Model: A Platform for ACT in Health Care Workshop (1:15-3:00pm): ACT - Clinical/ Primary Care, Transdiagnostic

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1216

PATRICIA ROBINSON, PH.D., Mountainview Consulting Group

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate

This workshop describes a model for behavioral health consultation services in primary care settings. Given a trans-diagnostic approach, broadly applicable strategies, and theoretical principles that suggest a focus on struggle between patient and provider, ACT offers a great deal to the mission of integrating behavioral health services into primary care.

Educational Objectives:

• Learn about a new job for behavior therapists (the primary care "Behavioral Health Consultant")
• Consider case examples demonstrating use of ACT in brief encounters with primary care adult and child patients
• Learn strategies for working as a part of a primary care team that includes a behavioral health provider

 

24. An Introduction to Behaviorism & Relational Frame Theory for Beginners Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): Behavior Analysis/ RFT

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1220

JOHN T. BLACKLEDGE, Morehead State University

 Joanne Steinwachs, Private Practice

NIKLAS TÖRNEKE, Private Practice, Sweden

Target Audience: Beginner

The workshop will discuss basic behavioral principles (e.g., operant & classical conditioning, generalization) and their relevance to psychotherapy. In addition, relational frame theory will be introduced, along with a discussion of RFT's continuity with basic behavioral principles and its implications for clinical practice. The workshop is appropriate for those unfamiliar with behaviorism and/or RFT, with the links and common focus between the two, or the relevance of all these behavioral principles to psychotherapy.

Educational Objectives:

• Be able to define basic behavioral principles like operant conditioning, classical conditioning, extinction, stimulus function, and generalization, and identify their relevance to psychotherapy
• Understand the links and common focal points between relational responding and more conventional behavioral processes like operant and classical conditioning.
• Understand why RFT is relevant to psychotherapy.

 

25. RFT: Research, Measurement, and Theoretical Issues Symposium (1:15-3:00pm): RFT - Research, RFT - Other, RFT - Clinical/ IRAP, Implicit Attitudes, Experimental Behavioural Analysis, Evolution, Selectionism, Executive Functioning, Schizophrenia

Room: Vrijhof – Kleine Zaal

Chair: SEAN HUGHES, B.A, National University of Ireland, Maynooth

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• Novel Implicit Attitudes: What Do We Know about Them and What Do We Have to Learn?

SEAN HUGHES, B.A, National University of Ireland, Maynooth

 

• RFT and evolution: Are memetics the missing link?

MARCO KLEEN, PsyAdvies and BrainDynamics Groningen

 

• A behaviour-analytic perspective on the diagnosis of executive dysfunctions GWENNY JANSSEN, DRS, Radboud University Nijmegen

Jos Egger, Ph.D., Radboud University Nijmegen

Hubert De Mey, Ph.D, Radboud University Nijmegen

 

• Schizophrenia, language and cognition: Suggestions for RFT research

MARTIN CERNVALL, M.SC., Uppsala Academic Hospital

Ian Stewart, Ph.D., National University of Ireland, Galway

Ata Ghaderi, Ph.D., Uppsala University

The scope of RFT research and analyses has expanded considerably since the inception of the theory. This symposium discusses the further extension of RFT to several areas of interest. Paper 1 presents a series of four studies on establishing and consolidating novel implicit attitudes and the utility of the IRAP in distinguishing between naturally occurring versus laboratory-induced implicit attitudes. Paper 2 discusses the relationship between memetics and RFT in explaining contragenetic behavior, such as terrorism and warfare. Paper 3 explores the idea that the broad set of cognitive skills known as executive functions is a subset of rule-governed behavior. Paper 4 examines the potential for RFT research on schizophrenia when it is understood as a failure of lateralization and the dominance of language in one hemisphere.

 

26. Applications of ACT to children, adolescents and their parents: Case studies Symposium (1:15-3:00pm): ACT - Clinical/ Children and parents

Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 5

Chair: FRANCISCO RUIZ, University of Almería

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• Application of ACT on a persistent oscurity phobia in a 11 years old boy.

 

FRANCISCO RUIZ, University of Almería Vanessa Sánchez, University of Almería

Carmen Luciano, Ph.D., University of Almería

Rosa M. Vizcaíno, University of Almería

 

• Application of ACT on a case of bullying in a 9 year old boy

Francisco Ruiz, University of Almería

ROSA M. VIZCAÍNO, University of Almería

Carmen Luciano, University of Almería

 

• Application of ACT to improve the performance of a 12 year old chess-player, to treat familiar problems and self-injury behaviors.

FRANCISCO RUIZ, University of Almería

Carmen Luciano, University of Almería

 

• ACT in family: a case on eating disorders

MARISA PÁEZ, PH.D., Instituto ACT

This symposium presents four clinical cases of children/adolescents an their parents treated with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The first paper describes the intervention and results of an application of ACT in a 11-years-old boy who presented a persistent oscurity phobia. The second paper explore the utility of ACT in bullying. Specifically, a case of a 9-years-old boy suffering bullying and social exclusion is presented. The third paper extends previous studies on chess performance presenting the case of a 12-years-old chess-player who suffered high levels of competitive anxiety and presented oscurity phobia, familiar problems and self-injury behaviors. Finally, the fourth paper presents a case of an adolescent with a swallow phobia who presented a very restricted diet because of her fear to choke. The interventions are described highlighting the sinergical effect of the use of ACT components with contingencies management in the treatment of clinical problems in children, adolescents and their parents.

 

27. RFT and the Self: Theory, Research and Applications Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): RFT - Clinical/ The Self Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 6

CARMEN LUCIANO, University of Almeria, Spain

JENNIFER BOULANGER, University of Nevada, Reno

IAN STEWART, University of Ireland, Galway

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate

The self is a key concept within Acceptance Commitment Therapy as well as psychology more broadly. Relational Frame Theory defines the self in terms of responding verbally to one's own behavior and predicts that relational responding give rise to three distinct senses of self. Over the last decade RFT/ACT research has empirically examined several concepts related to the self including verbal self-discrimination, perspective-taking and self-rules. The current workshop will outline the RFT/ACT approach to self; describe developmental and clinical research that has explored these concepts; discuss self-issues in therapy, drawing on RFT conceptualizations and provide for experiential exploration of senses of self. Educational Objectives: 1. Understand the RFT conceptualization of self and its implication for self-discrimination, perspective-taking, and self-regulation. 2. Become familiar with key RFT studies on the self & perspective taking. 3. Understand the nature of "language traps" and how they contribute to difficulties in self-regulation.

 

28. OCD and Case Formulation in ACT Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Clinical/ Case Formulation OCD

Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 3

MARTIN BROCK, Institute of Mental Health Nottingham

Target Audience: Intermediate

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a new model of behavioural treatment that emphasizes acceptance of internal experience while maintaining a focus on positive behaviour change. This approach is designed to address maladaptive avoidance of internal experiences associated with many problems in functioning while also focusing on making and keeping commitments. A Functional Contextual Model for OCD and also a Case Formulation approach in ACT has been developed; both will be described in this workshop. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder is recognized as a complex disorder and is difficult to treat, due in part to the intrusive nature of the types of thoughts which can be highly distressing and motivation to abate, avoid or eliminate them is strong. In this experiential workshop opportunities will be given to develop awareness of the typical experiences found in OCD and to explore and share the challenges for therapists. Finally an opportunity will be given to formulate a case within OCD.

Educational Objectives:

• Participants will begin to understand the Core Activities of Case Formulation in ACT.
• Participants will have an understanding of a Functional Contextual Model of OCD.
• Participants will explore the highly intrusive nature of OCD.

 

Wednesday Afternoon 3:15pm

 

29. Training Nurses in ACT Skills for Medical Treatment Planning Invited Lecture (3:15-4:15pm): ACT - Skills/ Training

Room: Vrijhof – Agora

KEVIN POLK, PH.D., ACT Gone Wild and Togus VA

FANNY ROBICHAUD, RN, VAC Canada

Target Audience: Intermediate Nurses are often on the front line of recommending and monitoring behavioral goals for physical health that ultimately affect mental health. This program will show a training that we do to help nurses help clients through a contextual point of view.

 

30. Identifying Key Processes Involved in Disorders and Therapies Symposium (3:15-4:15pm): ACT - Clinical/ rumination, borderline personality disorder, Cognitive mediation

Room: Vrijhof – Amphitheater

Chair: JOSEPH CIARROCHI, University of Wollongong

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• The role of rumination in borderline personality disorder

RUTH A. BAER, PH.D., University of Kentucky

 

• Key cognitive constructs in classical and new-wave cognitive behavioral psychotherapies: relationships with each other and with emotional distress

IOANA CRISTEA, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca

Daniel David, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca

Madalina Sucala, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca

 

• Identifying the Active ingredients in ACT. What we know and what we need to know.

JOSEPH CIARROCHI, University of Wollongong

This symposium will explore the importance of identifying processes that may be critically involved in the development or the treatment of disorders. Paper 1 examines the role of rumination as avoidance behavior in Borderline personality disorder. Paper 2 presents a study comparing the key cognitive constructs of three forms of cognitive behavioral therapy - Rational-emotive behavioral therapy, cognitive behavior therapy Beck version, and ACT. The final paper reviews evidence on the core ACT mediational hypotheses and discusses ways to help pinpoint the active ingredients in ACT.

 

31. Theoretical Frameworks and Therapeutic Possibilities Invited Lecture (3:15-4:15pm): Other/ Philosophy of Psychology

Room: Drienerburght – Zaal B

MICHAEL MCEACHRANE, Department of Philosophy, University of Massachusetts-Amherst

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced This talk will cast doubt on the seemingly ubiquitous connection between Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Relational Frame Theory (RFT) in two ways. (i) By questioning some of the connections between language and cognition as posited by RFT. And (ii), by considering a more piecemeal approach to explaining, and seeking remedies for, human suffering. Instead of aspiring to a capitol-F-theoretical-Framework in service of a capitol-T-Therapy, a more piecemeal approach could perhaps cast new light on ACT as well as open up to a greater range of therapeutic possibilities.

 

32. The Efficacy and Process of ACT: A systematic review and meta-analysis Invited Lecture (3:15-4:15pm): ACT - Other/ Meta-Analysis

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1212

LARS-GÖRAN ÖST, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Sweden

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a treatment that has attracted a lot of clinical interest during the past 5-10 years. The number of randomized clinical trials (RCTs) has also increased to a large extent and there are now 22 published RCTs on psychiatric or medical disorders. In this invited lecture, a meta-analysis using the primary outcome measure from each study will be presented. Then the APA Task Force criteria for empirically supported treatments (Chambless et al., 1998) will be applied to assess if ACT can be considered evidence-based for one or more specific disorders. Finally, process research assessing factors that mediate treatment outcome will be reviewed and evaluated. The presentation will end with suggestions concerning further outcome and process research on ACT.

 

33. Reinventing Empirical Clinical Psychology in the Electronic Age: An Invitation to Participate in the First Fully Distributed Research Network Ever Created Invited Lecture (3:15-4:15pm): Other/ Science as a Public Trust

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1216

KELLY G. WILSON, PH.D., University of Mississippi

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

There is a received view of empirical clinical psychology and the way to make progress within it that masquerades as the only well-reasoned view. The received view accepts a number of dubious assumptions. The assumed prerequisites to progress include large randomized clinical trials, a focus on DSM diagnostic categories, enormous concern for internal validity over external validity, for Type 1 error at the expense of Type 2 error, and on outcome over change processes, among others. This collection of assumptions creates problems that are unlikely to be self-correcting. While they have led to increasing confidence, I will question whether they have led to increasingly effective and disseminable treatments. Barriers to self-correction that emerge from a model of science are ironic, since science, as a way of knowing, is unique in its capacity for self-correction. We have a chance within ACBS to cultivate a different sort of research effort than has ever existed. In part the potential for this research effort emerges from contextual science sensibilities, but also in part from the availability of electronic means for the distribution knowledge and collection of data. What would it look like to build a network of providers who participated in research across settings, client difficulties, cultures, and countries? What would our treatments look like if they were vetted in a persistent and iterative way by both real world providers as well as by behavioral scientists? What would our treatments look like if they were persistently examined in clinical trials, real world clinics, and in the basic laboratory—where all are equal partners? The answer to these questions is: I don’t know. However, trends within and without ACBS are telling. In this address, I will advocate for a contextual behavioral science that is inclusive, horizontal, relevant, iterative, and progressive. I will advocate that ACBS take a leadership role in the development not just of a new psychology, but also a new way of doing psychology. Finally, I will invite the membership, all of the membership, to join in the invention of a new way forward.

 

34. Welcome to the functional Babel: Talking ACT in non English-speaking countries Symposium (3:15-4:15pm): ACT - Other/ Research and language issues

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1228

Chair: GIOVAMBATTISTA PRESTI, M.D., Ph.D., IULM University, Milan; IESCUM (Italy)

Discussant: GIOVANNI MISELLI, PSY. D., IULM University, Milan, IESCUM (Italy)

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• Babel's AAQ-II: Do different languages result in different outcomes in Europe?

JEAN-LOUIS MONESTÈS, CNRS 8160, Centre Hospitalier Ph. Pinel

NELE JACOBS, Hasselt University, Diepenbeek (Belgium)

Marco Kleen, PsyAdvies.nl / Brain Dynamics Groningen, Groningen (Netherlands)

Francis De Groot, Psychiatrisch Centrum Broeders Alexianen, Boechout (Belgium)

Jacqueline A-Tjak, PsyQ, Zaandam, (Netherlands)

Maria Karekla, University of Nicosia, Cyprus

Frank Bond, Goldsmiths, University of London

Giovanni Miselli, Psy. D., IULM University, Milan; IESCUM (Italy)

Matthieu Villatte, Ph.D., University of Picardie

• Building towers in Babel: Spreading and sharing knowledge, translating manuals and self-help books

MATTHIEU VILLATTE, PH.D., Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens (France)

Jean-Louis Monestès, CNRS 8160, Centre Hospitalier Ph. Pinel (France)

Giovambattista Presti, IULM University, Milan; IESCUM (Italy)

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) seems to have gained the great momentum in the last year 10 years, developing outside the English-speaking laboratories and clinics where it was studied and experimentally developed. The behavioural tradition behind it distinguishes between topography and function of verbal as well as non verbal behaviours. Thus ACT is based on a functional contextual vision of language and its effects on human behaviour and cognition. Translating and adapting textbooks, self-help manuals, clinical techniques and assessment instruments imply thorough research whether different verbal topographies, which may be correct from a grammatical and syntactic point of view, might not exert equal functions in the different verbal communities. This phenomenon, which follows logically from RFT (Relational Frame Theory) itself, the model of mind functioning behind ACT, needs to be addressed within the different research, clinical, publishing contexts that help the implementation of ACT in non-English speaking countries. This symposium aims to draw the lines of action taken in different countries all over the world in translations of books, adaptation and validation of scales, in everyday clinical work, and in research while implementing ACT in each verbal community. In addition it aims to foster international collaboration on relevant problems. Roadblocks arising from cultural differences between countries, cultures and languages are discussed, and recommendations for future work on these matters.

 

35. Using ACT with Non-Clinical Populations: Findings from Recent and Ongoing Outcome Studies Symposium (3:15-4:15pm): ACT - Other/ Non-Clinical Populations, ACT Treatment Outcome

Room: Vrijhof – Kleine Zaal Chair: MICHAEL LEVIN, University of Nevada, Reno

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• ACT for Stigma and Burnout with Substance Abuse Counselors

STEVEN C. HAYES, University of Nevada, Reno Jacqueline Pistorello, University of Nevada, Reno

Jason Luoma, Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center, PC

Barbara Kohlenberg, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Roger Vilardaga, M.A, Michael Levin, University of Nevada, Reno

Jason Lillis, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Mikaela Hildebrandt, University of Nevada, Reno

 

• Using ACT to prevent mental health problems among college freshman

JACQUELINE PISTORELLO, PH.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Jason Lillis, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Chelsea MacLane, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Michael Levin, University of Nevada, Reno

Jennifer Boulanger, University of Nevada, Reno

Anthony Biglan, Ph.D., Oregon Research Institute

John Seeley, Ph.D., Oregon Research Institute

Research has tested the impact of ACT across an increasingly broad range of problems. Recently, this has included using ACT in non-clinical populations targeting areas such as stigma and prevention. This symposium will present a series of studies using ACT in non-clinical populations. Results from outcome trials that have been recently completed, or are in progress, will be presented. In addition, we will discuss differences encountered in using ACT in these populations as compared to clinical populations.

 

36. The Trainer Peer Review Process: Introduction and Updates Panel Discussion (3:15-4:15pm): Other/ Training

Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 5

JASON LUOMA, PH.D., The Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center, PC

AMY MURRELL, PH.D., University of North Texas

RAINER SONNTAG, M.D., Private practice, Germany

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Being listed as a trainer on the ACBS site is meant as a pragmatic way to help learners find high quality ACT training. The ACT Trainers in this community are committed to training with high fidelity to the model and work from explicit, agreed-upon shared values as they train others in ACT. The ACBS community uses a peer-review process to balance the need to protect and foster the high fidelity of ACT training with the need to keep the community open to new talented, innovative, qualified trainers. This panel discussion will provide an overview of that peer-review process and answer audience questions. 

 

Wednesday Plenary 4:30-5:45pm

 

37. Perspectives on How Best to Produce Progress in Applied Psychological Science Plenary (4:30-5:45pm):

Room: Vrijhof – Agora/ Amphitheater

Chair: KELLY WILSON, University of Mississippi

RUTH BAER, University of Kentucky

STEVE HAYES, University of Nevada, Reno

LARS-GÖRAN ÖST, Department of Psychology, Stockholm University, Sweden

Target Audience: All

This session will examine the model of scientific development underlying ACT, contextual behavioral science, and will compare it to other models of how best to produce progress in the behavioral sciences. In that context we will discuss the state of the current evidence in ACT and to a lesser degree other third generation approaches, consider whether adequate progress is being made, and compare where we are relative to progress being made in the field at large. Educational Objectives: Participants will: 1. Have a general understanding of the extant ACT evidence base. 2. Understand the potential value of an iterative, horizontal, theory-driven approach to treatment development. 3. Understand the current criticisms of ACT treatment development to date. 

 

Wednesday Night Barbeque & Music 6:00pm-12:00am

 

Dinner (6:30-8:00pm)

Location: Boerderij Bosch

Music/Social (6:00pm-11:30pm)

Location: Boerderij Bosch

 

Thursday Morning 9:00am

 

38. Learning Hexaflex Processes Using Mindfulness for Two Videos Workshop (9:00-Noon): ACT - Clinical/ Psychotherapy training

Room: Vrijhof – Agora

KELLY G. WILSON, PH.D., University of Mississippi

EMILY K. SANDOZ, University of Mississippi

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Learning to detect shifts in core ACT processes is central to flexible responding on the part of the therapist. The six core ACT processes described in the hexaflex can be detected through a variety of verbal and nonverbal manifestations. In this workshop, attendees will be provided with coding instructions for all six core ACT processes. We will watch a series of video segments and learn to code the segments based on the indicators described in the coding instructions. Reviewing of segments will quickly help therapists and researchers to see instances of all ACT processes and transitions from high to low levels of functioning in each. In addition, we will brainstorm potential intervention strategies based on changes in ACT processes. This will be a very active, hands on session intended to build on the fly fluency in seeing and responding to shifts in ACT processes.

Educational Objectives:

• Learn verbal and nonverbal signs of psychological inflexibility.
• Learn to detect values and commitment fusion.
• Learn to generate treatment alternatives based on detected changes in ACT processes.

 

39. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Finding Life Beyond Trauma for the Survivor and the Therapist Workshop (9:00-Noon): ACT - Clinical/ Trauma, PTSD

Room: Vrijhof – Amphitheater

ROBYN D. WALSER, PH.D., National Center for PTSD

JACQUELINE PISTORELLO, PH.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Victoria M. Follette, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Target Audience: Intermediate

Many individuals who have been diagnosed with PTSD or have experienced trauma are struggling with difficult memories, painful feelings and unwanted thoughts and they take great efforts to avoid these private experiences. Trauma can have a powerful negative impact in individual’s lives. Therapists, too, can come to feel overwhelmed, burnt-out and discouraged by the repeated and often horrific stories of trauma. Avoidance can began to play a role in therapist’s life. Acceptance, an alternative to avoidance, can create a new context from which the trauma survivor and therapist may view the world and the self. This workshop will focus on use of acceptance and mindfulness techniques and on re-committing to values following trauma. We will also explore the clinician’s experience of working with traumatized individuals and personal impact and how ACT applies to the therapist when working in the field of PTSD. Educational Objectives: 1. Explore the process of experiential avoidance as it relates to trauma. 2. Describe the application of ACT with trauma survivors with a particular focus on values lost as a result of the trauma. 3. Conduct experiential exercises to demonstrate the implementation of ACT to reduce burn-out in working with trauma survivors.

 

40. ACT with The Challenging Patient Workshop (9:00-Noon): ACT - Clinical/ personality disorders

Room: Drienerburght – Zaal A

KIRK STROSAHL, Central Washington Family Medicine

Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced

Most clinicians struggle to find a positive therapeutic foothold with challenging patients. Challenging patients often present with high risk behaviors such as suicidal/self destructive behavior, alcohol or drug abuse and are often described as "help seeking, help rejecting". Challenging patients have a way of shifting responsibility onto the clinician for solving the patient's problems or influencing the patient to try more adaptive behaviors. The combination of high risk behavior and power shifting creates a therapeutic impasse and often, confrontation, mutual negative labelling and therapy termination. This workshop will introduce participants to an ACT model for addressing challenging behaviors ranging from suicidality to missing appointments to non adherence to agreed upon homework. We will explore how fusion and emotional avoidance on both the part of the patient and the therapist feed this vicious cycle. Participants, through large and small group exercises, will get to practice skills designed to solve these communication obstacles. Video demonstrations will be used to demonstrate a simple case conceptualization method that will allow the clinician to predict in advance whether a patient is likely to turn into a "challenging patient".

Educational Objectives:

• Appreciate the central characteristics of a challenging patient from an ACT perspective.
• Learn how to address high risk and challenging behaviors from an ACT framework.
• Learn to identify and manage "hot buttons" that draw clinicians into therapeutic struggle with challenging patients

 

41. Demystifying Relational Frame Theory Workshop (9:00-Noon): RFT - Other/ Functional Contextualism

Room: Drienerburght – Zaal B

DANIEL J. MORAN, PH.D., BCBA, Trinity Services, Inc.

PATRICIA BACH, PH.D., Illinois Institute of Technology

Target Audience: Beginner

Arbitrarily applied what? Derived relational who? If you started learning about Relational Frame Theory (RFT), and then stopped when you read: Crel {ArxB and BrxC...}, or have just been interested in learning the basics of RFT, this is the introductory workshop for you. This workshop will outline and explain the basic concepts of RFT and help the audience members understand an expanded functional approach to verbal behavior. We will discuss, from a behavior analytic point of view, how people can listen with understanding and speak with meaning. The workshop will simplify functional contextualism principles and discuss the basic RFT research methods and results in a manner that will help people who are new to RFT to begin applying the concepts to their own behavior analytic endeavors. We plan to make clear the core assumptions of functional contextual behavior analysis and how they apply to discussing language and cognition. We aim to not let your eyes glaze over as we discuss transformation of stimulus functions, generalized operants, and the different types of derived relating. Most importantly, we plan to help everyone have an enjoyable time while "framing events relationally" about RFT.

Educational Objectives:

• Workshop attendees will be able to list and describe six basic principles of functional contextualism, and also contrast those principles from mainstream psychology principles.
• Attendees will be able to compare and contrast conditioned discrimination and derived relational responding, in research contexts and in daily use.
• Attendees will be able to define arbitrary applicable relational responding, along with mutual entailment and combinatorial entailment.

 

42. A Practitioner’s Field Guide to Developing Effective Language Training Programs Using Relational Frame Theory (RFT): Part 1- The Basics of RFT Workshop (9:00-Noon): RFT - Clinical/ RFT-Research, ABA, Early Language Training Programs, Education, Fluency, Precision Teaching

Room: Drienerburght – Zaal C

NICHOLAS M. BERENS, University of Nevada, Reno/ Center for Advanced Learning, Inc.

TIMOTHY WEIL, University of South Florida

CARMEN LUCIANO & FRANCISCO JOSÉ RUIZ-JIMÉNEZ, Universidad de Almería

MARTHA PALAEZ, Florida International University

Target Audience: Beginner

This two part workshop will guide practitioners and researchers through the basics of RFT, how to conceptualize early language training programs using RFT, and finally using the core premises of RFT in more traditional educational programs. The first workshop will cover beginner level concepts of behavior analysis and RFT. Having established a foundational understanding of RFT, this workshop will then begin to assist in the conceptualization of early language training scenarios. The first workshop is ideal for those working with autistic children, young children with mild-language delays, and young children in general. Those interested in the basics of RFT and/or language building programs based on RFT will benefit from the workshop. Educational Objectives: Attendees will: 1. understand the core principles and premises of RFT, 2. be able to think about how these core features may extended to clinical contexts involved in language training with young children, & 3. understand preliminary frames (coordination, comparison, distinction, and opposition) and be able to use these behavioral distinctions in their current clinical settings.

 

43. Creative Confusion: An idiot's guide to ACT in groups Workshop (9:00-Noon): ACT - Clinical/ Groups

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1212

KEVIN POLK, VA - Togus

MARK WEBSTER, South Hampshire CBT Ltd- Southampton

BENJAMIN SCHOENDORFF, Claude Bernard University- Lyon

JEROLD HAMBRIGHT, VA - Togus

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

In this workshop we will first give live demonstrations of the group sessions and then present the theory behind each module. The day will be divided into four separate sections and at each juncture the various therapist skills that are used will be discussed. Participants in this workshop will be introduced to the group treatment manual that has been developed and will learn a basic set of skills to deliver it. Included in the day will be an introduction to the iView which is the basic ACT stance that is used throughout. The main modules will then be covered in turn- Suffering and Solutions, Rule of World and Rule of Mind, Hooked and Unhooked and finally the MegaView.

Educational Objectives:

• Understand the ACT stance in Groups.
• Become familiar with the group protocols.
• Learn skills required to deliver in group format.

 

44. Turning your life toward maturity: ACT with older adults Workshop (9:00-10:30am): ACT - Clinical/ Older Adults

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1216

ERWIN LUTZKE, Riagg Rijnmond, Rotterdam, The Netherlands

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

“All aspects of experience have a benign quality to them, having a language of their own which can be looked upon with a friendly, compassionate gaze” is inherent to ACT and to maturity. The life-line method, adapted from FAP and introduced to ACT by JoAnne Dahl, is quick to demonstrate all 6 core processes. This has profound and far reaching implications for therapy with older adults. Its’ practice is able to evoke an immediate felt sense of the ground on which one stands, calling for acceptance, awareness of one’s conditioning, but also for mindful action. Clarifying values on personal and spiritual levels introduce a higher order context, showing a path on which we are simply free to build and expend energy as we choose. A freedom that many older adults may have deemed not possible.

Educational Objectives:

• Participants will be able to use all 6 core processes operating in unison, in one excercise;
• Participants will be able to illustrate how all response types are clarified on the life-line;
• Participants will be able to explain from where ACCEPTANCE derives its’ power.

 

45. ACT Early: Acceptance, mindfulness and values in early intervention for psychosis Workshop (9:00-10:30am): ACT - Clinical/ Psychosis

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1220

ERIC MORRIS, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust/ Institute of Psychiatry, King's College London, UK

JOE OLIVER, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK

SALLY BLOY, South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate

The stance of acceptance and committed action may allow for flexibility in response to persisting psychotic experiences, as has been suggested in ACT studies with the seriously mentally ill (Bach & Hayes, 2002; Gaudiano & Herbert, 2006). There may also be exciting potential for researching the impact of ACT in the early phase of psychosis - helping first episode clients to recover from psychosis through the development of mindfulness toward unusual experiences and critical appraisals, and committing to values-based actions (Morris & Oliver, 2009). More specifically, the use of ACT may: 1. foster the development of a psychologically flexible stance toward anomalous experiences, 2. enable a "values-based" recovery, 3. reduce the impact of "fear of recurrence" of psychosis through development of mindfulness and self as context, 4. enable individuals to notice the process of self-stigmatisation, contexts where this operates as a barrier, and commit to valued directions in the face of these appraisals, and 5. improve relapse prevention plans through the use of mindfulness and committed action. We will describe a group program we have developed, as well as individual work with young people who have experienced a first episode of psychosis. We will present adaptations to ACT to suit the needs of young people from an inner-city setting, including variations of "classic" exercises and procedures to engage a traditionally difficult group of clients. Examples of case formulations and treatment approaches will illustrate the principles of using ACT in an early intervention setting.

Educational Objectives:

• To learn the rationale for ACT/mindfulness interventions with clients experiencing a first episode of psychosis.
• To learn the theoretical background for using mindfulness interventions with young people who are at risk of psychosis.
• To build understanding for using ACT in groups with young people who are experiencing psychotic symptoms.

 

46. ACT and Anxiety: Toward Flexibility with Fear and Worry Symposium (9:00-10:30am): ACT- Clinical/ Psychological Flexibility and Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Treatment Mediation, Psychological Flexibility, Randomized clinical trial

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1224

Chair: MARIA KAREKLA, Ph.D., University of Nicosia

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• Psychological Flexibility and Anxiety: Preliminary Data from an Epidemiological Study in Cyprus MARIA KAREKLA, Ph.D., University of Nicosia

Margarita Kapsou, M.A., University of Cyprus

Georgia Panayiotou, Ph.D., University of Cyprus

 

• Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Group Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder: Preliminary Results

NANCY KOCOVSKI, PH.D., Wilfrid Laurier University; Ryerson University

Jan Fleming, M.D., Centre for Addiction and Mental Health; University of Toronto; Ryerson University

Martin Antony, Ph.D., Ryerson University; Anxiety Treatment and Research Centre, St. Joseph's Healthcare

 

• Psychological Flexibility as a Mediator of Treatment Outcome in Exposure-driven CBT NOT based on ACT: Intermediate Results from a Randomized Treatment Study of Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia ANDREW T. GLOSTER, Technical University of Dresden Michael Höfler, Technical University of Dresden

Jens Klotsche, Technical University of Dresden Franziska Einsle, Technical University of Dresden

Hans-Ulrich Wittchen, Technical University of Dresden

 

 • Cognitive therapy versus rational emotive behavior therapy versus acceptance and commitment therapy in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder: a randomized clinical trial

Daniel David, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca

Aurora Szentagotai Tatar, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca

IOANA CRISTEA, Babes-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca

This symposium examines therapeutic approaches to anxiety including mindfulness, acceptance, and psychological flexibility. Paper 1 presents results from a survey on the prevalence of anxiety disorders in Cyprus, and its correlation with psychological flexibility. Paper 2 compares Mindfulness and Acceptance Group Therapy with Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy for the treatment of social anxiety disorder. Preliminary data on approximately 70 participants will be presented. Paper 3 examines the role of psychological flexibility as a mediator of treatment outcome in patients diagnosed with Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia based on the results from a randomized treatment outcome study consisting of two exposure-based CBT groups and a waitlist condition. Paper 4 discusses the progress of a study designed to investigate the efficacy, mechanisms of change, and the cost-effectiveness of Cognitive Therapy, Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.

 

47. ACT Through CBT and CBT Through ACT - Are they so different? Workshop (9:00-10:30am): ACT - Clinical/ Comparative Psychotherapy

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1228

KENNETH FUNG, M.D. FRCPC MSc, University of Toronto

MATEUSZ ZUROWSKI, M.D. FRCPC MSc, University of Toronto

Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced

Relational frame theory (RFT) posits that the core of language is the process of arbitrarily applied relational responding. Indeed, research outside RFT has shown that individuals with schizophrenia exhibit deficits in associative learning and acquired equivalence learning (Keri et al., 2005; Farkass, et al., 2008) and these processes could be readily described from an RFT-perspective, ie. as mutual entailment, combinatorial entailment and transformation of stimulus functions.

Educational Objectives:

• Identify and appreciate common therapeutic processes and techniques in ACT and CBT.
• Distinguish unique therapeutic processes and techniques in ACT and CBT.
• Reflect on the optimal application of ACT and CBT principles and techniques appropriate to the specific therapeutic context.

 

48. Recent Investigations Using The Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure Symposium (9:00-10:30am): RFT - Research/ IRAP

Room: Vrijhof – Kleine Zaal

Chair: NIGEL VAHEY, NUI Maynooth

Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced

• Resistance to Anti-smoking Information As a Function of Implicit Expectancies Toward Smoking and Smoking-cessation

NIGEL VAHEY, NUI Maynooth

Dermot Barnes-Holmes, NUI, Maynooth

 

• An implicit measure of emotional avoidance

NIC HOOPER, University of Wales, Swansea

 

• Will the Real Nazi Please Stand-Up; Attitude Formation and the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP).

SEAN HUGHES, NUI Maynooth

 

• Testing an adaptation of the IRAP to increase sensitivity to detect implicit relations at the individual level

MIKE LEVIN, University of Nevada, Reno

The Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) is an RFT-based protocol for the investigation of implicit cognition, or, in RFT terms, relational responding as it occurs under conditions of minimal contextual control. The respondent in an IRAP study is required to respond under strict time constraints in accordance with relational networks that are either consistent or inconsistent with hypothesised learned relational repertoires. Differences in average reaction times to consistent versus inconsistent networks provide some confirmation of the hypothesised relational learning history. In the present symposium, research from a number of international laboratories will be presented. The studies involved constitute a range of different IRAP based investigations examining technical IRAP as well as applied social and clinical issues. The presentations, from expert IRAP researchers, will hopefully provide some useful insight into the state of the art with respect to this protocol.

 

49. ACT Treatment of Stuttering Workshop (9:00-10:30am): ACT - Clinical/ Control of automatic behavior

Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 5

JOSÉ ANTONIO GARCÍA HIGUERA, Centro de Psicología Clínica 2, Madrid, Spain

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate

Stuttering is a speech problem that, in adults, is reluctant to treatment and may limit strongly stutterers' life. ACT may provide a therapeutic body to overcome such limitations. Normally, ACT is presented through its core processes. Each one of these processes influence psychological flexibility. A psychological problem may be analyzed by referring to these core processes. The advantage of building an ACT model of a psychological problem is that ACT provides a set of treatment strategies to solve it. From core processes related to utter blockings, the following may be related to stuttering: (1) Thought fusion, (2) Experiential avoidance, (3) Being present, (4) Values, and (5) Self as content. Consequently, the ACT strategies that may help cope with stuttering are: (1) Defusion, (2) Acceptance of emotions associated with blocking, (3) Mindfulness of speech behaviors, (4) Values clarification, (5) Self as context, and (6) Committed action. Clinical experiences of how to perform these strategies and results obtained in clinical practice will be shared in workshop. Generalization of the model to other behaviours will be discussed.

Educational Objectives:

• Learn an ACT model of stuttering in adults.
• Learn how to apply ACT-consistent techniques to stuttering cases.
• Learn how the model may be applied to other conscious control attempts of automatic behaviours.

 

50. Time-Series Designs in Clinical Practice Symposium (9:00-10:30am): ACT - Clinical/ single case design Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 6

Chair: JENNIFER L. BOULANGER, University of Nevada, Reno

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• A multiple-baseline study of ACT for self-stigma around sexual orientation: Issues in the measurement of less overt behaviors.

JAMES YADAVAIA, University of Nevada, Reno

 

• Exploring feasibility through single case design: A single case of ACT with a woman with traumatic brain injury

MERRY SYLVESTER, M.A., University of Nevada, Reno

 

• Time-Series Designs in Clinical Practice and an Example Using the Training of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy through Videoconferencing

JASON LUOMA, PH.D., Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center, PC

Rikard Calmbro, Södra Älvsborgs Sjukhus, (the Hospital of Southern Alvsborg), Västra Götalands

 

• Using Time-Series Designs to Aid in Case Conceptualization, Treatment Targeting, and Progress Monitoring: A case of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the long-term treatment of a severe, multi-problem client

JENNIFER L. BOULANGER, University of Nevada, Reno

Time-series designs are a well-established and effective scientific method for developing and testing new interventions or adapting established treatments for use with unique populations or clinical problems. Time-series, or single-subject designs, focus more intensively on intervention with a smaller number of individuals through the repeated measurement over time of a client's behavior and the context in which it occurs. Because these designs do not require large samples of participants, they are ideal for clinicians who are interested in improving client outcomes and contributing to the scientific literature through their own clinical practices. This symposium will familiarize the audience with the logic of time-series designs, demonstrate the application of these methods through case presentations, and discuss the unique issues that arise in designing and implementing time-series designs in nontraditional research settings. The first paper will describe the logic of time-series designs, with a focus on the multiple-baseline design. To illustrate the application of this method, data on the training of a clinician in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy using videoconferencing will be presented. The second paper will demonstrate how to use repeated measures to choose treatment targets and monitor progress by presenting data on a long-term Acceptance and Commitment Therapy case with a multiproblem client diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. A third paper will present a multiple-baseline evaluation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to reduce self-stigma regarding sexual orientation. This study will illustrate the development and evaluation of problem-specific measures and interventions targeted at less overt behaviors. Finally, a single case of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with a woman with traumatic brain injury will be used as an exemplar of the use of time-series design to determine feasibility for larger-scale clinical trials.

 

51. ACT of Love: Sex and Intimacy Workshop (9:00am-4:15pm): ACT - Clinical/ Relationships

Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 3

ANDO ROKX, GGNET AAD VAN LEEUWEN, Private Practice

MONIQUE BARNOUW, GGNET

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

For most of us and our clients intimate relationships are at the core of what we value in our lives. Relationships seem to be related to physical and mental health, quality of life and even survival. Nevertheless intimate relationships seem to be hard to get and even harder to keep. Divorce rates in the US and in Europe are around 50 % and even higher for second or third marriages. Adultery rates are on a conservative guess 30 %, but in some studies numbers up to 75% are found. Relationships are a major source of emotional pain and suffering even (or maybe, in some cases, especially) if they don't end up in divorce. It's difficult to balance the need for security, intimacy and dependency versus the need for self-development, passionate love, sex, autonomy and honesty. In this workshop we want to linger around these questions. Who are the people who once were so close in your life that it felt they were the one and only you cared for, and where did you lose them? How do you feel about your present relationship, what do you value, and what do you avoid? Where is the longing part, where is the missing part? What have become your solution(s) to "make things work" and what is the price you pay for that? How do sex and intimacy influence each other? What is your story about your partner(s) and your relationship and how does that story relate to the life you value?

Educational Objectives:

• Getting some understanding of the role of avoidance and conflicting values in intimate relationships.
• Understanding how "solutions" ( i.e. denial, justification, understanding, creating distance or leading a double life) might create the actual problems.
• Finding a way to get stuck relationships back on the move again. Partners are caught in their story, that might serve multiple purposes, but stands in the way of getting what they really are longing for. 

 

Thursday Morning 10:45am

 

52. A Group ACTivation Program for Us Old Folks Invited Lecture (10:45-Noon): ACT - Other/ The Aged

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1216

SVEN RYDBERG, PH.D., Fahraeus & Rydberg, Ltd.

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate

A behavioural activation format is presented. Purposes: (1) Acceptance of ageing and death for all, (2) commitment to helping others, for those willing, (3) entertainment and socializing. At a Swedish senior-citizens residence, the author has been running weekly 1-hour morning meetings for 1.5 years. Now we usually have 20 minutes (initially more) of unpretentious readings, at times a song, etc.; followed by a previously announced, more formal presentation and/or discussion. Increasingly, invited external and younger presenters, including TV companies, have come. Participants usually have been 12-36, initially 4. Ages: 70-95 years. A small grant finances this mainly qualitative research. It is mainly based on video recordings, interviews, and questionnaires.

 

53. Training Psychological Flexibility and Successful Living Outside of the Clinic Symposium (10:45-11:45am): Other, ACT - Skills, ACT - Clinical/ Experiential Avoidance, Education, E-learning, Research, Parent Training, Autism, Parental Stress

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1220

Chair: GIOVANNI MISELLI, PSY.D., IULM University Milan; IESCUM Italy

Target Audience: Intermediate

• Coping Strategies and the Mediating Role of Experiential Avoidance

TIZIANA PENNATO, University of Pisa

Olivia Bernini, University of Pisa

Fiammetta Cosci, University of Pisa

Carmen Berrocal, University of Pisa

 

• Elearning and behavior modification: Measuring the differences of ACT based and CBT based Podcast on the academic behavior of students of an Italian University

GIOVANNI MISELLI, PSY.D., IULM University Milan; IESCUM Italy

Julian McNally, M.Psych, Counselling Psychologist

Francesco Pozzi, M.S., IULM University Milan; IESCUM Italy

Elisa Rabitti, M.A., IULM University Milan; IESCUM Italy

Giovambattista Presti, M.D., IULM University Milan; IESCUM Italy

Giovanni Zucchi, Psy.D., Villa Maria Luigia Hospital, Parma

Paolo Moderato, Ph.D., IULM University

 

• ACT for parent of childern diagnosed with autism: Developing and evaluating group intervention for supporting parents in Italy

GIOVANNI MISELLI, PSY.D., IULM University Milan; IESCUM Italy

Giovambattista Presti, M.D., IULM University Milan; IESCUM Italy

Paolo Moderato, Ph.D., IULM University Milan; IESCUM Italy

This symposium explores the relevance of ACT related concepts to non-clinical populations. Paper 1 discusses the mediating role of experiential avoidance in the relation of specific forms of coping strategies such as self distraction, denial, behavioral disengagement, and self blame with depression, anxiety, and alexithymia. Paper 2 evaluates the efficacy and effectiveness of two audio e-learning programs on psychological flexibility, performance, and academic behavior with students at an Italian university. The research project, the electronic tools developed, and the preliminary results will be presented and discussed. Paper 3 discusses the development and evaluation of an ACT based group intervention for supporting parents of autistic children. The ACT intervention delivered in a short format and data on its outcomes at follow-ups of 1 and 3 months will be presented.

 

54. Using ACT to empower the unconscious Workshop (10:45-Noon): ACT - Skills/ Social and cognitive psychology

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1224

JACQUELINE A-TJAK, PsyQ at Zaandam, the Netherlands

Target Audience: Beginner

Social and Cognitive Psychology have shown a great interest in the differences between conscious and non-conscious information processing. Research in this area has shown the huge impact of non-conscious information processing on behavior. As such, it is interesting for therapists in general and ACT therapist in particular to make use of this knowlegde and help client to make good use of this unconscious processing. This contribution gives a short overview of research findings and draws conclusions on the consequences for therapy. There will be exepriential exercises to bring these consequences into practice.

Educational Objectives:

• Gain knowlegde of research findings concerning the unconscious information processing
• Apply this knowledge to the theory and practice of ACT (therapy)
• Being able to use this knowledge in the practice of doing therapy

 

55. Assessment, Treatment, and Process in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Illness Symposium (10:45-Noon): ACT - Clinical/ Assessment, Treatment, Process Analysis, Chronic Illness

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1228

Chair: KEVIN E. VOWLES, PH.D., Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• Measuring acceptance and fusion in individuals seeking treatment for chronic fatigue

KEVIN VOWLES, PH.D., Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath Nikie Catchpool, Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases

Anne Johnson, Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases

Kathryn Bristow, Royal National Hospital for Rheumatic Diseases

Katherine Hadlandsmyth, University of Missouri - St Louis

 

• The function of acceptance and values in pediatric Sickle Cell Disease

LINDSEY L. COHEN, PH.D., Georgia State University

Aki Masuda, Georgia State University

Kevin E. Vowles, Centre for Pain Research, University of Bath

Josie Welkom, Georgia State University

Crystal Lim, George State University

Amanda Feinstein, George State University

 

• ACT in the treatment of epilepsy: Where are we now and where are we going?

TOBIAS LUNDGREN, University of Uppsala

JoAnne Dahl, University of Uppsala

Lennart Melin, University of Uppsala

Nandan Yardi, Yardi Hospital

Bryan Kies, University of Cape Town

 

• Development and Evaluation of a Self-help based ACT treatment for persons with long-standing chronic pain

 JOANNE DAHL, PH.D., University of Uppsala

Tobias Lundgren, University of Uppsala

In recent years, the burden of chronic illnesses on healthcare systems in the developed world has been increasingly recognized. With the ACT literature, there is now a substantial amount of data indicating that many ACT processes are key predictors of functioning in individuals with chronic illness. The present symposium will highlight new areas of measurement, as well as refinements in areas that have been the subject of previous inquiry. Our intention is to be broad in scope; therefore, data from a number of diverse conditions will be presented (i.e., Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, chronic pain, epilepsy, Sickle Cell Disease) from adolescents and adults. The analyses presented will focus on how key ACT processes can best be approached in clinical and research settings to guide intervention and experimentation.

 

56. RFT Methods Applied to Clinical & Health Psychological Issues Symposium (10:45-Noon): RFT - Research/ RFT-Clinical

Room: Vrijhof – Kleine Zaal

Chair: LOUISE McHUGH, Swansea University

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• Thought Suppression and the Transfer on Stimulus Functions

NIC HOOPER, Swansea University

Louise McHugh, Swansea University

Jo Saunders, Swansea University

 

• Transformation of Health Risk Functions of Pseudo-Food Names

EMILY K. SANDOZ, University of Mississippi

Chad E. Drake, Kelly Wilson, University of Mississippi

 

• Comparing IRAP, IAT and Facial Electromyography (EMG) as measures of implicit attitudes towards the overweight

Sarah Roddy, NUI Galway

IAN STEWART, NUI Galway

 

• Implicit future expectations and autobiographical memory in depression LIV KOSNES, Swansea University

Louise McHugh, Swansea University

Jo Saunders, Swansea University

Robert Whelan, Trinity College

Relational Frame Theory has suggested that language and cognition may be analyzed as derived relational responding, and over the last decade RFT researchers have been exploring a variety of linguistic and cognitive phenomena based on this theoretical interpretation. The present symposium presents a selection of recent studies that demonstrate the application of RFT-based methods to empirical issues in areas of health and clinical psychological interest. Paper 1 investigated the transformation of thought suppression functions; Paper 2 investigated the transformation of health risk functions of pseudo-food names; Papers 3 and 4 employed the Implicit Relational Evaluation Procedure to examine implicit versus explicit anti fat attitudes and future thinking in depression, respectively.

 

57. Stress Reduction through Acceptance and Mindfulness Symposium (10:45-Noon): Other, ACT - Clinical/ Mindfulness, ACT and Work Stress

Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 5

Chair: IVAN NYKLICEK, PH.D., Tilburg University

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• Can a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Intervention Change Personality?

IVAN NYKLICEK, PH.D., Tilburg University

 

• The Effectiveness of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention for Work Stress on Innovation, Cognitive Interference, and General Health Symptoms

ERIN BANNON, Bowling Green State University

This symposium examines the role of mindfulness and acceptance in reducing stress. Paper 1 discusses the effectiveness of a mindfulness-based stress reduction intervention in reducing characteristics of Type D personality and present results from a randomized controlled trial. Paper 2 describes the results of an ACT intervention for work stress and its impact on propensity to innovate, cognitive interference, and general health symptoms.

 

58. New Research on Measuring Stigma and its Relationship to ACT Processes Symposium (10:45-Noon): ACT - Other/ Stigma, ACT Processes

Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 6

Chair: MICHAEL LEVIN, University of Nevda, Reno

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

 

• Measuring weight stigma

Jason Lillis, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

MICHAEL LEVIN, University of Nevada, Reno

 

• Development and Psychometrics of a New Measure of Self-Stigma in Addiction

JASON LUOMA, PH.D., Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center, PC

Alyssa Rye, University of Nevada, Reno

Kara Bunting, University of Nevada, Reno

Chad Drake, Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center, PC

Barbara Kohlenberg, University of Nevada Medical School

Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

 

• Generalized Prejudice: Testing a Relational Frame Theory Account of Prejudice and Stigma

MICHAEL LEVIN, University of Nevada, Reno

Roger Vilardaga, M.A., University of Nevada, Reno

Jason Lillis, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Jacqueline Pistorello, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Jason Luoma, Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center, PC

Barbara Kohlenberg, University of Nevada Medical School

 

• Predictors of stigma among addictions counselors ROGER VILARDAGA, M.A., University of Nevada, Reno

Jason Luoma, Ph.D., Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center, PC

Michael Levin, University of Nevada, Reno

Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Jacqueline Pistorello, Ph.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Mikaela Hildebrandt, University of Nevada, Reno

Barbara Kohlenberg, University of Nevada Medical School

Nancy Roget, University of Nevada, Reno

 

This symposium will present a series of papers examining stigma and its relationship to ACT processes. Papers will present new measures of self stigma related to weight and substance abuse, as well as potential models for how ACT processes may interact with other important factors to predict stigmatizing attitudes towards oneself and others. 

 

Thursday Lunch 12:00-1:15pm

 

ORIËNTATIE LUNCH VOOR MOGELIJK OP TE RICHTEN NEDERLANDS/VLAAMSE CHAPTER VAN DE ACBS (DUTCH/FLEMISH MEETING) Organizational Meeting

Room: Vrijhof - Kleine Zaal

JACQUELINE A-TJAK, PsyQ at Zaandam, The Netherlands

MARCO KLEEN, BrainDynamics Groningen, PsyAdvies

Target Audience: Dutch/Flemish interested in networking and possibly starting an ACBS chapter

Informatie: deze lunch is bedoeld voor Nederlandstalige ACBS leden die mogelijk geïnteresseerd zijn in het helpen opzetten van een Nederlands-Vlaams ACBS Chapter. Meer informatie bij Jacqueline A-Tjak en/of Marco Kleen.

 

GERMAN-SPEAKING ACT GROUP Organizational Meeting

Room: Vrijhof - Vergaderzaal 5

JAN MARTZ, FMH Psychiatrie und Psychotherapie, ACT-Therapeut, Switzerland

RAINER SONNTAG, Private Practice, Germany

Target Audience: All German speakers interested in networking

 

An opportunity to get connected, vitalize our relationships, and discuss / plan for the further dissemination and development of ACT and RFT in German-speaking countries. Who knows, we might even launch a german-speaking chapter at ACBS? 

 

Thursday Afternoon 1:15pm

 

59. Walking Through an Initial ACT Session Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Clinical/ Assessment and Intervention

Room: Vrijhof – Agora

STEVEN C. HAYES, PH.D., University of Nevada

Target Audience: Intermediate

In this session I will present an initial ACT session with an actual client. After considering possible ACT targets we will walk through the session with an eye toward ACT processes.

Educational Objectives:

• To learn the seven processes that underlie and ACT model.
• To learn client cues that indicate presence or absence of these processes.
• To apply these concepts to the interpretation of an actual case.

 

60. ACT in Practice: Case conceptualization in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Clinical/ Case conceptualization

Room: Vrijhof – Amphitheater

PATRICIA BACH, PH.D., Illinois Institute of Technology

DANIEL J. MORAN, PH.D., BCBA, Trinity Services, Inc.

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate

This workshop will provide a step-by-step framework for functionally conceptualizing client behavior problems, and will discuss selection and application of specific ACT interventions based on the six core ACT processes described in Steven Hayes 'hexaflex' model. Participants will practice experiential exercises and have the opportunity to practice case conceptualization and developing their own ACT consistent interventions, exercises, and metaphors using clinical examples from their own practices. This workshop will be based on content from the publication ACT in Practice: Case Conceptualization in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, (Bach and Moran, 2008). The workshop will use a case-based approach beginning with instructor supplied cases and later using participants' clinical cases for practice in ACT case formulation, selecting interventions, and assessing the effectiveness of interventions, and outcomes. There will be a 60 minute slide presentation, demonstrations, large group exercises and case-based practice. Participants will be provided with handouts to use with their clients for assessment and homework assignments to augment in session interventions. Worksheets will also be distributed for the participants to use to facilitate ACT case formulation. Educational Objectives: 1. Workshop participants will become familiar with the six core ACT principles of defusion, self-as-context, acceptance, values, committed action, and contacting the present moment, which will be described from a strict behavior analytic perspective. 2. Workshop participants will be able to select ACT interventions appropriate for addressing specific core principles and learn how to apply specific ACT interventions based on the case formulation. 3. Workshop participants will learn to use ACT case conceptualization to facilitate creating one's own ACT consistent metaphors, exercises, and interventions for application in the context of a client's unique history and presenting complaints and assessing the effectiveness of interventions.

 

61. Mindfulness and Acceptance in the Treatment of Depression Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Clinical/ Depression

Room: Drienerburght – Zaal A

KIRK STROSAHL, Central Washington Family Medicine

PATRICIA ROBINSON, PH.D., Mountainview Consulting Group

Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced

ACT has been shown to be an effective treatment for clinical depression. In this workshop, participants will learn a systematic approach to depression using ACT principles. Based on the Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Depression (Strosahl & Robinson, 2008), attendees will learn how emotional avoidance and fusion with unworkable rules about living combine to foster depression. In the ACT model, depression is a result of systematic avoidance of more pressing personal issues. Attendees will learn an 8 step approach to depression that helps the patient identify core values; understand the protective role that depression plays in avoiding painful private experiences; identify strategies for separating self from the products of reactive mind; identify and defuse from self defeating story lines that reinforce depressive behaviors; and techniques for developing an "ACT lifestyle" that will help inoculate the patient against relapse. Video demonstrations and small group role-playing will be used to demonstrate core treatment strategies.

Educational Objectives:

• Learn how emotional avoidance and fusion with unworkable rules about living combine to foster depression.
• Learn an ACT-consistent 8 step approach to addressing depression symptoms
• Learn techniques for developing an 'ACT lifestyle' that will help inoculate patients against relapse

 

62. Child ACT-ing with Functional Contextualism: From the Playroom to the Supervisor's Office Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Clinical/ Children

Room: Drienerburght – Zaal B

AMY R. MURRELL, University of North Texas

AMANDA C. ADCOCK, University of North Texas

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Contrary to the traditional majority view of adult psychopathology, the psychological distress of child clients has often been conceived in contextual terms. The influence of environmental factors on children is, in deed, a cornerstone of developmental psychology. This influence is seen in a variety of treatment approaches, including psychoanalysis, cognitivism, and behaviorism alike. The definition of context has expanded over time; and now, many clinical scientists, from varying theoretical backgrounds, acknowledge that such influence is complex and interactive - including internal as well as external - and historical, as well as current, events. This broad definition of context as relevant to child development and distress is fitting of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The underlying philosophy of ACT is functional contextualism (FC). Derived from radical behaviorism, functional contextualism focuses on behavior ongoing in and with context. Individuals subscribing to FC as their worldview, such as ACT therapists, can thus see clients sitting inside a rich and broad context of environmental stimuli. This examination allows for a view of child clients, and people in general, as whole, complete, and perfect. A brief overview of contextual approaches to child treatment will be presented, most heavily emphasizing ACT. The effectiveness of FC as it relates to therapy and supervision will be discussed. The presenters will describe examples of how FC informs their approach to clinical work, primarily using examples of child clients. Presenters will also focus on how a FC approach informs training. This workshop will be primarily didactic; however, some role plays and experiential work will be used.

Educational Objectives:

• Learn how to conduct an ACT consistent functional analysis with a child client.
• Learn how to recognize how functional contextualism is related to therapeutic stance.
• Learn how to facilitate transfer of information from therapy to supervision and vice-versa.

 

63. A Practitioner's Field Guide to Developing Effective Language Training Programs Using Relational Frame Theory (RFT): Part 2- From Research to Practice Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): RFT - Clinical/ RFT-Research, ABA, Early Language Training Programs, Education, Fluency, Precision Teaching

Room: Drienerburght – Zaal C

NICHOLAS M. BERENS, University of Nevada, Reno/ Center for Advanced Learning, Inc.

TIMOTHY WEIL, University of South Florida

CARMEN LUCIANO & FRANCISCO JOSÉ RUIZ-JIMÉNEZ, Universidad de Almería

MARTHA PALAEZ, Florida International University

Target Audience: Beginner

This two part workshop will guide practitioners and researchers through the basics of RFT, how to conceptualize early language training programs using RFT, and finally using the core premises of RFT in more traditional educational programs. The second workshop will provide a brief review of the main concepts of RFT that are relevant to early language training, review some new developments in the RFT research base that are relevant to practitioners, and provide examples of more advanced clinical strategies that promote language development. Experts in the field will show their data, present clinical videos, and engage attendees in activities that will translate into good clinical work. This workshop will be ideal for practitioners and researchers interested in accelerating language development for semi-verbal children, who work with children with learning disabilities, and who just want to get a deeper understanding of RFT.

Educational Objectives: Attendees will:

• understand the current state of the RFT research base as it applies clinical settings dealing with language training,
• be able to translate recent research into their current practice, &
• understand more advanced or later developing frames (e.g., temporal/spacial, deictic, hierarchical, and relations among relations) and be able to conceptual how to target those behavior in a clinical setting.

 

64. ACT and Living Successfully with Psychotic Experience Symposium (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Clinical/ Psychosis, ACT Processes, Intervention, Research

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1216

Chair: DAVID GILLANDERS, University of Edinburgh, U.K.

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• Acceptance and Present-Moment Processes with People who Hear Distressing Voices

ERIC MORRIS, Institute of Psychiatry, U.K.

Philippa Garrety, Institute of Psychiatry, U.K.

Emmanuelle Peters, Institute of Psychiatry, U.K.

 

• Psychotic Symptoms and Illness Beliefs do not Predict Successful Valued Living With Psychosis, But Psychological Flexibility Does.

LAURA WEINBERG, NHS Fife, U.K.

DAVID GILLANDERS, University of Edinburgh, U.K.

 

• The Relationship between Self-Schemas, Illness Beliefs, Psychological Flexibility and Distress in people with Psychosis.

REBECCA LOWER, NHS Forth Valley, U.K.

DAVID GILLANDERS, University of Edinburgh, U.K.

 

• The Impact of Psychological Flexibility and Negative Schemas on Changes in Delusional Ideation Over Time

JOE OLIVER, South London & Maudsley NHS Trust, U.K.

KENNEDY MCLACHLAN, Open Polytechnic, New Zealand

• Developing a trans-diagnostic ACT group in an acute psychiatric inpatient ward.

GORDON MITCHELL, NHS Fife, U.K.

AMY MCARTHUR, NHS Fife, U.K.

LAURA WEINBERG, NHS Fife, U.K.

Lucy Clark, NHS Fife, U.K.

Marie Mirfield, NHS Fife, U.K.

In this symposium we will explore ACT relevant processes such as avoidance, fusion, acceptance, present-moment processes, beliefs, schema, distress, and behaviour as these apply to living successfully with psychotic experiences. Papers will outline original clinical research on ACT processes and interventions for this client group.

 

65. ACT for Disordered Eating: Conceptualization, Assessment, and Intervention Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Clinical/ Disordered Eating

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1220

EMILY K. SANDOZ, University of Mississippi

LINDSAY M. MARTIN, University of Mississippi

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Disordered eating is a class of behaviors associated with devastating disruptions of life, frightening medical consequences, and traditionally unsuccessful interventions. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an emerging behavior therapy that may offer a unique approach to changing an individual's relationship with food, the body, the self and others in service of a life that he or she values. This workshop will focus on a combination of didactic and experiential orientation to conceptualization, assessment, and treatment of disordered eating from an ACT perspective.

Educational Objectives:

• Become oriented to empirical support for ACT with eating disorders
• Learn how to conceptualize disordered eating from an ACT perspective
• Learn strategies for treatment of disordered eating from an ACT perspective

 

66. Teaching ACT More Directly & Making Room for "Second Wave" Moves Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Clinical/ Teaching more directly

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1224

HANK ROBB, PH.D., Private Practice

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Many practitioners attempting to grasp the basic moves in ACT find the explanations often get in the way. In this workshop participants will experience more direct methods to transmit basic ACT moves including acceptance, defusion, self-as-context, committed action, values and contact with the present moment; all of which are aimed collectively at developing psychological flexibility. Additionally, the workshop will show practitioners how to "make room" for "Second Wave" Behavior Therapy moves. The workshop aims to demonstrate A way, not THE way, to introduce ACT processes in preparation for their use to address troublesome life issues. Participants will watch this introductory protocol conducted with a workshop participant in a manner similar to that provided to most of the speaker's new clients. Participants will be asked to offer personal or role-play case material with the aim of seeing how that material can be situated in this landscape of ACT processes and addressed within that context. Participants will discuss and integrate what they have experienced.

Educational Objectives:

• Observe more direct methods of instantiating ACT principles while including "Second Wave" moves;
• Explore the application such methods actual issues;
• Consider ways to incorporate basic moves in participant's repertoire.

 

67. Issues of Values and Committed Action in the Context of End of Life Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Skills/ End of Life

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1228

MARTIN BROCK, Institute of Mental Health Nottingham

SONJA V. BATTEN, PH.D., University of Maryland School of Medicine

Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced

Within the ACT model, the context for change is underpinned by a focus on the processes of Values and Committed Action, that is, defining and pursuing the path that makes one's life rich and meaningful. End of life presents a stark perspective to view these processes, provides unique opportunities and challenges for both clients and therapists and is indeed the one event that will happen in all our lives. This workshop will offer an experiential setting in which to explore these issues and will give the opportunity to practice relevant techniques with each other. We propose that whether or not clinicians specifically work with clients at end of life, these issues will face all clients from time to time, or their family members -- thus affecting the work of therapy. In addition, we suggest that an ongoing awareness of the inevitability of end of life can energize both day to day living, and the clinical setting.

Educational Objectives:

• Learn about current data relevant to ACT approaches to End of Life
• Explore the challenges presented by End of Life, either for self or loved ones
• Explore utilising components of values and committed action in context of awareness of imminent or future end of life

 

68. The Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP): Where From, How To, and Where To Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): Other/ IRAP

Room: Vrijhof – Kleine Zaal

NIGEL VAHEY, National University of Ireland Maynooth

IAN STEWART, National University of Ireland Galway

LOUISE MCHUGH, University of Wales Swansea

LIV KOSNES, University of Wales Swansea

Dermot Barnes-Holmes, NUI, Maynooth

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate

A key objective of the workshop will be to summarise the key empirical literatures that gave rise to the IRAP, and to then collate the rapidly expanding IRAP literature itself. The authors will draw on this empirical base to outline key principles of how best to design and implement IRAPs so as to both maximise precision and minimise attrition. These principles will be illustrated in practice for workshop participants by the workshop facilitators. The IRAP is a computerised response-time measure derived from an integration of the account of human language and cognition provided by Relational Frame Theory (RFT), and the substantial cognitive literature addressing so-called “implicit” attitudes. In broad terms the model underlying the IRAP conceptualises implicit effects as being driven by immediate and relatively brief relational responses; in contrast, explicit (self-report) measures then are thought to reflect more elaborated and coherent relational response networks for which implicit attitudes are precursors. More simply, the IRAP captures spontaneous and automatic evaluative responses, whereas self-report measures capture more carefully considered deliberative reactions. Whereas explicit measures are frequently criticised as suffering from the limitations of introspection, and as largely reflecting a person’s tendency to respond in a socially desirable manner, implicit measures are relatively impervious to such confounding biases. Indeed, to date numerous studies have shown that the IRAP supplements traditional explicit measures, to provide greater prediction of target behaviours and a more precise understanding of the processes of attitude and behaviour change (see http://psychology.nuim.ie/IRAP/IRAP_Articles.shtml). Implicit attitudes appear to be particularly useful in the analysis of relatively established behaviours that do not often come under deliberative control such as those underlying addictive compulsions or prejudice. The workshop facilitators will provide workshop participants advice on how best to harness these strengths for the purposes of their individual research interests.

Educational Objectives:

• To describe, introduce and place the IRAP within the extant literature. This will include communicating the broad psychometric properties of the IRAP within the theoretical framework of the newly offered Relational Elaboration and Coherence Model (RECM), a model derived from RFT.
• Using role-play, to provide workshop participants with the core practical knowledge of how to prepare and maintain subjects across the IRAP procedure. This information is particularly important for minimising the substantial possibility of task attrition among novice users.
• To use role-play experience to illustrate important IRAP design parameters that have a bearing on the difficulty and relevance of each IRAP design to target groups. The objective is to equip workshop participants decide between the qualities of competing IRAP designs for their particular application.

 

69. Relational Frame Theory (RFT) for Dutch-speaking participants: The theory, its rootings and implications Relational Frame Theory (RFT): De theorie, haar oorsprong en implicaties Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): RFT - Other/ RFT - Concepts, history, applications

Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 5

HUBERT DE MEY, PH.D., Radboud University Nijmegen

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate

Deze workshop bestrijkt het brede gamma van aspecten die te maken hebben met RFT. Eerst komen de fenomenen aan de orde die middels RFT verklaard moeten worden. Vervolgens geef ik een inleiding in basisbegrippen van de gedragsanalyse, een noodzakelijk preludium omdat RFT niet uit de lucht komt vallen maar naadloos aansluit op de onderzoeksagenda van B.F. Skinner en het onderzoek van Murray Sidman. In de ontwikkeling van RFT staat het experiment, met menselijke deelnemers, centraal. Ik zal laten zien dat hoe dit gebeurt, en hoe deze experimenten ons hebben geleid naar het juiste inzicht in de rol van taal en cognitie. Dit inzicht wordt ons verschaft door het baanbrekende werk van Steven Hayes c.s. in Amerika, en van Dermot Barnes-Holmes c.s. in Ierland. Rule-governed behavior (RGB) is een term door Skinner bedacht ter onderscheiding van “contingency-shaped,” en heeft duidelijk gemaakt hoe belangrijk taal en cognitie zijn in de sturing van gedrag. RGB maakt gebruik van relational frames. Wat is relational framing, hoe komt het tot stand, wat doet het, en waarom is het geen cognitieve theorie maar gaat het wel over cognities? Deze en andere vragen zijn onderwerp van de workshop. Deze workshop is dus breed van opzet, en geeft de deelnemer een beeld van het grote belang van de gedragsanalyse, en van RFT in het bijzonder, ten behoeve van de praktijk van alledag, van de clinicus, de opvoeder, de therapeut, de maatschappelijk werker, de onderwijzer, maar ook van de econoom en de politicus, zeker in tijden waarin de door hen gefêteerde neoliberale theorie van de vrije markt heeft bewezen psychologisch niet levensvatbaar te zijn.

Educational Objectives:

• Learn how to evaluate the role of private events (language and cognition) in the determination of behavior.
• Learn how to set up an experiment on equivalence learning.
• Learn how to better appreciate and specify the role of context in the analysis of contingencies.

 

70. Developing Your Skills as an ACT Trainer, Part 2 Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Skills/ Training Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 6

JASON LUOMA, PH.D., The Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center, PC

ROBYN D. WALSER, PH.D., National Center for PTSD at the VA Palo Alto

Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced

This workshop is part two of a two-part workshop. In this second part of the workshop, a series of exercises and didactic segments will be developed by experienced trainers that will respond to training needs identified in part one of the workshop. This workshop is intended for those who are interested in developing their skills as trainers and supervisors in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Educational Objectives:

• Learn new ways to respond to difficult points in training.
• Learn new ideas for how to address future training needs.
• Engage experiential exercises designed to help with trainer flexibility.

 

Thursday Plenary 4:30-5:45pm

 

71. Presidential Address: The Importance of RFT to the Development of Contextual Behavioral Science Presidential Address (4:30-5:45pm): RFT - Other/ Contextual Behavioral Science

Room: Vrijhof – Agora/ Amphitheater

STEVEN C. HAYES, PH.D., University of Nevada, Reno

Target Audience: All

ACBS is not about acceptance and commitment therapy or even third generation CBT more generally -- it is about creating a more progressive psychology based on a developmental strategy called "contextual behavioral science." In this talk I will review the progress of Relational Frame Theory, and its importance to that development strategy. RFT is showing itself to be a clinically useful analysis, with good precision, scope, and depth in a domain that has challenged psychology since its inception. As progress continues, RFT will present opportunities for the ACBS community but it will take considerable effort to realize those opportunities.

Educational Objectives:

• Learn what context behavioral science is.
• Learn some of the recent progress in RFT research.
• Learn some ways in which RFT can be clinically useful. 

 

Thursday Night Dinner & Follies

6:00pm-12:00am Dinner (6:00-8:00pm)

Room: Vrijhof – Audiozaal

 

Follies (8:15-10:00pm)

 Room: Vrijhof – Agora/Amphitheater

 

Music/Dancing (9:30pm-12:00am)

Room: Vrijhof – Audiozaal

 

Friday Morning 9:00am

 

72. ACT With Love Workshop (9:00-Noon): ACT - Clinical/ Relationship Issues

Room: Vrijhof – Agora

RUSS HARRIS, M.D., private practice, Melbourne, Australia

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

This workshop, which draws on my forthcoming book "ACT With Love" looks at how we can simply and effectively apply the ACT model in relationship issues - whether one or both partners attend sessions! ACT is very effective with relationship issues. (I base this statement not just on my own clinical experience, but on that of anecdotal evidence from numerous other therapists I have trained). The workshop is both didactic and experiential. Experiential components focus on compassion, acceptance and forgiveness of a partner. Attendees will also get the opportunity to practise some simple exercises in pairs, to learn some useful defusion techniques for couples.

Educational Objectives:

• Learn a simple model for applying ACT to relationship issues
• Learn to adapt classic ACT exercises to couples
• Learn a simple technique for developing compassion

 

73. ACT and Mindfulness with chronic pain Symposium (9:00-10:30am): ACT - Clinical/ chronic pain

Room: Vrijhof – Amphitheater

Chair: ERNST BOHLMEIJER, Ph.D, University of Twente

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• Results of a meta-analysis

Martine Veehof, University of Twente

ERNST BOHLMEIJER, Ph.D, University of Twente

 

• A multidisciplinary approach in a rehabilitation centre

KARLEIN SCHREURS, PH.D., Roessingh Rehabilitation Centre, University of Twente

 

• ACT in Teams

PETER HEUTS, Rehabilitation physician; Rehabilitation Centre Leijpark, Tilburg

The aim of this symposium is to present and discuss current evidence for ACT and mindfulness as treatment of chronic pain and the implementation of ACT in multidisciplinary rehabilitation treatments. Results of a meta-analysis Paper 1 presents the results of a meta-analysis of 15 studies on the effects of acceptance-based therapies (Mindfulness and ACT) with people with chronic pain on mental and physical health. Paper 2 discusses the implementation of ACT interventions in one of the inpatient programs for chronic pain at the pain department of the Roessingh Rehabilitation Centre started in 2005. Treatments are delivered in groups of 6 to 7 patients. The program consists of three days inpatient treatment during eight weeks and one day of treatment six months later. Values are introduced to all patients in the first four weeks of the program. In the second part, four group sessions of ACT are offered to those patients who show the most experiential avoidance. These ACT interventions are implemented in a context of a multidisciplinary treatment delivered by psychologists, physiotherapists, occupational and sport therapists and social workers, supervised by a rehabilitation physician. When we started, the psychologists were the only professionals who were trained in ACT. Meanwhile, the other professionals are more aware of ACT, although most of them have not yet followed any form of training. Results of this program will be presented. We would like to discuss the design of the studies, measurement instruments and the challenges of implementing ACT in a non-academic setting with professionals of different education. Paper 3 describes the development and implementation of an ACT training for multidisciplinary teams. The training consists of 5 lines (i.e.: introduction in RFT; clinical ACT model/hexaflex; case conceptualization; personal development of the care provider; exercises & metaphores). The training consists of 3 sessions of 2 days each. The first session is mainly informative and partly experiential. The second and third sessions are highly experiential and offer plenty of opportunity to develop skills. We would like to share our experiences with this programme with colleagues for the purpose of further development of multidisciplinary work with ACT.

 

74. Sticky Thoughts & Other Unwanted Experiences Workshop (9:00-Noon): ACT - Skills/ Intrusive Thoughts

Room: Drienerburght – Zaal A

ROBYN D. WALSER, PH.D., National Center for PTSD

MARTIN BROCK, Institute of Mental Health Nottingham

Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a promising treatment that is progressing contemporary psychological approaches more appropriate to the human condition. Within the ACT model the context for change is underpinned by a focus on the role of experiential avoidance and the associated control agenda. The current data for ACT is promising and the ACT model suggests that developing willingness to be present to currently avoided thoughts and other unwanted experiences is helpful. However it is apparent , particularly within presentations such as Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) that some thoughts and experiences seem more "sticky" than others. That is, the intrusive nature of these kinds of thoughts can be highly distressing and motivation to abate, avoid or eliminate them is strong. Willingness to be present to these types of thoughts is challenging, given their nature and the attendant social disapproval. This workshop will offer an experiential setting in which to explore these issues and will give the opportunity to practise relevant techniques with each other designed to promote willingness and acceptance around these sorts of "sticky" experiences.

Educational Objectives:

• Explore typical "sticking points" in developing willingness to be present to unwanted thoughts and experiences.
• Explore how one's personal fusion as a therapist and non-acceptance may be an obstacle.
• Develop enhanced skills in recognising and responding to experiential avoidance as it is related to particularly challenging thoughts found in OCD and PTSD.

 

75. Contextual Behavioral Science and ACT/RFT: Discussing scientific strategy and future directions in research Workshop (9:00-Noon): ACT - Other/ Philosophy of Science, Research Methods in ACT/RFT

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1212

MICHAEL LEVIN, University of Nevada, Reno

ROGER VILARDAGA, University of Nevada, Reno

JENNIFER BOULANGER, University of Nevada, Reno

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

The ACT/RFT research program is part of a larger scientific strategy within psychology, which we term contextual behavioral science (CBS). Features of CBS include a clear explication of philosophical assumptions, development of analytic abstractive theoretical models from basic research, and an expanded list of methodologies used to answer research questions. Exploring the various features of our scientific strategy can be helpful for evaluating the current progress of the ACT/RFT research program and provide insight into future directions for research. The current workshop will involve an interactive discussion with attendees regarding CBS and the ACT/RFT research program. During the workshop we will present an overview of CBS, outlining its key features. The audience will engage in an active discussion around each of these features, including their role in ACT/RFT research and areas for further development and exploration such as new methodologies to use or questions to address. We will discuss functional contextualism and how it informs theory, methodology and intervention technologies. We will discuss the important role of basic research and how this work can inform the development and refinement of theoretical models of pathology and intervention. We will then discuss the variety of methodological approaches employed within CBS to address our scientific questions including measurement development, component studies, processes of change research, time series designs, RCTs, effectiveness research, and training studies. Other features of CBS, such as the need to foster dissemination in the community and the culture at large will also be discussed. A review of the current ACT literature, and to a lesser extent RFT, from the perspective of this CBS approach will be presented throughout and audience members will engage in evaluating the current success in meeting the goals of CBS and potential future directions, including the exploration of new research questions and the use of new methodologies.

Educational Objectives:

• To present a review of the specific goals and features of contextual behavioral science
• To discuss the success of current ACT and RFT research in meeting these goals
• To discuss future research directions for ACT and RFT research based on these reviews

 

76. Practical mindfulness for meditation hating clients: The appliance of heartrate coherence training Workshop (9:00-10:30am): ACT - Clinical/ Mindfulness

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1216

MARCO KLEEN, BrainDynamics Groningen, PsyAdvies

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

In ACT the concept of mindfulness is applied pragmatically. The effectiveness of the exercises taught are more important than their theoretical form. When confronted with clients who do not like meditation-like interventions heartrate coherence training is an option. By using an easy to apply biofeedback method clients can be taught defusion and mindfulness skills without spending hours exploring raisins.

Educational Objectives:

• Learn about the possibities to use biofeedback within an ACT context.
• Learn about heartrate variability as a possible biological marker for mindfulness.
• Think about ways to let 'difficult clients' make use of mindfulness.

 

77. Young clinical ACT researchers from Uppsala University Symposium (9:00-Noon): ACT - Clinical/ pain, epilepsy, obesity, LGBT teenagers

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1220

Chair: JOANNE DAHL, PH.D., University of Uppsala, Sweden

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• A short term self help based manual treatment for patients with severe chronic pain

JENNY THORSELLl, University of Uppsala, Sweden

REBECCA TINGVALL, Uppsala University

ANNA FINNAS, Uppsala University

MARIA GYBRANT, University of Uppsala, Sweden

Emma Jokimaki, Moa Brathen, Elin Waxin, Karin Andersson, Sofia Fredriksson, Johanna Aronsson

 

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Increase of Social Support in Families of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youth: A pilot study with multiple baselines

MALIN DAHLSTROM, University of Uppsala, Sweden

EMMA WALLIN, University of Uppsala, Sweden

 

• Acceptance and Commitment therapy for bariatric surgery patients JoAnne Dahl, University of Uppsala, Sweden

SANDRA WEINELAND, University of Uppsala, Sweden

 

• ACT in the treatment of epilepsy: Where are we now and where are we going

TOBIAS LUNDGREN, MS, University of Uppsala, Sweden

JoAnne Dahl, University of Uppsala, Sweden

Lennart Melin, University of Uppsala, Sweden

Nandan Yardi, Yardi Hospital, Pune

Bryan Kies, University of Cape Town, South Africa

The aim of this symposium is to show the research activity in clinical research research applications in the ACT model. The symposium will show a wide range from on-going research, to completed master theses, doctoral level research. The application cover ACT treatments of chronic illness such as pain, epilepsy, and obesity as well as other applications such as problems of acceptance between parents and LGBT teenagers. Many of these applications use internet based treatment and are as a rule are very short and cheap.

 

78. Explorations into ACT and Literature Symposium (9:00-10:30am): ACT - Clinical/ Literature

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1224

Chair: MAUREEN K. FLYNN, University of Mississippi

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• Crying Out in the Dark: A Look into ACT and Literature

MAUREEN K. FLYNN, University of Mississippi

Kelly Wilson, Ph.D., University of Mississippi

 

• My Deep and Abiding Interest in Transitions

KELLY G. WILSON, Ph.D., University of Mississippi

 

• Once, Twice, Three Times a Loser: Cognitive Fusion and the Antihero in Mid-Twentieth Century American Short Fiction

TROY DUFRENE, New Harbinger Publications

Many forms of psychological inflexibility that people often experience are exemplified in the mediums of literature and poetry. Through these works, the ubiquity of human suffering can truly be seen and felt. Their words resonate with the anguish and freedom that our neighbors, friends, co-workers, clients, family members, and perhaps even ourselves experience at some point in life. This symposium will examine three examples of such experiences from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) conceptualization.

 

79. Behavioral Approaches to Learning Using Derived Relational Responding and Fluency Symposium (9:00-10:30am): RFT - Research, Behavior Analysis/ Establishing Relational Responding, RFT in Education, Behavioral Momentum and Fluency Training

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1228

Chair: NICHOLAS M. BERENS, University of Nevada, Reno/Center for Advanced Learning

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• Acquisition and fluency of the arbitrarily applicable derived relational responding in accordance with opposition and comparison contexts

Rosa M. Vizcaíno, University of Almería

Carmen Luciano, Ph.D., University of Almería

Vanessa Sánchez, University of Almería

FRANCISCO RUIZ, University of Almería

 

• Increasing the Rate of Derived Relational Responding: An Applied Investigation

NICHOLAS M. BERENS, University of Nevada, Reno/Center for Advanced Learning

Steven C. Hayes, Ph. D., University of Nevada, Reno

Kimberly N. Berens, Ph. D., Center for Advanced Learning/UNR

 

• A Demonstration of an Easy Token Economy in an Applied Setting

ALYSSA WILSON, University of Mississippi

Jonathan H Weinstein, University of Mississippi

Kelly G. Wilson, University of Mississippi

Karen Kate Kellum, University of Mississippi

This symposium will discuss aspects of a behavioral approach to education and learning, particularly derived relational responding and fluency. Paper 1 describes a study with a four-year old child to examine the process involved in establishing fluency and flexibility across several frames of relational responding. Paper 2 evaluates the use of a fluency criterion across multiple exemplars of derived relational responding with synonyms and antonyms to improve the rate of responding to novel sets of stimuli. Paper 3 discusses an intervention to increase the target behavior and demand compliance of a participant at an after-school tutoring program.

 

80. Relational Frame Theory: An overview of the evidence to date Workshop (9:00-Noon): RFT-Research/ Empirical Evidence

Room: Vrijhof – Kleine Zaal

IAN STEWART, NUI Galway

EMILY K. SANDOZ, University of Mississippi

Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced

Relational Frame Theory (RFT; e.g., Hayes, Barnes-Holmes & Roche, 2001) is a comprehensive account of language and cognition from a behaviour analytic perspective, with potential applications in disparate areas of psychology and current applications in such major areas as adult clinical psychotherapy, education, developmental delay, occupational and social psychology. The present workshop will introduce the core principles of RFT and present an up-to-date overview of the empirical evidence in favour of this approach, including work by RFT researchers and others whose work strongly supports the RFT conception of language as arbitrarily applicable relational responding. The workshop will attempt to convey the current state of the evidence as well as possible future directions for RFT research. Implications for clinical research and practice will also be discussed.

 

81. Living a Vital Life with Obsessions: Treating OCD with ACT Workshop (9:00-Noon): ACT - Clinical/ OCD

Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 5

JENNIFER PLUMB, M.A., University of Nevada, Reno

BENJAMIN SCHOENDORFF, Calypsy, Lyon, France

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is one of the few DSM diagnoses that is functionally defined. The DSM criteria for OCD is more dimensional (as opposed to categorical) than many other disorders, and as such is more amenable to a functional approach to treatment such as ACT. ACT can be successfully applied to OCD due to its 1) focus on acceptance, defusion, self-as-context and mindfulness strategies aimed at changing the function (rather than the form or frequency) of obsessions, and 2) focus on increasing values-based behavior (as opposed to behavior predominantly in the service of reducing obsessions) in the face of such uncomfortable private experiences. ACT is also suitably flexible to work with many forms of OCD, including sub-types of OCD deemed difficult-to-treat (e.g., hoarding, primary obsesssional cases) and behaviors on the O-C spectrum (e.g., tics, skin-picking, hair-pulling). In this workshop we will discuss a) state of the extant literature on ACT for OCD, b) case conceptualization of OCD and O-C spectrum cases from an ACT perspective including a discussion about exposure from an ACT perspective, c) the challenges associated with using ACT in this population, d) OCD-specific assessment instruments, and e) specific methods we have found fruitful in treating OCD. This workshop will be interactive, and participants will be asked to take part in experiential exercises and role plays.

Educational Objectives:

• Understand the relevance of the ACT model for the treatment of OCD
• Experientially contact some of the difficulties faced by OCD sufferers
• Learn how to flexibly use ACT moves and exercises with OCD sufferers

 

82. Relational Frame Theory - Basic concepts and clinical implications Workshop (9:00am-4:15pm): RFT - Other/ A conceptual overview of RFT with a clinical focus

Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 6

NIKLAS TÖRNEKE, NT Psykiatri, private practice

JASON LUOMA, PH.D., Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, and Training Center; Private practice Target Audience: Intermediate

Relational Frame Theory (RFT) is the result of an attempt to deal with the area of human language and cognition from a behavioural perspective. Together with well known principles of operant and respondent conditioning it forms the theoretical basis of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. This workshop presents the basic concepts of RFT. The workshop also shows how these concepts can be used to understand common psychological problems and give directions for clinical interventions. The workshop is mainly didactic but will include some experiential parts for illustrative purposes. It is assumed that partakers have a basic understanding of operant and respondent learning.

Educational Objectives:

• To give the attendees an understanding of all the basic concepts of RFT
• To show the relevance of RFT for understanding psychological problems
• To show how RFT can be used to understand the central therapeutic strategies of ACT

 

83. Short mindfulness interventions with the old, the young and the fearful Symposium (9:00-10:30am): Behavior Analysis/ Mindfulness

Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 3

Chair: LOUISE McHUGH, Swansea University

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• Short web-based manipulation of self-focused attention: a comparison of Attention Training and mindfulness

JEAN-LOUIS MONESTÈS, Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie - Neurosciences Fonctionnelles & Pathologies – CNRS UMR 8160 - Centre Hospitalier Ph. Pinel.

Matthieu Villatte, Université de Picardie Jules Verne,

Amiens G. Loas, Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie - Neurosciences Fonctionnelles & Pathologies – CNRS UMR 8160 - Centre Hospitalier Ph. Pinel

 

• Can changing perspective on one’s own experience increase awareness of negative psychological events in others?

MATTHIEU VILLATTE, PH.D., Université de Picardie Jules Verne, Amiens

Louise McHugh, Swansea University

Jean-Louis Monestès, Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie - Neurosciences Fonctionnelles & Pathologies – CNRS UMR 8160 - Centre Hospitalier Ph. Pinel.

 

• The Behavioural Approach Test (BAT); Thought Suppression Vs Mindfulness

NIC HOOPER, Swansea University Laura Davies, Swansea University Louise McHugh, Swansea University

 

• Stimulus over-selectivity as a model of cognitive functioning in older adults: Mindfulness as a potential intervention

LOUISE McHUGH, Swansea University Anna Simpson, Swansea University

Phil Reed, Swansea University

The current symposium consists of four papers the unifying concern of which is the empirical testing of short mindfulness interventions. The first paper involves a web-based manipulation of mindfulness (self-focused attention) and an unfocused attention intervention. The second paper involves comparing level of mindfulness and psychological flexibility when taking ones own versus another person's perspective in both positive and negative emotional contexts. The third paper compares mindfulness and thought suppression as coping strategies for phobic individuals with phobia related content. The final paper investigates the utility of mindfulness versus unfocused attention in overcoming dysfunctional levels of stimulus over-selectivity in an elderly population. The findings from all four studies suggest the utility of mindfulness in comparison with other interventions including unfocused attention and thought suppression in a range of populations. 

 

Friday Morning 10:45am

 

84. ACT as public mental health Workshop (10:45-Noon): ACT - Clinical/ perevention

Room: Vrijhof – Amphitheater ERNST BOHLMEIJER, PH.D., TU Twente ANDO ROKX, MSc, GGNET

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate

Many people suffer from mild or moderate psychological distress. The presence of mild (subclinical) symptoms e.g. depression, anxiety is the most important risk factor for developing clinical disorders. Experiential avoidance possibly plays an important role in this process. However most people do not seek help. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) could be actively offered to the general population. As an early intervention, it could help people to accept their distress and commit to their values. And thereby prevent unnecessary long duration or deterioration of distress. The University of Twente developed a new preventive intervention for adults with mild to moderate psychological distress: Voluit Leven (living to the full). It is a group intervention for 8-10 people that consists of 8 sessions of 2 hours. It is based on acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and mindfulness. Recruitment takes place by advertisements and interviews in local newspapers. The workshop will start with some exercises from the intervention. We will then present the intervention and the results of a randomized controlled trial with 90 participants. We also present some results of a process evaluation that gives insight in how participants appreciate the different exercises and metaphors.

Educational Objectives:

• Learn how ACT can be applied with subclinical populations
• Development and implementation of an ACT-based prevention programme
• How pre-and post measurements can be useful in evaluating and adapting a prevention programme

 

85. The Long Road: The Role of Acceptance and Values in Substance Abuse Treatment Symposium (10:45-Noon): ACT - Clinical, ACT - Other/ Substance Abuse, Addictions, ACT Substance Abuse Disorder

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1216

Chair: MARISA PÁEZ, ACT Institute, Spain

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

 

• Alcoholics Anonymous From a Contextual Behavioral Perspective

MAUREEN FLYNN, University of Mississippi

Kelly Wilson, University of Mississippi

 

• Acceptance, Values and Motivation to Change in Alcohol Addicted Patients

GIOVANNI ZUCCHI, PSY.D., Villa

Maria Luigia Hospital, Parma

Giovanni Miselli, Psy.D., IULM University

Giovambattista Presti, M.D., IULM University

Paolo Moderato, Ph.D., IULM University

 

 • Preliminary data of a Random Clinical trial of ACT and TU (cognitive-behavioural) with substance abuse disorder

MARISA PÁEZ, ACT Institute, Spain

M. López, University of Almería

M. C. Luciano, University of Almería

Several approaches to the treatment of substance abuse, including ACT, have been shown to be effective. This symposium examine compatibilities between ACT and other approaches, and compares ACT with a standard cognitive approach. The fit between Alcoholics Anonymous and ACT, the relationship between variables involved in the psychological models underlying ACT and the Motivational Interview, and a comparison of ACT to a cognitive approach with polysubstance abusing clients will be discussed.

 

86. Building systems with values: Integrated care and beyond… Invited Lecture (10:45-Noon): Other/ Systems, Integrated Care

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1224

MARK WEBSTER, South Hampshire CBT Ltd- Southampton

MICHELLE ORMSTON, Portsmouth City PCT

JULIE HARRINGTON, Portsmouth City PCT

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

The addiction service in Portsmouth began using ACT in its treatment services, and then developed an integrated care pathway, based on values, across the different agencies, including those not using ACT. The concept and process of implementation will be described along with the obstacles that had to be overcome. The pathway will be put in the wider context of management models and computer systems requirements. The current data forms and management information outputs will be presented to show how a values approach provides a basis for healthcare systems to become integrated and run more effectively.

 

87. ACT in the Room: Implications and Applications of ACT in Practice Symposium (10:45-Noon): ACT - Other, ACT - Clinical/ ACT Values, Mindfulness

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1228

Chair: CHRIS TREPKA, Bradford District Care NHS Trust

Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced

 

• Core ACT values are "Prediction and influence with precision scope and depth": A guide

JOE CURRAN, Sheffield Health and Social Care NHS Trust, UK

 

• The ABC Course: a pilot ACT course for learning mindfulness

CHRIS TREPKA, Bradford District Care NHS Trust

This symposium will examine issues pertinent to the training and use of ACT by therapists. Paper 1 discusses the role of “prediction and influence with precision, scope, and depth” as values in ACT and RFT. It explores the history and development of these values, examines and contrasts their role in other psychological approaches, and considers the ways in which clinicians can work towards instantiating them in their everyday practice. Paper 2 describes a brief mindfulness training course designed to run alongside a course of individual ACT. Results from a pilot course involving 5 weekly classes conducted for a mixed group of therapy clients and other therapists will be presented.

 

88. Social Communication and Relational Frame Theory Workshop (10:45-Noon): RFT - Clinical/ Perspective Taking

Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 3

LOUISE MCHUGH, Swansea University

MATTHIEU VILLATTE, Université de Lille

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Researchers within cognitive and traditional developmental fields have written volumes on the social-cognitive nature of social problems in disorders such as autism and schizophrenia, with the "Theory of Mind" (ToM) construct receiving the majority of attention. While behavior analysis has offered descriptions of how to teach basic social behaviour to individuals with autism, descriptions of complex social behaviour (e.g., understanding deception, empathy, "self-reflection" - all falling under the rubric of "perspective taking") have eluded commonly utilized behavioural intervention resources, and little or no research has attempted to remediate social deficits in schizophrenia. However, researchers within behavior analysis are beginning to investigate how complex social behavior constructs can be examined within a behaviour analytic framework, with recent progress in derived multiple stimulus relations offering particular promise. "Relational Frame Theory" (RFT) accounts of ToM, perspective-taking in particular, have yielded testable hypotheses, developmental profile analyses, and descriptions of treatment protocols. This workshop will summarize this literature, and discuss the relevance to clinical disorders such as autism-related and schizophrenia spectrum related deficits (e.g., understanding deception, intentions, other's interest in discussion topics, other's feelings, etc.).

Educational Objectives:

• Understand the RFT conceptualization of perspective taking and its implication for social communication.
• Become familiar with key RFT studies on perspective taking.
• Learning RFT based techniques to train social communication in populations who are deficient, such as those diagnosed with ASD or schizophrenia. 

 

Friday Lunch 12:00-1:15pm

 

ACT with Christians – challenges and advantages Organizational Meeting

Room: Vrijhof – Kleine Zaal

INGRID ORD, Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist, Dubai, UAE

Target Audience: All

ACT with Christians may encounter issues specific to this population. This SIG is for pooling ideas and discussing experiences with or information about aspects such as unconditional acceptance, values and rule-governed behaviour, and mindfulness with Christian clients. Therapists do not need to be Christians themselves to be able to make valuable contributions to this very specific topic. 

 

Friday Afternoon 1:15pm

 

89. Know Thyself, Choose Thyself: Exploring Flexibility with Self and Valued Living Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Clinical/ Self-as-Context

Room: Vrijhof – Agora

EMILY K. SANDOZ, University of Mississippi

ROGER VILARDAGA, University of Nevada, Reno

STEVEN C. HAYES, PH.D., University of Nevada, Reno

STEPHANIE NASSAR, University of Mississippi

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Common to a number of diagnostic categories are disturbances in the way an individual experiences him or her Self. Through complex relational conditioning processes, individuals come to experience themselves in ways that narrow their behavioral repertoire, creating less and less freedom and more distance between them and a live they would value. This workshop will orient the participant to the different ways that the Self can be experienced and to the relationship between Self and Values processes.

Educational Objectives:

• To understand a behavioral account of the development of sense of self.
• To describe how inflexibility with self can hamper valued living
• To list three ways to encourage flexibility with self that will contribute to valued living

 

90. The Art and Science of valuing in psychotherapy Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Clinical/ Clinical

Room: Vrijhof – Amphitheater

JOANNE DAHL, PH.D., University of Uppsala

JENNIFER PLUMB, M.A., University of Nevada, Reno

IAN STEWART, NIU Galway

TOBIAS LUNDGREN, University of Uppsala

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

This workshop aims at helping therapists approach human problem through a values perspective as a part of the ACT/RFT model. The participants will learn: helping clients clearly define what matters to them; creating a sense of meaning and purpose; providing a framework for setting specific goals in both the short term and the long term; providing a context in which a client may be more willing to experience difficult thoughts and feelings as she moves in valued directions; helping clients practice being more aware of the reinforcing qualities of behaviors in the moment that are related to a larger value. Values clarification is the process of developing values statements that guide client behavior. This is a process that is ongoing throughout therapy. When a client enters therapy, she may not have a clear sense of her values or may have difficulty engaging in behaviors consistent with her values. As therapy progresses, a client’s chosen values and value-directed behaviors may shift as her behavior becomes more flexible. Just as you would periodically check your compass bearing to make sure you haven’t strayed too far from your intended direction, it is also important to engage in values clarification throughout therapy. Second, clients and clinicians work together to develop goals: discrete behaviors that can be evaluated and completed to move the client in the direction of her stated values. Choosing particular goals that are in line with one’s values can take practice. To determine whether a particular goal is in line with her values, the client must practice becoming aware of the reinforcing properties of her values-consistent behaviors. Third, clients build larger and larger patterns of behavior in line with their values, building meaning and developing a purpose to work toward in each moment. This workshop consists of demonstrations, RFT theoretical perspectives, experiential exercises and own applications.

Educational Objectives: Participants will learn:

• How to distinguish between values and feelings, values and judgements, values and rules.
• To understand the RFT perspective on valuing.
• How to use the values compass.
• How to use the bull's eye for valued living.
• How to use a dramatization of the life-line to identify values directions.

 

91. ACT as a Brief Intervention: Theory and Application Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Skills/ Brief Interventions

Room: Drienerburght – Zaal A

KIRK STROSAHL, Central Washington Family Medicine

Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced

The transdiagnostic focus of the ACT model makes it an ideal approach for addressing a broad range of human problems. The twin themes of acceptance and valued actions are also ideal for application in brief intervention contexts such as primary care, crisis centers, hospitals and schools. This workshop will introduce the basic principles of brief intervention and how to create a useful interface between these principles and ACT work. Participants will learn the defining principles of strategic interventions and how acceptance and valued actions can be integrated into the strategic change framework. Video and live role play demonstrations will be used to highlight key learning points.

Educational Objectives:

• Learn the clinical and service utilization data that argue for a brief intervention approach in most settings
• Learn to apply the key principles of strategic therapy
• Learn to use ACT interventions in a way that is consistent with the strategic therapy framework.

 

92. ACT for young adults (16-28 year olds) - ACT used in group format as prevention or an early intervention aimed towards psychological ill-health and stress Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Clinical/ General psychological health, stress, prevention, early intervention

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1212

FREDRIK LIVHEIM, Karolinska Institutet, medical university

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

According to calculations by the World Health Organization (WHO), the second largest health problem of the Swedish population today is psychological ill-health. In some further years it is predicted to be the very largest health problem in the Swedish populace (Swedish National Institute for Public Health, 2005). Self reported mental health is found to rapidly deteriorate especially among Swedish "young adults" (defined as 18-24/29 years of age), where the problems are reported to have doubled or tripled in the period of 1988/89 to 2001 (Swedish National Institute of Public Health; 2006). Common problems as reported are anxiety, worry, pain and sleep problems. Since 2006 Fredrik Livheim has been working for Stockholm Centre for Public Health, within Stockholm County Council, to make a detailed treatment-protocol and train new group leaders in "ACT- To cope with stress and promote health" (as it now is called in Swedish). Until now approximately 75 new group leaders (school-counsellors etc) has been trained. Fredrik has also begun to educate new trainers of group leaders in this particular ACT group format. Those trainers also constitutes an ACT-network that can arrange regular ACT booster sessions for the existing group leaders and also arrange education of new group leaders. The focus of the workshop will be on the content in "ACT- To cope with stress and promote health". This will give the participants an understanding and examples of one way of working with young adults in group-settings as prevention or as an early intervention. The workshop will also provide examples of how it is possible to create an infrastructure to make ACT-interventions available to young adults in a larger scale. The participants will be guided through handpicked exercises that are part of the course "ACT- To cope with stress and promote health" as if they themselves were taking part in the full course. A special focus will be on components, exercises and metaphors that are a bit new or unusual in the more "traditional ACT tool-box". For example using a "reward-system" when following up homework, the "bus-metaphor" role-played in a group setting, RFT easily explained for young adults etc. There will be time for questions throughout the workshop. Participants will be encouraged to ask any questions they want, and questions about pitfalls when working with groups will get extra attention. The presenter has extensive experience both of giving the course clinically directly with young adults and also with training group leaders. The presenter is also the program developer of this ACT group format.

Educational Objectives:

• Learn how to apply an ACT-consistent group approach to presenting problems of diffuse mental health problems and stress.
• Learn how to work with the "life-compass" as a tool for values clarification.
• Learn exercises and metaphors that are easy for the participants to adopt and use in their own clinical work, either individually or in group settings.

 

93. Applications of deictic relational framing Symposium (1:15-2:45pm): RFT - Research/ Perspective taking

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1216

Chair: LOUISE McHUGH, Swansea University

Target Audience: Intermediate, Advanced

 

• The Effects Of Teaching Situation-Based Emotions On Perspective Taking

LOUISE McHUGH, Swansea University

Alina Bobarnac, Swansea University

Phil Reed, Swansea University

 

• Deictic Relational Framing and Connectedness among College Students: A Small Analog Study

ROGER VILARDAGA, University of Nevada, Reno

Thomas Waltz, University of Nevada, Reno

Michael Levin, University of Nevada, Reno

Steven C. Hayes, University of Nevada, Reno

Colin Stromberg, University of Nevada, Reno

Kimberly Amador, University of Nevada, Reno

 

• Deictic framing protocols to increase discrimination of own behavior and reduce impulsive behavior

CARMEN LUCIANO, University of Almería

V. Sánchez, University of Almería

Francisco Ruíz, University of Almería

Marisa Páez, University of Almería

R. Vizcaino, University of Almería

O. Gutiérrez, University of Almería

 

• Deictic relational responding in beliefs attribution: People with high social anhedonia are impaired in reversing the frame of I-YOU

MATTHIEU VILLATTE, PH.D., University of Picardie

Jean-Louis Monestès, Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie - Neurosciences Fonctionnelles & Pathologies – CNRS UMR 8160 - Centre Hospitalier Ph. Pinel

Louise McHugh, Ph.D., University of Wales, Swansea

Esteve Freixa i Baqué, Ph.D., University of Picardie

Gwenolé Loas, Service Universitaire de Psychiatrie - Neurosciences Fonctionnelles & Pathologies

The current symposium reports four empirical studies examining deictic relational responding across a number of different populations. The first study trained children with Autistic Spectrum Condition to tact their own emotions, and examined the effect of this training on deictic framing / perspective taking. The second study tested deictic relational framing and connectedness among college students. The third study used deictic framing protocols to increase discrimination of own behavior and reduce impulsive behavior in high and low emotional avoiders. The fourth study explored deictic relational responding and belief attribution in people with high levels of social anhedonia. Findings from the four studies support the contention that deictic relational framing is a distinct relational repertoire the training of which can facilitate social communication.

 

94. Overcoming Resistance - Made Simple Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Skills/ Barriers To Change

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1220

RUSS HARRIS, M.D., private practice, Melbourne Australia

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

This is workshop is both experiential and didactic. It goes step-by-step through the most common factors in resistance and barriers to change -- and how we can not only help clients (and ourselves) to get unstuck, but we can also turn these obstacles and barriers into useful opportunities to develop core ACT skills. It also covers an incredibly simple defusion technique that can be used to overcome any objection to therapy and teach defusion skills at the same time!

Educational Objectives:

• Learn the most common factors in resistance
• Learn a different and more comprehensive interpretation of the popular F.E.A.R. acronym
• Learn a variety of techniques for overcoming resistance and increasing motivation.

 

95. "ACT-ifing" Religious Traditions Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Clinical/ Spiritual-Theoretical & Practical

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1224

HANK ROBB, PH.D., Private Practice

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate

The principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy have been suggested already to be in, or available for use to support, many traditional dualistic spiritual beliefs and practices. This workshop suggests ACT based principles and practices could be used to support a monistic, pragmatically oriented approach to spiritual development. This workshop will explore the philosophical and practical aspects of such a proposal.

Educational Objectives:

• Identify the outlines of a monistic, pragmatically oriented approach to spiritual development;
• Identify a possible root metaphor for the approach;
• Consider ACT principles as a basis for spiritual development rather than an adjunct to it.

 

96. A Perfect Match: Meditation and ACT Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Clinical/ Mindfulness, Meditation, Buddhism

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1228

LINDSAY FLETCHER, M.A., University of Nevada, Reno

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is one of several third wave behavioral treatments to incorporate mindfulness into therapy. The term mindfulness is borrowed from Eastern religious and spiritual traditions that emphasize meditation practice as an important technique for the alleviation of suffering. While many third-wave therapies emphasize informal mindfulness practices, including ACT, this workshop will explore the inclusion of “formal” practices that may enhance treatment when they are adapted for use with the ACT model. There is a growing literature showing that meditation is a powerful tool for therapists and clients and Buddhist traditions provide a nearly limitless supply of different meditation practices. Furthermore, most meditation-based therapies do not include a values component. Thus, ACT and meditation may mutually benefit each other. The purpose of this workshop will be to teach participants how to conceptualize particular meditation practices in terms of an ACT definition of mindfulness. During the workshop, meditation exercises will be taught experientially. Participants will learn to apply these techniques to provide an ongoing practice for therapists and clients. We will explore how to apply mindfulness skills in the therapy interaction and use clinical examples. This workshop is meant to inspire clinicians and researchers to investigate how meditation may enhance mindfulness when used with clients and therapists.

Educational Objectives:

• Learn meditation techniques that have been adapted for use with ACT.
• Learn how to conceptualize Buddhist meditation techniques in terms of the ACT definition of mindfulness.
• Learn about the empirical support for meditation as a psychological intervention.

 

97. Single Case Designs for Clinicians- Bridging the gap between research and practice Workshop (1:15-4:15pm): ACT - Clinical/ Single subject research, case formulation, treatment planning

Room: Vrijhof – Kleine Zaal

JENNIFER BOULANGER, M.A., University of Nevada, Reno

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

Clinicians in private practice rarely have the time, resources, or support to conduct the kind of applied research that is typically awarded grants or published in major peer-reviewed journals. As a result, those who develop, test, and train new therapies rarely have access to the wealth of clinical experience and knowledge possessed by those who practice outside of academic or research settings. However, there is a way for clinicians to incorporate research strategies into their existing practice, thereby improving therapy outcomes for their clients and contributing to the scientific literature. Single-case designs do not require large samples of participants or statistical expertise, but allow clinicians to analyze a client’s behavior and the context in which it occurs through repeated measurement over time. These designs can be used to conduct functional analyses of behavioral targets, facilitate case formulation and treatment planning, and improve therapy efficiency and effectiveness. This workshop will introduce clinicians to the logic of single-case designs, demonstrate the application of these methods through case presentations, and help clinicians develop a strategy for incorporating these methods into their existing practices. We will walk through the steps of designing, implementing, analyzing, and publishing/presenting single case designs. Clinicians will also learn to use single case design elements to facilitate case formulation, treatment planning, and progress monitoring. No prior research experience is necessary.

Educational Objectives:

• Understand the logic and methodology of single-case, or time-series, research.
• Learn how to use single-case designs to facilitate case formulation, treatment planning, and progress monitoring.
• Develop a strategy for designing, implementing, and analyzing single case research within private practice settings.

 

98. Cognitive Rigidity: Conceptualizations, Mechanisms, Measurement, and Intervention Symposium (1:15-2:45pm): Other, ACT - Other, ACT - Clinical/ Cognitive flexibility, physiology, ACT Processes, Measurement, Cognitive Defusion

Room: Vrijhof – Vergaderzaal 5

Chair: DAVID GILLANDERS, University of Edinburgh, U.K.

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

 

• Developing a Measure of Cognitive Fusion

DAVID GILLANDERS, University of Edinburgh, U.K.

HELEN BOLDERSTON, Private Practice

Maria Dempster, NHS Grampian, U.K.

Frank Bond, Goldsmiths University of London

 

• The study of Defusion in clinical setting: a replication of word-repetition studies with an inpatient sample

GIOVANNI ZUCCHI, PSY.D., Villa Maria Luigia Hospital, Parma

Akihiko Masuda, Ph.D., Georgia State University

Giovanni Miselli, Psy.D., IULM University Milan

Giovambattista Presti, M.D., IULM University Milan

Paolo Moderato, Ph.D., IULM University

Cognitive defusion is one of the core processes in ACT and its relation to well-being has been the subject of numerous investigations. However, there are still gaps in our knowledge of this core process. This symposium will attempt to fill some of those gaps by discussing issues surrounding cognitive fusion and defusion. Paper 1 describes the development of a self-report measure of cognitive fusion, while Paper 2 presents the preliminary results of an investigation into the relevance of cognitive defusion with a clinical population, instead of with non-clinical samples as has typically been done in prior studies. 

 

Friday Afternoon 3:00pm

 

99. “What Just Happened?” What We are Training and How Symposium (3:00-4:00pm): ACT - Skills/ Training, ACT Training

Room: Hogekamp – HO 1216

Chair: M. C. LUCIANO, University of Almería

Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced

• Evaluating introductory ACT workshops: Changes in knowledge and responses to experiential exercises

ERIC MORRIS, South London and Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, UK

 

• How to measure what really works in ACT training

M. C. LUCIANO, University of Almería

MARISA PÁEZ, ACT Institute, Spain

The first paper discusses how workshop participants evaluate introductory ACT workshops on various measures. Pre-, post-, and follow-up ratings on ACT knowledge, comparisons of ACT with mainstream CBT, interest in further ACT training, and rating about the experiential exercises from over 50 workshop attendees will be presented. The second paper highlights the fact that we do not know much about the key components involved in learning ACT. While several methods seem to be useful (e.g., learning the conceptual background, reviewing video or audio recordings, role playing, using experiential work in supervision groups, etc.), no instruments are available for measuring the progress that therapists achieve after different kinds of learning sessions. Ideas about the structures of learning sessions and instruments to measure the impact of work done as well as results from therapist training over the last two years in ACT Institute will be presented. 

 

Friday Plenary 4:30-5:30pm

 

100. Enhancing everyday life using ACT and RFT/ Closing Plenary (4:30-5:30pm): ACT/RFT - Everyday Life/

Room: Vrijhof – Agora

FRANK BOND, PH.D., Goldsmiths, University of London, U.K.

ERNST BOHLMEIJER, PH.D., Twente University

PATRICIA BACH, PH.D., Illinois Institute of Technology

Target Audience: All

One of the most useful features of ACT and RFT is that they provide a comprehensive analysis of verbal behaviour, which, thus, creates guidance for not only reducing mental ill-health but for promoting vital and effective living in all areas of people’s lives. The aim of this plenary is to discuss research that has explored how the application of contextual behavioural science is producing a greater understanding of how to help people thrive in their daily life—to more effectively move through the everyday psychological barriers that get in our way and more successfully create contexts (e.g., at work) that encourage ourselves and others to maximise our potential.

Educational Objectives:

• Understand the qualities of ACT and RFT that make it applicable to everyday life.
• Learn how ACT and behaviour analysis can enhance leadership and group performance.
• Learn how ACT, RFT and mindfulness can facilitate health promotion, as well as reduce stigma and re-offending.

 

 

• "ACT-ifing" Religious Traditions־־־Hank Robb, Ph.D.

• A Perfect Match: Meditation and ACT־־־Lindsay Fletcher, M.A.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Finding Life Beyond Trauma for the Survivor and the Therapist־־־Robyn D. Walser, Ph.D., Jacqueline Pistorello, Ph.D., Victoria M. Follette

• The Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP): Where From, How To, and Where To --- NIGEL VAHEY, IAN STEWART, LOUISE MCHUGH, LIV KOSNES, Dermot Barnes-Holmes

• ACT as a Brief Intervention: Theory and Application־־־Kirk Strosahl

• ACT as public mental health־־־Ernst Bohlmeijer, PhD, Ando Rokx, MSc

• ACT Early: acceptance, mindfulness and values in early intervention for psychosis־־־Eric Morris, Joe Oliver, Sally Bloy

• ACT for Disordered Eating: Conceptualization, Assessment and Intervention ־־־Emily K. Sandoz, Lindsay M. Martin

• ACT for preventing mental health problems־־־Jason Lillis, Ph.D., Jennifer L. Boulanger, M.A.
• ACT for weight related issues ־־־Jason Lillis, Ph.D., Lindsay B. Fletcher, M.A.

• ACT for young adults (16-28 year olds) - ACT used in group format as prevention or an early intervention aimed towards psychological ill-health and stress.* ־־־Fredrik Livheim

• ACT in Practice: Case conceptualization in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy־־־Patricia Bach, Ph.D., Daniel J. Moran, Ph.D., BCBA

• ACT of Love: Sex and Intimacy־־־Ando Rokx, Aad van Leeuwen, Monique Barnouw

• ACT Through CBT and CBT Through ACT - Are they so different?־־־Kenneth Fung, MD FRCPC MSc, Mateusz Zurowski, MD FRCPC MSc

• ACT Treatment of Stuttering־־־José Antonio García Higuera

• ACT With Love ־־־Russ Harris, MD

• ACT-Based Contextual Behavioral Supervision־־־Sonja V. Batten, Ph.D., Robyn D. Walser, Ph.D.

• An Introduction to Behaviorism & Relational Frame Theory for Beginners־־־John T. Blackledge, Joanne Steinwachs, Niklas Torneke

• Applying ACT to Cases of Complex Depression: New Clinical and Research Perspectives־־־Brandon A. Gaudiano, Ph.D., Kristy L. Dalrymple, Ph.D.

• Contextual Behavioral Science and ACT/RFT: Discussing scientific strategy and future directions in research־־־Michael Levin, Roger Vilardaga, Jennifer Boulanger

• Creative Confusion: An idiot's guide to ACT in groups־־־Kevin Polk, Mark Webster, Benjamin Schoendorff, Jerold Hambright

• Demystifying Relational Frame Theory־־־Daniel J. Moran, Ph.D., BCBA, Patty Bach, Ph.D.

• Getting Started with ACT Experiential Supervision Skills ־־־Mary Sawyer

• Introduction to ACT in Dutch־־־Jacqueline A-Tjak, Ingrid Postma

• Issues of Values and Committed Action in the Context of End of Life־־־Martin Brock, Sonja V. Batten

• Know Thyself, Choose Thyself: Exploring Flexibility with Self and Valued Living־־־Emily K. Sandoz, Roger Vilardaga, Steve Hayes, Stephanie Nassar

• Learning Hexaflex Processes Using Mindfulness for Two Videos־־־Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D., Emily K. Sandoz

• Living a Vital Life with Obsessions: Treating OCD with ACT־־־Jennifer Plumb, MA, Benjamin Schoendorff, MSc

• Mindfulness and Acceptance in the Treatment of Depression ־־־Kirk Strosahl, PhD, Patricia Robinson

• A Practitioner’s Field Guide to Developing Effective Language Training Programs Using Relational Frame Theory (RFT) --- NICHOLAS M. BERENS, TIMOTHY WEIL, CARMEN LUCIANO & FRANCISCO JOSÉ RUIZ-JIMÉNEZ, MARTHA PALAEZ

• OCD and Case Formulation In ACT־־־Martin Brock

• Overcoming Resistance - Made Simple־־־Russ Harris, MD

• Practical mindfulness for meditation hating clients: The appliance of heartrate coherence training־־־Marco Kleen

• Relational Frame Theory - Basic concepts and clinical implications־־־Niklas Torneke, Jason Luoma, PhD

• Self-as-context Made Simple ־־־Russ Harris, MD

• Sticky Thoughts & Other Unwanted Experiences־־־Robyn Walser, Martin Brock

• Teaching ACT More Directly & Making Room for "Second Wave" Moves־־־Hank Robb, Ph.D.

• The Art and Science of valuing in psychotherapy־־־Joanne Dahl, PhD, Jennifer Plumb, MA, Ian Stewart, Tobias Lundgren

• The Primary Care Behavioral Health Model: A Platform for ACT in Health Care־־־Patricia Robinson, PhD

• Turning your life toward maturity: ACT with older adults ־־־Erwin Lutzke

• Using ACT to empower the unconscious ־־־Jacqueline A-Tjak

• Using ACT to Improve Management of Chronic Pain in Primary Care־־־Patricia Robinson, PhD

• Relational Frame Theory (RFT) for Dutch-speaking participants: The theory, its rootings and implications Relational Frame Theory (RFT): De theorie, haar oorsprong en implicaties (in Dutch) --- Hubert De Mey

• Towards a functional contextualist neuroscience־־־BENJAMIN SCHOENDORFF, STEVEN C. HAYES, KELLY G. WILSON

• Don't you mind speaking of mind? Reflecting on mirror neurons and other homunculi on the Neuroscience scene־־־PAOLO MODERATO An exploration of acceptance related processes in presurgically implanted epileptic patients by means of real-time frequency-band analysis system־־־BENJAMIN SCHOENDORFF ‘Behavior is what the organism is doing’ – limbs, neurones, biochemistry, thoughts, and feelings. Within a context. Reaching out to the neurosciences, starting from where they are.־־־ROB PURSSEY

• ACT and Living Successfully with Psychotic Experience־־־DAVID GILLANDERS

Acceptance and Present-Moment Processes with People who Hear Distressing Voices־־־ERIC MORRIS, Philippa Garrety, Emmanuelle Peters Psychotic Symptoms and Illness Beliefs do not Predict Successful Valued Living With Psychosis, But Psychological Flexibility Does־־־LAURA WEINBERG, DAVID GILLANDERS The Relationship between Self-Schemas, Illness Beliefs, Psychological Flexibility and Distress in people with Psychosis־־־REBECCA LOWER, DAVID GILLANDERS The Impact of Psychological Flexibility and Negative Schemas on Changes in Delusional Ideation Over Time ־־־JOE OLIVER, KENNEDY MCLACHLAN Developing a trans-diagnostic ACT group in an acute psychiatric inpatient ward. ־־־GORDON MITCHELL, AMY MCARTHUR, LAURA WEINBERG, Lucy Clark, Marie Mirfield

• ACT in the Workplace ־־־FRANK BOND

The Impact of ACT training on Leadership־־־FRANK BOND The Impact of ACT and CBT on Stress at Work־־־Paul Flaxman, FRANK BOND The Impact of ACT Training on Stress and Burnout in Human Services Workers־־־JO LLOYD, Frank Bond Can ACT reduce staff stigma? Preliminary findings and work in progress־־־Sue Clarke, Georgina Taylor, Kelly Wilson, Bob Remington

• ACT and Chronic Illness־־־DAVID GILLANDERS

Beliefs, Acceptance, Knowledge, Emotional Distress and Self Care in Older People with Type 2 Diabetes.־־־DAVID GILLANDERS, Vicky Thurlby ACT based Treatment of Chronic Pain - Outcome data to three years־־־KEVIN VOWLES, PH.D., Lance McCracken, Jeremy Gauntlett-Gilbert Flexing the gut - Quality of Life in Irritable Bowel Syndrome־־־NUNO FERREIRA, David Gillanders The Evolution of General Psychological Flexibility and Pain Specific Acceptance across time in people with Chronic Pain־־־ALEXANDRA DIMA, David Gillanders

• Assessment, Treatment, and Process in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Chronic Illness־־־KEVIN E. VOWLES, PH.D. (Chair)

Measuring acceptance and fusion in individuals seeking treatment for chronic fatigue ־־־KEVIN VOWLES, PH.D., Nikie Catchpool, Anne Johnson, Kathryn Bristow, Katherine Hadlandsmyth The function of acceptance and values in pediatric Sickle Cell Disease־־־Lindsey L. Cohen, Ph.D., Aki Masuda, Kevin E. Vowles, Josie Welkom, Crystal Lim, Amanda Feinstein ACT in the treatment of epilepsy: Where are we now and where are wegoing?־־־TOBIAS LUNDGREN, JoAnne Dahl, Lennart Melin, Nandan Yardi, Bryan Kies Development and Evaluation of a Self-help based ACT treatment for persons with long-standing chronic pain־־־JoAnne Dahl, Ph.D., Tobias Lundgren

• Short mindfulness interventions with the old, the young and the fearful־־־LOUISE McHUGH

Short web-based manipulation of self-focused attention: a comparison of Attention Training and mindfulness ־־־JEAN-LOUIS MONESTÈS, Matthieu Villatte, G. Loas Can changing perspective on one’s own experience increase awareness of negative psychological events in others?־־־MATTHIEU VILLATTE, PH.D., Louise McHugh, Jean-Louis Monestès The Behavioural Approach Test (BAT); Thought Suppression Vs Mindfulness־־־NIC HOOPER, Laura Davies, Louise McHugh Stimulus over-selectivity as a model of cognitive functioning in older adults: Mindfulness as a potential intervention־־־LOUISE McHUGH, Anna Simpson, Phil Reed

• RFT Methods Applied to Clinical & Health Psychological Issues־־־LOUISE McHUGH

Thought Suppression and the Transfer on Stimulus Functions־־־NIC HOOPER, Louise McHugh, Jo Saunders Transformation of Health Risk Functions of Pseudo-Food Names־־־EMILY K. SANDOZ, Chad E. Drake, Kelly Wilson Comparing IRAP, IAT and Facial Electromyography (EMG) as measures of implicit attitudes towards the overweight־־־Sarah Roddy, Ian Stewart Implicit future expectations and autobiographical memory in depression־־־LIV KOSNES , Louise McHugh , Jo Saunders, Robert Whelan

• Recent Investigations Using The Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure --- NIGEL VAHEY

Resistance to Anti-smoking Information As a Function of Implicit Expectancies Toward Smoking and Smoking-cessation --- NIGEL VAHEY An implicit measure of emotional avoidance --- NIC HOOPER Will the Real Nazi Please Stand-Up; Attitude Formation and the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP) --- SEAN HUGHES Testing an adaptation of the IRAP to increase sensitivity to detect implicit relations at the individual level --- MIKE LEVIN

• Applications of deictic relational framing־־־LOUISE McHUGH

The Effects Of Teaching Situation-Based Emotions On Perspective Taking־־־LOUISE McHUGH, Alina Bobarnac, Phil Reed Deictic Relational Framing and Connectedness among College Students: A Small Analog Study־־־ROGER VILARDAGA, Thomas Waltz, Michael Levin, Steven C. Hayes, Colin Stromberg, Kimberly Amador Deictic framing protocols to increase discrimination of own behavior and reduce impulsive behavior־־־CARMEN LUCIANO, V. Sánchez, Francisco Ruíz, Marisa Páez, R. Vizcaino, O. Gutiérrez Deictic relational responding in beliefs attribution: People with high social anhedonia are impaired in reversing the frame of I-YOU ־־־MATTHIEU VILLATTE, PH.D. , Jean-Louis Monestès, Louise McHugh, Ph.D., Esteve Freixa iBaqué, Ph.D., Gwenolé Loas

• Framing different behavioral strategies in a coherent picture: Where ACT takes place־־־GIOVANBATTISTA PRESTI, MD, PhD (chair), BENJAMIN SCHOENDORFF (discussant)

ACT and 'Impulsive' behavior: A case study of pathological gambling־־־SARA BORELLI, Psy. D. Case report: compulsory, school and social problem behaviors in an 18 yrs old student־־־Greta Carlotti, Psy. D., Giovambattista Presti, MD, PhD, Paolo Moderato, PhD Case report: dysfunctional behavioral repertoire in a pre-adolescent girl with congenital dwarfism־־־Ramona Carlotti, Psy D., Giovambattista Presti, MD, PhD, Paolo Moderato, PhD Case report: dysfunctional behavioral repertoire in a young woman with mild mental retardation and bipolar disorder־־־FRANCESCA SCAGLIA, Psy. D. Case report: Applying ACT in a case of prolonged avoidance of school by an adolescent boy with performance anxiety ־־־MASSIMO RONCHEI, Psy. D. ACT approach in Chronic Insomnia: A case study־־־KATIA COVATI

• Welcome to the functional Babel: Talking ACT in non English-speaking countries־־־GIOVANBATTISTA PRESTI, MD, PhD (chair), GIOVANNI MISELLI, Psy. D. (discussant)

Babel's AAQ-II: do different languages result in different outcomes in Europe?־־־JEAN-LOUIS MONESTÈS, NELE JACOBS, Marco Kleen, Francis De Groot, Jacqueline A-Tjak, Maria Karekla, Frank Bond, Giovanni Miselli, Psy. D., Matthieu Villatte, Ph.D. Building towers in Babel: spreading and sharing knowledge, translating manuals and self-help books־־־MATTHIEU VILLATTE, PH.D. , Jean-Louis Monestès,Giovambattista Presti

• ACT and Mindfulness with chronic pain־־־ERNST BOHLMEIJER, Ph.D, Martine Veehof, Ph.D., Karlein Schreurs, Ph.D., Peter Heuts

Results of a meta-analysis־־־Martine Veehof, Ernst Bohlmeijer, Ph.D. A multidisciplinary approach in a rehabilitation centre־־־KARLEIN SCHREURS, PH.D. ACT in Teams־־־PETER HEUTS

• Tinnitus and acceptance - "Is it the sound or your relationship to it?"־־־Gerhard Andersson, Vendela Westin, Hugo Hesser, Caroline Croft

Randomized Controlled Trial of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Tinnitus Distress־־־VENDELA WESTIN Clients' in-session acceptance and cognitive defusion behaviors in ACT treatment of tinnitus distress־־־HUGO HESSER, M.SC., Vendela Westin, M.Sc., Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., Gerhard Andersson, Ph.D.

• New Research on Measuring Stigma and its Relationship to ACT Processes־־־MICHAEL LEVIN

Measuring weight stigma־־־JASON LILLIS, PH.D., Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., Michael Levin Development and Psychometrics of a New Measure of Self-Stigma in Addiction־־־JASON LUOMA, PH.D., Alyssa Rye, Kara Bunting, Chad Drake, Barbara Kohlenberg, Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D. Generalized Prejudice: Testing a Relational Frame Theory Account of Prejudice and Stigma־־־MICHAEL LEVIN, Roger Vilardaga, M.A., Jason Lillis, Ph.D., Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., Jacqueline Pistorello, Ph.D., Jason Luoma, Ph.D., Barbara Kohlenberg Predictors of stigma among addictions counselors־־־ROGER VILARDAGA, M.A., Jason Luoma, Ph.D., Michael Levin, Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., Jacqueline Pistorello, Ph.D., Mikaela Hildebrandt, Barbara Kohlenberg, Nancy Roget

• Using ACT with Non-Clinical Populations: Findings from Recent and Ongoing Outcome Studies־־־MICHAEL LEVIN

ACT for Stigma and Burnout with Substance Abuse Counselors־־־Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., Jacqueline Pistorello, Jason Luoma, Ph.D., Barbara Kohlenberg, Ph.D., Roger Vilardaga, M.A., Michael Levin, Jason Lillis, Ph.D., Mikaela Hildebrandt Using ACT to prevent mental health problems among college freshman ־־־JACQUELINE PISTORELLO, PH.D., Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., Jason Lillis, Ph.D., Chelsea MacLane, Ph.D., Michael Levin, Jennifer Boulanger, Anthony Biglan, Ph.D., John Seeley, Ph.D.

• Experimental analysis of complex human behavior: disambiguation of relational networks and transformations of functions through hierarchical and analogical relations. ־־־FRANCISCO RUIZ

Relational coherence in ambiguous and unambiguous relational networks־־־Jennifer L. Quiñones, STEVEN C. HAYES, Ph.D. Transformation of functions through hierarchical frames.־־־ENRIQUE GIL, Carmen Luciano, Ph.D., Francisco Ruiz, Vanessa Sánchez Transformation of functions through analogical relations: An experimental analysis of metaphors as clinical method. ־־־FRANCISCO RUIZ, Carmen Luciano Modelling Hierarchical Relational Responding־־־IAN STEWART

• Applications of ACT to children, adolescents and their parents: Case studies־־־FRANCISCO RUIZ

Application of ACT on a persistent oscurity phobia in a 11 years old boy. ־־־Francisco Ruiz, Vanessa Sánchez, Carmen Luciano, Ph.D., Rosa M. Vizcaíno Applicationof ACT on a case of bullying in a 9 year old boy־־־Francisco Ruiz, ROSA M. VIZCAÍNO , Carmen Luciano Application of ACT to improve the performance of a 12 year old chess-player, to treat familiar problems and self-injury behaviors.־־־FRANCISCO RUIZ, Carmen Luciano ACT in family: a case on eating disorders־־־MARISA PÁEZ, PH.D.

• Young clinical ACT researchers from Uppsala University־־־JOANNE DAHL

A short term self help based manual treatment for patients with severe chronic pain־־־JENNY THORSELLl, REBECCA TINGVALL, ANNA FINNAS, MARIA GYBRANT, Emma Jokimaki , Moa Brathen, Elin Waxin, Karin Andersson, Sofia Fredriksson, Johanna Aronsson Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Increase of Social Support in Families of Lesbian, Gay and Bisexual Youth: A pilot study with multiple baselines־־־Malin Dahlstrom, Emma Wallin Acceptance and Commitment therapy for bariatric surgery patients־־־JoAnne Dahl, Sandra Weineland ACT in the treatment of epilepsy: Where are we now and where are we going־־־Tobias Lundgren, MS,JoAnne Dahl, Lennart Melin, Nandan Yardi, Bryan Kies

• Time-Series Designs in Clinical Practice־־־JENNIFER L. BOULANGER, Jason Luoma, Ph.D., Merry Sylvester, M. A., James Yadavaia

A multiple-baseline study of ACT for self-stigma around sexual orientation: Issues in the measurement of less overt behaviors־־־JAMES YADAVAIA Exploring feasibility through single case design: A single case of ACT with a woman with traumatic brain injury־־־MERRY SYLVESTER, M.A. Time-Series Designs in Clinical Practice and an Example Using the Training of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy through Videoconferencing־־־JASON LUOMA, PH.D., Rikard Calmbro Using Time-Series Designs to Aid in Case Conceptualization, Treatment Targeting, and Progress Monitoring: A case of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the long-term treatment of a severe, multi-problem client־־־JENNIFER L. BOULANGER

• Values in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Conceptualization, Clinical Exercises and Assessment־־־REGAN M. SLATER

What are Values? Unpacking Values as Conceptualized in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy־־־REGAN M. SLATER, Stephanie L. Nassar, Maureen K. Flynn, Kate K. Kellum, Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D. An Improved Measure of Valued Living: The Valued Living Questionnaire-II (VLQ-2)־־־STEPHANIE L. NASSAR, Maureen K. Flynn, Regan M. Slater, Kate K. Kellum, Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D. Values-Centered Exercises: Impact of Values Work on Psychological Well-Being־־־MAUREEN K. FLYNN, Regan M. Slater, Stephanie L. Nassar, Kate K. Kellum, Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D.

• Investigations into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Real Life־־־Nadia Lucas, Regan Slater, Lindsay Martin, Jennifer C. Plumb, M.A.

The Effect of Commitment and Behavior Change Processes in ACT on Public Speaking Anxiety־־־NADIA LUCAS, Regan Slater, Kelly G. Wilson, Kate K. Kellum Mindfulness at the Front of the Room: An Evaluation of ACT for Public Speaking Anxiety־־־REGAN M. SLATER, Nadia Lucas, Kelly G. Wilson, Kate K. Kellum The Effects of ACT for Body Image Disturbance on Eating Behavior and Valued Living־־־Emily K. Sandoz, K. K. Kellum, Kelly G. Wilson, LINDSAY MARTIN (presenter) Examining the Effects of a Values Intervention to Enhance Motivation and Commitment to Engage in Studying Behavior־־־JENNIFER C. PLUMB, Michael Levin, Steven C. Hayes, Kate L. Morrison

• Explorations into ACT and Literature ־־־MAUREEN K. FLYNN, M.A., KELLY WILSON, Ph.D., TROY DUFRENE

Crying Out in the Dark: A Look into ACT and Literature־־־MAUREEN K. FLYNN, Kelly Wilson, Ph.D. My Deep and Abiding Interest in Transitions־־־KELLY WILSON, Ph.D. Once, Twice, Three Times a Loser: Cognitive Fusion and the Antihero in Mid-Twentieth Century American Short Fiction־־־TROY DUFRENE

• A behaviour-analytic perspective on the diagnosis of executive dysfunctions־־־GWENNY JANSSEN, DRS, Jos Egger, Ph.D., Hubert De Mey, Ph.D

• RFT and evolution: Are memetics the missing link?־־־MARCO KLEEN

• Schizophrenia, language and cognition: Suggestions for RFT research־־־MARTIN CERNVALL, M.SC., Ian Stewart, Ph.D., Ata Ghaderi, Ph.D.

• Novel Implicit Attitudes: What Do We Know about Them and What Do We Have to Learn? ־־־SEAN HUGHES, B.A.

• A Demonstration of an Easy Token Economy in an Applied Setting ־־־ALYSSA WILSON, Jonathan H Weinstein, Kelly G. Wilson, Karen Kate Kellum

• Acquisition and fluency of the arbitrarily applicable derived relational responding in accordance with opposition and comparison contexts־־־Rosa M. Vizcaíno, Carmen Luciano, Ph.D., Vanessa Sanchez, Francisco Ruiz

• Increasing the Rate of Derived Relational Responding: An Applied Investigation־־־NICHOLAS M. BERENS, Steven C. Hayes, Ph. D., Kimberly N. Berens, Ph. D.

• Integrating cognitive and autonomic flexibility: Preliminary support for a neurobiological mechanism־־־PAUL W. GOETZ, William H. O'Brien, Ph.D., Carmen K. Oemig, M.A., Erin Bannon

• Application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the Treatment of Psychological Problems Associated with Systemic Lupus Erythematosus־־־TOMÁS QUIROSA-MORENO, Carmen Luciano, Ph.D., N. Navarrete-Navarrete, Olga Gutiérrez Martínez, Ph.D.

• Web Based Interventions for Relapse Prevention after Pain Management Program ־־־NINA BENDELIN, M.SC., Gerhard Andersson, Ph.D., Björn Gerdle, Ph.D.

• ACT for parent of childern diagnosed with autism: Developing and evaluating group intervention for supporting parents in Italy־־־GIOVANNI MISELLI, PSY.D., Giovambattista Presti, MD, Paolo Moderato, Ph.D.

• Psychooncology and ACT: State of research and new challenges ־־־FRANCISCO MONTESINOS, PH.D. , Marisa Páez, Ph.D.

• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for adolescents: Study 1 - individual treatment delivered in mental health services, and Study 2 - a group program delivered in schools ־־־LOUISE HAYES, Ph.D.

• Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Mindfulness and Acceptance-Based Group Therapy and Cognitive Behavioral Group Therapy for Social Anxiety Disorder: Preliminary Results ־־־NANCY KOCOVSKI, PH.D., Jan Fleming, M.D., Martin Antony, Ph.D.

• Preliminary data of a Random Clinical trial of ACT and TU (cognitive-behavioural) with substance abuse disorder־־־MARISA PÁEZ, M. López, M. C. Luciano

• Psychological Flexibility as a Mediator of Treatment Outcome in Exposure-driven CBT NOT based on ACT: Intermediate Results from a Randomized Treatment Study of Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia־־־ANDREW T. GLOSTER, Michael Höfler, Jens Klotsche , Franziska Einsle, Hans-Ulrich Wittchen

• Elearning and behavior modification: Measuring the differences of ACT based and CBT based Podcast on the academic behavior of students of an Italian University־־־GIOVANNI MISELLI, PSY.D., Julian McNally, M.Psych, Francesco Pozzi, M.S., Elisa Rabitti, M.A., Giovambattista Presti, MD, Giovanni Zucchi, Psy.D., Paolo Moderato, Ph.D.

• Preliminary support for a spiritually integrated approach to valued living in the face of spiritual struggles־־־CARMEN K. OEMIG, M.A., Kenneth I. Pargament, Ph.D., Meryl Gibbel, M.A., Maria Gear, M.A., Elizabeth Krumrei, M.A., Carol Ann Faigin, M.A., Shauna McCarthy, Ph.D., Kavita Desai, M.A.

• Practising ACT with Christians - challenges and opportunities־־־INGRID ORD

• "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) To prevent stress and promote health Psychological Treatment of Youth under Stressful Conditions - A Pilot Evaluation of the Impact of ACT in an Adolescent Group" ־־־FREDRIK LIVHEIM, Emma Stavenow

• Measuring processes of behavioral modification during a Diabetes Management Summer Camp: Acceptance in Diabetic Children־־־Giovanni Zucchi, Psy.D., Giovanni Miselli, Psy.D., Giovambattista Presti, MD, Paolo Moderato, Ph.D., Paola Accorsi, M.A., Valerio Miselli, MD

• The Effectiveness of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Intervention for Work Stress on Innovation, Cognitive Interference, and General Health Symptoms־־־ERIN BANNON

• The Meta-Valuing Measure: Measuring Valuing Behavior and the Whole Life Concept ־־־AMANDA C. ADCOCK, M.S., Cicely LaBorde, M.S., AMY MURRELL, PH.D.

• Developing a Measure of Cognitive Fusion־־־DAVID GILLANDERS, HELEN BOLDERSTON, Maria Dempster, Frank Bond

• Core ACT values are "Prediction and influence with precision scope and depth": A guide־־־JOE CURRAN

• Evaluating introductory ACT workshops: Changes in knowledge and responses to experiential exercises־־־ERIC MORRIS

• How to measure what really works in ACT training־־־M. C. LUCIANO, MARISA PÁEZ

• The study of Defusion in clinical setting: a replication of word-repetition studies with an inpatient sample ־־־Giovanni Zucchi, Psy.D., Akihiko Masuda, Ph.D., Giovanni Miselli, Psy.D., Giovambattista Presti, MD, Paolo Moderato, Ph.D.

• Acceptance, Values and Motivation to Change in Alcohol Addicted Patients־־־Giovanni Zucchi, Psy.D., Giovanni Miselli, Psy.D., Giovambattista Presti, MD, Paolo Moderato, Ph.D.

• Psychological Flexibility and Anxiety: Preliminary Data from an Epidemiological Study in Cyprus־־־MARIA KAREKLA, Ph.D., Margarita Kapsou, M.A., Georgia Panayiotou, Ph.D.

• Experiential Avoidance and Eating Pathology in a Sample of College Students in Cyprus־־־MARIA KAREKLA, PH.D.

• The ABC Course: a pilot ACT course for learning mindfulness־־־CHRIS TREPKA

• On being present and feeling good: The link between present-moment awareness and emotional well-being amongst adolescence־־־JOSEPH CIARROCHI, Patrick Heaven

• The ImPActS model of principled living: Measuring the extent that people principles to be Important, Pressured by others, Activated, and Successfully engaged־־־JOSEPH CIARROCHI

• Coping Strategies and the Mediating Role of Experiential Avoidance־־־TIZIANA PENNATO, Olivia Bernini, Fiammetta Cosci, Carmen Berrocal

• Evaluation of relaxation response and mindfulness strategies in overweight women: A two year randomized trial־־־CAROLINE HORWATH,PH.D., Greer Hawley MSc, Andrew Gray B Com (Hons), Alison Bradshaw MSc, Lisa Katzer MSc, Janine Joyce M Health Sci, Sue O'Brien BHSc

• Can a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Intervention Change Personality?־־־IVAN NYKLICEK, PH.D.

• Anorexia nervosa and implicit attitudes: An IRAP-study־־־THOMAS PARLING, M.SC., Martin Cernvall, M.Sc., Ata Ghaderi, Ph.D.

• From Verbal Content to Experiential Process with the iView--- Kevin Polk, Ph.D.

• Training Nurses in ACT Skills for Medical Treatment Planning--- Kevin Polk, Ph.D., Fanny Robichaud, RN

• A Group ACTivation Program for Us Old Folks--- Sven Rydberg, Ph.D.

• Theoretical Frameworks and Therapeutic Possibilities--- Michael McEachrane

• Reinventing Empirical Clinical Psychology in the Electronic Age: An Invitation to Participate in the First Fully Distributed Research Network Ever Created--- Kelly Wilson, Ph.D.

• Experiential Avoidance and Self-Compassion in Chronic Pain: Relations with Depression, Anxiety and Stress-- Joana Costa, José Pinto Gouveia, PhD

• Acceptance and commitment therapy with religiously committed clients: Using the crucible of faith to foster more authentic meaningful living-- Christopher Larsen

• ACT for Stress Management Amongst Staff in Challenging Behaviour Services-- Dr Nick Gore

• Assessing psychological flexibility: Preliminary psychometric properties of the Acceptance and Action Questionnaire - II in clinical and healthy German samples-- Katrin Hummel, Jens Klotsche, Samia Chaker, Jürgen Hoyer

• An in-progress program of validation of ACT oriented clinical tools in Italy-- Elisa Rabitti, Psy. D., Giovanni Miselli, Psy. D., Rossana Somalvico, Psy. D., Giovambattista Presti

• Correlates of acceptance in patients with and without substance abuse-- Marco Kleen, Nele Jacobs, Francis de Groot, Jacqueline A-Tjak

• The Influence of Values Induction on Cold Pressor Pain Tolerance: A Pilot Study Brooke M. Berry, Jennifer L. Boulanger, Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D.

• Descriptions of short natural instructions sequences within education and psychotherapy in terms of relational frames-- Stefan Billinger Ms

• Using the IRAP to investigate emotional reactions to challenging behaviour-- Dr Nick Gore

• ACT for Health Anxiety - a randomized controlled trial-- Trine Eilenberg, Msc. Lisbeth Frostholm, Ph.D., Emma Rehfeld, MD, Per Fink, MD. Ph.D.

• ACT for Bodily Distress Disorder - a Randomized Controlled Trial-- Lisbeth Frostholm, Ph.D., Emma Rehfeld, MD, Per Fink, Dr. Med. Sc., Ph.D.

• An ACT-based Treatment to Improve Methadone Detoxification Success Rates-- Angela L. Stotts, Ph.D. , William D. Norwood, Ph.D., Charles Green, Akihiko Masuda, Ph.D.

• Spanish adaptation of Acceptance and Action Questionnaire - II: Factor structure and psychometric properties-- Álvaro I. Langer, Francisco J. Ruiz, Adolfo J. Cangas, Carmen Luciano

• Radical Behaviour View Of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy-- Michaele Terena Saban

• Exposure and Acceptance in Chronic Debilitating Pain – an Evaluation of a Residential Treatment Model-- Mike Kemani, Rikard Wicksell, Camilla Wiwe, Gunnar Olsson

• ACT Physiotherapy treatment protocol for clients with long-lasting pain. Preliminary results of a pilot study at a multidsciplinary pain clinic in Sweden-- Graciela Rovner

• Patient selection criteria to enter ACT-based pain rehabilitation programs. Is our clinical reasoning (case conceptualization) and decision making supported by the self-report questionnaires?-- Graciela Rovner

• The effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Mindfulness-- Philipp Breil

• The differential effect of suppression, reappraisal and defusion strategies to coping with aversive private events-- Carmen Luciano, Francisco J. Ruiz, Enrique Gil-González, Juan C. López

• An analog study comparing mindfulness- and values-based strategies for coping with food cravings-- Priscilla V. Almada, B.A., Agnes Matter-Dang, Kemisha James, Jennifer A. Gregg, Ph.D.

• An experimental comparison of Acceptance and Congitive Restructuring-- Lydie Cornu, Benjamin Putois, MA, Benjamin Schoendorff

Registration Rates & Information

ACBS World Conference III Registration Rates:

€425: Professional/ Affiliate €225: Student

Prices include 3 lunches, 2 dinners, coffee/tea. Pre-Conference 2-day Workshop Registration (June 29 & 30): Note: Onsite registration is not available for the 2-day workshops

€275: Professional/ Affiliate €165: Student

Prices include 2 lunches, coffee/tea.

Regular and Onsite Registration:
1. • Online registration will end June 26, 2009.
   • Onsite registration fees will be the above fees plus €50.

     Note: Onsite registration is not available for the 2-day workshops.

Refunds: A €25 processing fee will be charged for World Conference registration refunds up to June 1, 2009. We regret that after June 1, 2009, refunds can not be made. Enrollment limitations: Enrollment may be limited due to the limitation of our venue to accommodate additional sessions and attendees. Thanks! ACBS

Registration Rates & Information- How to Pay

Paying via Euro Bank Transfer is limited to those who registered before June 10, 2009. Registrations after this date must be paid for via credit card or PayPal at the time of registration.

Our Dilemma: The ACBS website is a US based website. These means that all transactions are performed in US dollars. Of course, when we have an event in Europe (yeah Netherlands!), those from Europe have their money transferred from Euros, to our US dollars, and then we exchange it back into Euros to pay for our expenses in the Netherlands. For this reason we prefer for those with Euros to pay directly to our account in the Netherlands. This eliminates the need to exchange currencies twice. Euro Bank Transfer:

For payments in the Netherlands:
Naam: GGNET
Plaats: Warnsveld
Referentie: ACT conference 17008 NAAM DEELNEMER

If you choose to submit your payment via a Euro bank transfer* to our partner, GGNET, please send it now to:

For Euro payments (not within the Netherlands):
Name: GGNET
Place: Warnsveld
GGNet bank account number: 65.92.84.529
Reference: ACT conference 17008 NAME OF PARTICIPANT
Bank Name: ING
Bank Address (if needed):Friese Wal 1, 8011 XE Zwolle, Netherlands
You will also need the following IBAN and BIC numbers:
IBAN NL08 ING B0659284529
BIC INGBNL2A

NOTICE: The "Total Price" and "Event Total" listed on your registration is in U.S. Dollars ($). You can find the Euro (€) prices under "Item" if you printed off your registration. Please pay this amount, when paying in Euros. Or see the registration fees at the bottom of this page.

Cheque in US dollars:

ACBS, 933 Gear St., Reno, NV 89503, USA

If you chose to submit your payment in US Dollars by cheque*, please send it here:

 

*Please note: if you are making your payment by cheque or Euro money transfer to our partner GGNET, your registration is NOT final until payment has been received. The 2-day workshops may fill due to space limitations. Registrations will be accepted in the order that payment is received.

Credit Card/ Debit Card:

You can pay for your registration with a Credit Card/ Debit Card during the registration process.

REGISTER NOW! (Please login first, if you have an account.) RATES: ACBS World Conference III Registration Rates:

€425: Professional/ Affiliate €225: Student

Prices include 3 lunches, 2 dinners, coffee/tea. Pre-Conference 2-day Workshop Early Registration (June 29 & 30): Note: Onsite registration is not available for the 2-day workshops

€275: Professional/ Affiliate €165: Student

Prices include 2 lunches, coffee/tea.

Regular and Onsite Registration:
1. • Online registration will end June 26, 2009.
   • Onsite registration fees will be the above fees plus €50.

     Note: Onsite registration is not available for the 2-day workshops.

Refunds: A €25 processing fee will be charged for World Conference registration refunds up to June 1, 2009. We regret that after June 1, 2009, refunds can not be made.

Transportation - Information and Directions

 

Shuttle Bus/ Touring Car in Enschede, Netherlands:

ACBS is offering free shuttle bus/ touring car transportation to-and-from the Eden Dish, Eden Star, and Van der Valk hotels. This shuttle can take you from your hotel to the site of the World Conference on the campus of the University of Twente, and back to your hotel in Enschede/Hengelo during designated hours, June 29 - July 3.

The Drienerburght and Broeierd are within ten walking minutes. ACBS does not offer transportation for these two conference hotels.

To use the Shuttle Bus/ Touring Car services, you must notify us by June 1, 2009. After you have booked your room at the Eden Dish, Eden Star, or Van der Valk hotel, you must reserve with us via this webform.

The deadline for signing up for the free shuttle bus has passed. If you need transportation, convenient and frequent buses operate, and are inexpensive. See local bus information below.

Exact shuttle bus schedules will be emailed to those who reserved with us, a few weeks before the event.

Parking at University of Twente:

If you have a car and would like to drive it to the University of Twente, parking is available at no cost on campus

Train from Amsterdam's Schiphol Airport:

On the Schiphol Airport there is a train station from the Dutch Railroads (NS). In the main Hall (arrivals hall) you can find an information desk (where they can help you plan the trip and print this on a hardcopy) and ticket machines. On the following website you can see which train will leave from Schiphol to Enschede: http://www.ns.nl/cs/Satellite/travellers
(on this website, you'll choose "From: Airport", Airport:"Amsterdam Airport Schiphol", Travel Method:"Bus, Tram, Metro,...", To:Station:"Enschede", then enter your date and approximate time of travel.)

There is a direct train to Enschede but this doesn’t depart that often (once every 2 hours). However every 20 to 30 minutes there is a train that goes to Hilversum, with a stop in Almelo where you should get off. Then take the train to Hengelo which also stops in Enschede. (There are other train routes as well.)

Depending on which train, the travel time to Enschede will be approximately 2 hours and 16 minutes. This trip will cost 24,50 Euro.

If you are staying at the Drienerbrught or Eden Broeierd Hotels, you may want to get off of train at the "Enschede Drienerlo" Station. If you are staying in Enschede at the Eden Dish, you will want to get off of the train at the "Enschede" Station; if at the Eden Star in Hengelo, you'll want the "Hengelo" Station; if staying at the Van der Valk Hotel, you'll want the "Borne" or "Hengelo" stations. Please look at the map on this page, and you can find your hotel as well as the train stations.

Bus, Local (Enschede, Hengelo):

Check out JourneyPlanner for Enschede/Hengelo bus information. You can enter the Twente University bus stop "UT/Viaduct" and then your hotel's address (for example) if you want to figure out the bus number, route, and times. Or enter the name of the train station you'll get off at, then your hotel's address, for transportation options.

Detailed Bus Information for conference attendees:

All of these buses run every 10-30 minutes.

The “UT/Viaduct” and “UT/Parallelweg” bus stops can be found on the campus map on the back cover of this program at the entrance of the university on Hengelose Straat (UT/Viaduct) and on Parallelweg Noord (UT/Parallelweg).

Eden Dish Hotel, Enschede
From Eden Dish Hotel, Boulevard 1945 no. 2, Enschede to the University of Twente (first morning bus 6:17am)

• From “Centraal” station in Enschede take Bus 9 destination Hengelo, and get off at “UT/Viaduct” bus stop.

From University of Twente to Eden Dish Hotel (last evening bus 11:38pm)

• From “UT/Viaduct” bus stop take Bus 9 destination Enschede, get off at “Centraal” station; or from “UT/Parallelweg” bus stop take CityBus 1 destination Wesselerbrink, and get off at “Van Heekplein” bus stop.

Eden Star Hotel, Hengelo 
From Eden Star Hotel, B.P. Hofstedestraat 50, Hengelo to the University of Twente (first morning bus 6:15am)

• From “Station NS” station in Hengelo take Bus 9 destination Enschede, and get off at “UT/Viaduct” bus stop.

From University of Twente to Eden Star Hotel (last evening bus 11:46pm)

• From “UT/Viaduct” bus stop take Bus 9 destination Hengelo, get off at “Station NS” station.

Van der Valk Hotel, Hengelo
From Van der Valk Hotel, Bornsestraat 400, Hengelo to the University of Twente (first morning bus 5:41am)

• From “Vosboer” bus stop take bus 51 destination Hengelo, get off at “Station NS” station; then take Bus 9 destination Enschede, get off at “UT/Viaduct” bus stop.

From University of Twente to Van der Valk Hotel (last evening bus 11:16pm)

• From “UT/Viaduct” bus stop take Bus 9 destination Hengelo, get off at “Station NS” station, then take CityBus 13 destination Hengelo North, get off at “Stadskantoor” bus stop; or from “UT/Viaduct” take Bus 9 destination Hengelo, get off at “Station NS” station, then take Bus 51 destination Almelo, get off at “Vosboar” bus stop; or from “UT/Viaduct” take Bus 8 destination Kristenbox, get off at “Vosboer” bus stop.

Taxi Service (Enschede):

ETC taxi services
Phone: 0534338889
Website: http://www.taxi-enschede.nl/

Di Taxi Enschede
Phone: 0534615060
Website: http://www.ditaxi-enschede.com/

Airplane

You probably have your own method, but, in the USA, I love Kayak, it has a funny name but is a great tool for finding good fares, and good schedules. The only domestic US airline that it does not include is Southwest. You'll have to create a free login, but it's worth it. easyJet flies into Amsterdam (among many others of course).

Airfare Discount

ACT SI 3 is pleased to offer attendees and their travel companions discounted airfare through American Airlines. Tickets booked through American Airlines qualify for a 5% discount.

Flights into Houston Hobby Airport (HOU) and Bush Intercontinential Airport (IAH) qualify for the discount and is valid July 12-25, 2007. (Note to passengers: Houston Hobby is about 25 minutes by car from the ACT SI 3 venue, while Bush Intercontinental is approximately 45 minutes by car from the ACT SI 3 venue.)

This discount is good for travel on partner airlines as well (including international) as long as at least one leg of the trip is on an American Airlines plane, and the ticket is purchased through American Airlines. International originating passengers, will need to call their local reservations number and refer to the Discount Code below (STARfile authorization number).

Website: www.aa.com

Phone: 1-800-433-1790*

Discount Code/ Tour Code: A8077AS

*Please note that there is a $10 ticketing fee for all tickets reserved via phone.

Airport Shuttle/ Rental Car Discounts

SuperShuttle (Airport Shuttle)
To/from Hobby Airport (HOU) to/from Hilton NASA/Clear Lake is $19 one-way per person (round trip is $38)

To/from George Bush Intercontinental (IAH) to/from Hilton NASA/Clear Lake is $33 one-way per person (round trip is $66)

When you arrive at the airport, simply collect your baggage and follow signs to "Ground Transportation" and you will see the SuperShuttle counter. You do not need to make reservations from the airport but for your return trip from the hotels, you do need reservations. You can either make your return reservation when you are arranging your transportation to the hotel or you can make your reservations in advance on-line at www.SuperShuttle.com or you can call 1-800 BLUE VAN.

Discounted Shuttle: The per person one-way fare to/from IAH to Hilton Nasa/Clear Lake is $31 and for HOU it's $18. You need to go on-line at www.SuperShuttle.com to make your reservation and enter group discount code K6HNV to take advantage of this discounted rate.

(According to our research, S