Training
The ultimate purpose of ACT and RFT is the creation of a progressive psychology more adequate to the challenge of human suffering. We are attempting to do this by fostering an open and responsible scientific culture that is non-hierarchical, self-critical, and that makes it easy for everyone to play a role.
In furtherance of these values the ACT Community has decided not to formally certify therapists, trusting an open process of development to weed out problems. We have felt the need to help others find ACT trainers, however, so that the early developers do not become de facto gate keepers, which could place a hierarchical and closed process at the heart of ACT development.
Below you will find listings of ACT trainers and ACT internship/supervision opportunities. You should also check the calendar frequently for additional ACT training workshops, conferences, institutes, and other events.
ACT Trainers
The list of trainers below is meant to help learners more easily locate qualified and effective ACT Trainers.
Trainers listed here have committed to help others learn ACT with high fidelity and to work from a shared set of values. They are viewed as able to train ACT accurately, fully conveying the model both didactically and experientially. In the past this was evaluated by a committee of developers of ACT/RFT (see actual invitation) and now is evaluated by peer-review based on defined criteria.
Trainers pay no fees to anyone to be listed. This list is not meant to be de facto certification: there are other trainers equally qualified who simply choose not to be on such a list (because, for example, they would rarely be available; they are primarily researchers or academics; they are still students; etc.). If others in your area are apparently available to train in ACT they may be equally qualified: if you want input on that issue you can contact local ACT therapists or researchers (see lists elsewhere on the website), one of the trainers below, or members of the training committee for advice.
To learn more about how to be listed here and view the application forms please see the Training Standards page.
| Click on a name or picture to view that trainer's full profile and contact information. |
| 36 total trainers |
 | Patricia Bach, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Illinois Institute of Technology Chicago, Illinois United States |
 | Yvonne Barnes-Holmes, Ph.D. University Lecturer National University of Ireland Maynooth Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland |
 | Sonja Batten, Ph.D. Adjunct Associate Professor of Psychiatry Georgetown University School of Medicine and Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences School of Medicine Silver Spring, Maryland United States |
 | John T Blackledge, Ph.D. Assistant Professor, Dept of Psychology Morehead State University Morehead, Kentucky United States |
 | Frank W. Bond, Ph.D. Professor Goldsmiths, University of London London, United Kingdom |
 | Martin Brock, MSc Principle Adult Psychotherapist Nottingham Psychotherapy Unit Nottingham, United Kingdom |
 | Joseph Ciarrochi, Ph.D. Associate Professor University of Wollongong Wollongong, New South Wales Australia |
 | Lisa W Coyne, Ph.D. Assistant Professor Suffolk University Boston, Massachusetts United States |
 | JoAnne Caroline Dahl, Ph.D. Associate Professor Department of Psychology, Uppsala University Uppsala, Sweden |
 | Georg H. Eifert, Other Professor and Department Chair Chapman University, Department of Psychology Orange, California United States |
Trainer Pages (for trainees)
Available pages for Trainers appear below.
Pages are created and maintained by trainers for their trainees.
They often contain general information as well as available training materials.
Jason Luoma's training page
Attached below are some documents providing information on how to obtain further training in ACT and also Powerpoint presentations from some past trainings. This page is just getting started, so more presentations will be added over time.
*Can't see the links below? Access to attachments, videos, audio, the professional listserv, etc. are a privilege of paid ACBS membership.
With Values-Based Dues, you choose how much you pay for your membership ($1 min.). You need to create a login, then purchase your ACBS membership.
There are detailed instructions here about how to do this.
For more information about training I provide, online training, and a listserv to be alerted to ACT trainings in the Pacific NW, you can go here for more info. Additional ACT-relevant handouts and audio-recordings can be found here.
Steven Hayes' Training Page
Attached below are some training resources and Powerpoint presentations from trainings I have done. I generally add talks and resources as I do events, but if I forget to add something you want, let me know and I will try to get them up. - S
- Can't see the links below? Access to attachments, videos, audio, the professional listserv, etc. are a privilege of paid ACBS membership. With Values-Based Dues, you choose how much you pay for your membership ($1 min.). You need to create a login, then purchase your ACBS membership. There are detailed instructions here about how to do this.
Training Standards
Joining the ACBS Training Community
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.
You are welcome to join this training community and be listed as an ACT trainer. Five criteria must be met to do so. You must:
- Agree to the list of values and principles for ACT trainers;
- Have a terminal degree in a behavioral health field;
- Be known to be of good character;
- Be highly effective in the core skills and competencies of an ACT therapist; and
- Be highly effective in training others in ACT.
The ACBS training community uses a process of peer review to determine whether a trainer meets these criteria. The spirit of the peer review process is to protect the high fidelity of ACT training through review of the accuracy and quality with which a trainer shares the ACT model while simultaneously promoting a non-proprietary open community that encourages new talent and innovation.
If you are interested in joining the training community and being listed as a trainer, a good place to start is with self-assessment. To self-assess your qualifications, first review the values statement to see if these are values you endorse. Next, assess yourself against the list of therapist competencies and trainer competencies to see if you would rate yourself highly.
If you view yourself as qualified, please consider requesting peer-review of your skills as an ACT trainer. See the Request for Peer Review Form which describes guidelines about materials you should or could submit to provide enough detail for peer reviewers to evaluate your qualifications on the five criteria above. (Note: peer reviewers may not know you and your work personally, so be sure to provide sufficient information to allow them to accurately see and evaluate your qualifications and competency as an ACT trainer. Also, please ask those who write you letters of recommendation to comment specifically about your character, service to ACT/RFT community and competency as an ACT therapist and trainer.)
If you have any questions about requesting peer review or joining the training community, please contact the ACBS Training Committee chair, Jason Luoma.
About Peer Review
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.
The peer-review to be listed is analogous to scientific manuscript review at a top-notch journal. Peers review the materials the trainer submits. A positive review means that peers view the trainer’s work as of the soundest quality. Real effort is made to have the decision to list a trainer on the ACBS website under the influence of the data/argument in the work rather than personal or political factors like who you know or where you trained.
Please note: Anyone is free to do/provide training in ACT without undergoing peer review or joining this training community. This peer review process is a voluntary method trainers choose to undergo because it fits their own professional development goals.
Here’s how the peer-review process works:
- Candidates self-assess their qualifications relative to the evaluation criteria and submit their request for peer review (following the Checklist) to join the ACBS training community and be listed as an ACT trainer on the ACBS website. (All materials should be submitted electronically, unless of course you have video on tape. In this case, contact Jason Luoma about where to mail it, in triplicate.)
- The Chair of the Training Committee invites Reviewers from among currently listed trainers on the ACBS website. Each application is independently reviewed by at least three currently listed trainers.
- The Reviewers receive the invitation by e-mail. The Reviewer agrees or declines to review.
- If the Reviewer agrees, he or she reads the application and completes the peer review rating form, selects a Recommendation, and submits the review to the Committee Chair and ACBS office. Reviewers are expected to keep the information in applications they review confidential.
- The Committee Chair makes the final decision relying on peer-review feedback to guide the decision and will send a summary letter to inform the applicant of the decision along with each reviewer’s blind comments to the applicant. (The same summary and each others’ comments are sent to reviewers.) Applicants are encouraged to use reviewers' comments as suggestions regarding where they could further refine skills and competencies. The Committee Chair may need to occasionally resolve issues related to conflict of interest among reviewers. Reviewers’ identities are generally not revealed to applicants in order to free reviewers from any social pressures, allowing them to consider only the quality of the application).
- Trainer profiles of those approved by the review process are posted on the ACBS website.
Academic Training & Research Labs
The ACBS community has provided detailed information on their research labs in the child pages at the very bottom of this page -- some of which are not located within academic training programs per se. Each of these labs conduct research relevant to, or informed by, functional contextualism, RFT and/or ACT. Labs in medical schools or hospital settings (for example) may be opportunities for you to gain experience as a research assistant (often after finishing your bachelor's degree), post-doctoral fellow, or other colleague.
The labs and academic programs listed below have been coded (Focus of program/lab; Degree (if any); Country). More details on the coding system are below:
1. Focus of Program/Lab
- ACT
- RFT
- MF = Mindfulness/acceptance-based work (e.g., third wave behavioral but not necessarily ACT per se)
- ACT processes (experimental but not clinical training)
- Applied RFT (e.g., behavioral intervention work)
- Behavioral = behavioral or clinical behavior analysis perspective
- FC = Functional Contextual (applying psychology from a contextualistic perspective)
2. Level of Training/Degree offered (if any)
Masters level:
- MA = Master of Arts
- MSc = Masters with a research focus (Europe)
- MS = Master of Science (US)
- MFT = Master of Arts with a Marriage and Family Therapy specialty (US)
Doctoral:
- PhD/DPhil = Doctor of Philosophy (research and/or clinical training depending on program and country)
- PsyD = Doctor of Psychology (clinical training, some research - US)
Non-Degree is stated as such (e.g., work opportunity) Post-Doctoral is stated as such
3. Country in which the program/lab is located
ACBS Members: If you would like to add your research lab to this list, click on the "add child page" link at the bottom of this page.
Bowling Green State University: Mindful Behavior Therapy and Psychophysiology Lab - William O'Brien (ACT/RFT, MF; PhD; USA)
The fundamental mission of the Mindful Behavior Therapy and Psychophysiology (MAPLab) is to develop knowledge and methods that can be used to alleviate preventable/unnecessary human suffering and enhance well-being. We strive to advance this overarching goal by: (a) engaging in basic research designed to better understand the nature of biobehavioral disorders; (b) engaging in applied research focused on the development and evaluation of innovative clinical procedures; (c) sharing our learning through teaching, supervision, and scholarly writing; and (d) providing direct clinical services to persons in hospital settings, nursing homes, community medical settings, and outpatient mental health settings using a scientist-practitioner model of service delivery.
Visit the Lab webpage for additional information.
Center for Comprehensive Services Carbondale, Illinois - John Guercio (Applied RFT; non-degree; USA)
Research Focus:
The use of RFT technology to impact sexually deviant behavior in adults with acquired brain injury (ABI).
Using relational operants as part of a treatment package to address substance abuse issues in ABI.
Analysis of racial bias in the ABI population and interventions that employ RFT treatment protocols.
Check us out here.
Chapman University (Orange, CA) - Georg H. Eifert (ACT; MA(MFT); USA)
We have developed ACT treatment protocols for anorexia, anger, and anxiety disorders. The two books on anger and anorexia were written for lay people, whereas the anxiety book is a therapist guide.
We are currently investigating the effectiveness of our new unified treatment protocol -- ACT for Anxiety Disorders -- compared to standard CBT for persons suffering from anxiety disorders. The study itself is conducted in the Anxiety Disorders Behavioral Research Lab at UCLA (directed by Michelle Craske) in collaboration with John Forsyth (SUNY Albany). Our ACT for Anxiety Disorders website provides more detailed information on our approach and downloadable therapist resources.
For more information and a list of recent publications, please visit Georg Eifert's faculty home page.
For more information on our ACT books on anorexia, anger, and anxiety disorders click here
Drexel University: Acceptance Based Behavior Therapy Program - Evan Forman & James Herbert (ACT; PhD; USA)
Acceptance-Based Behavior Therapy Program
Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA
Our research team has a number of overlapping research interests that span psychotherapy processes and outcome, acceptance-based behavioral strategies for emotional and behavioral health problems, the nature and treatment of various anxiety disorders, and science versus pseudoscience.
Visit the Forman Herbert Lab Group for more information.
Duke University Medical Center, Duke Center for Eating Disorders - Rhonda Merwin (ACT; non-degree; USA)
Research and Treatment Program.
Contact Rhonda Merwin for more information.
George Mason Univ: Lab for the Study of Social Anxiety, Character Strengths & Related Phenomena- Todd Kashdan (ACT; PhD; USA)
Click on the link below to learn more about the Laboratory for the Study of Social Anxiety, Character Strengths, and Related Phenomena directed by Dr. Todd B. Kashdan at George Mason University
http://mason.gmu.edu/~tkashdan/
Click on the following link to download articles or book chapters (email if you have any problems):
Georgia State University - Akihiko Masuda (ACT/RFT; PhD; USA)
I am a contextual behavioral scientist. I have a solid background in clinical behavior analysis and acceptance- and mindfulness-based psychotherapies. I am very much interested in experimental analysis of psychopathology and a behavioral model that accounts for a wide range of clinical and social issues. I am also interested in the mechanisms of change in behavioral interventions. I have been investigating the role of behavioral processes, such as acceptance and cognitive defusion, on psychopathology and clinical outcomes of behavioral interventions.
Given my multicultural background, diversity issues are also of my great interest. I have been working on research projects, investigating mental health related stigma in diversity contexts and the role of psychological flexibility in the relation between mental health stigma and psychological distress.
Clinically, I have exceptional training in mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral interventions, especially Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). My clinical experiences are broad with diverse clinical populations in a wide range of clinical settings, including university counseling center, outpatient clinic, residential home, and community mental health hospitals. Recently, I have been actively involved in therapist training, supervision, and treatment consultation.
Visit Akihiko Masuda's faculty page for updated information on my research.
Goldsmiths College, University of London - Frank Bond (ACT/RFT; MSc; UK)
The work in this lab focuses on several ACT/RFT-related areas:
1. Testing the outcomes and mediators of change of ACT interventions in work organisations.
2. Examining the effects of psychological flexibility on health and productivity in the work place.
3. How to measure psychological flexibility.
4. The effects of psychological flexibility on learning and performance.
5. The effects of micro ACT interventions on analogue pain.
Visit Frank Bond's research website.
Text from Frank's website:
"There are two overriding aims of my current research, which is in the area of Occupational Health Psychology. First, I am examining the organisational and psychological factors that determine work effectiveness (e.g., productivity, absenteeism) and employee health (e.g., mental/physical health). Second, I am developing and testing theory-driven interventions for improving these outcomes. These interventions are of two types.
The first involves redesigning people's work, in order to create an organisation, or department, that allows people to use their knowledge, skills, and abilities most effectively and efficiently. This is accomplished by, for example, giving people more control over how they carry out tasks, changing communication patterns, or clarifying roles so that they are less ambiguous and conflicting.
The second type of intervention attempts to train individuals to cope more effectively with the normal, everyday stressors that exist at work. In particular, my team is now developing and evaluating training programmes that are based on cognitive-behaviour therapies, including newer 'acceptance-based', or 'mindfulness', ones. We are currently implementing and testing all of our interventions in both public and private sector organisations."
Hofstra University (NY): Psychological Evaluation Research and Counseling Clinic: ACT Specialty Clinic (ACT; PhD; USA)
This specialty clinic/lab serves the Ph.D. program in Clinical Psychology at Hofstra University. Doctoral stuudents interested in learning acceptance-based approaches, particularly ACT and MBSR, do their practicum work here. It is common that students in the lab serve as therapists for dissertations of upper level graduate students. In the past, we have evaluated the efficacy of the acceptance-based approach for chronic pain, pain tolerance, anxiety, and driving anger. We have also been using acceptance-based approaches to help people with medical conditions, such a hypothyroidism, lead more fulfilling lives.
Contact the ACT Clinic at 516-463-6633 or e-mail at ACTclinic@hofstra.edu
Illinois Institute of Technology - Patty Bach (ACT/RFT; PhD; USA)
Patty Bach's research laboratory investigates Acceptance and commitment therapy; Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and the role of verbal behavior in psychopathology and problem behavior; disordered eating and stigma. Visit her academic website for updated information.
Kean University (Hillside, NJ) - Jennifer Block Lerner & Andrew Wolanin (ACT, MF; PsyD; USA)
This is a combined program in school and clinical psychology. Please read more about the program and faculty interests here.
Jennifer Block Lerner will be joining the faculty in the fall of 2010 (so her information may not be on the website right away). You can contact her at jlerner@kean.edu.
Morehead State University (Morehead, KY) - JT Blackledge (ACT/RFT; MA; USA)
At the MSU ACT/RFT Research Lab in Morehead, Kentucky, I am currently conducting ACT process and outcome research with advanced undergraduates and Masters students.
Please read more about the program here.
National University of Ireland, Galway - Ian Stewart & Denis O'Hora (RFT/ACT processes; MSc, PhD; IRE)
Dr. Stewart's research interests span both the experimental analysis of language and cognition and applications of RFT (including ACT) to education and other settings. Current RFT projects include work on derived equivalence relations; interference between non arbitrary and arbitrary relational responding; hierarchical relational responding; Crel and Cfunc control; the Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure; analogical reasoning; Training and Assessment of Relational Precursors and Abilities (TARPA); and the precursor skills required for arbitrarily applicable relational responding. Current ACT projects include the experimental analysis of the effect of values in the context of acceptance.
"My research is influenced by a number of philosophies or approaches. These include Skinner's experimental analysis of behaviour or operant psychology, Hayes, Barnes-Holmes and Roche's relational frame theory, Kelso's coordination dynamics and Spivey's (and Dale and Richardson's) continuity of mind. The common feature of these approaches is that they consider the person to be an ever-changing collection of responses to an ever-changing world. That is, we are continually learning from the world around us and changing through that learning. The constant world that we see around us (including the constant person that we think we are) is both the result of relatively stable attractor states in the responding of our perceptual equipment, and consistencies established in language. Current specific research lines include the effects of goal statements on behavior over time (with Tammemagi and Maglieri), how we interpret the passing of time using the concepts of Before and After (with Hyland, Smyth and Leslie), brain changes that correlate with category formation (with Sigurjonsson, Stewart and Leader). I am also interested in the applied utility of my research in organizational, educational and care settings. I am a member of the Perception, Cognition and Action research group and the Clinical, Biological and Behavioural Psychology research cluster."
National University of Ireland, Maynooth - Dermot & Yvonne Barnes-Holmes (RFT, ACT; MSc, PhD; IRE)
The Language & Cognition Research group in the Psychology Department at NUI Maynooth is one of the most active and prolific RFT research labs in the world. The lab encompasses research activities relevant to many fields of psychology, including child language development, the development of perspective-taking, metaphor, rule-following, goal-setting, emotional responding, and human sexuality, as well as a variety of conceptual issues relating to contextualism, derived relational responding and Relational Frame Theory more generally.
Oregon Research Institute (ORI) - Shawn Boles (ACT/RFT, non-degree, USA)
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Current RFT/ACT Research and Development Projects at ORI:
- RFTMain - Shawn Boles. Developing a web-based system to serve multiple laboratories via management of experiments using any RFT Method (e.g., IRAP)
- ACT and Adolescent Smoking Cessation - Tony Biglan
- ACT and Teacher Burnout- Tony Biglan
- Exploring the Verbal Networks of Adolescents with respect to Healthy and Harmful Behaviors - Shawn Boles, Tony Biglan and Miwa Yasui
Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center, PC - Portland, Oregon (ACT/RFT; post-doc; USA)
The Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center, PC currently consists of Jason Luoma, Jenna LeJeune, a postdoctoral resident (in 2009-2010 this is Brian Thompson. In fall, 2010 two new psychologists will join our staff and spend time in both clinical and research roles. Each year, we hire a new postdoctoral resident who provides evidence-based psychotherapy, particularly Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in our clinic, along with substantial time devoted to research. We have also developed a specialty clinic devoted to the treatment of mood disorders and hope to begin collecting data there soon.
Current research projects include:
- Developing ACT and RFT-based interventions for chronic shame
- Stigma toward addiction, particularly in the context of addictions treatment systems
- Effectiveness of various approaches to training practitioners in ACT, particularly those based on methods such as elearning and videoconferencing
- An RCT of Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention
- Development of an Implicit Measure of Experiential Avoidance
- Mindfulness and Acceptance-based processes of change in PTSD treatment
We are open to collaborating with anyone with similar interests and will take on students for mentoring in research, even if this is done remotely.
We regularly offer trainings through the clinic that are mainly in the Pacific Northwest area.
San Jose State University - Jennifer Gregg (ACT/RFT; MA; USA)
Jennifer Gregg's research focuses on the application of acceptance and commitment therapy to chronic medical conditions.
Click here to read more about the master's program.
Southwest Missouri State University - Ann Branstetter (ACT/RFT; MS; USA)
Ann Branstetter's faculty page. Her research interests include: Acceptance and commitment therapy; Pain and cancer coping, Behavior analysis, Health psychology.
Read more about the clinical psychology master's program here.
Suffolk University (Boston, MA) - Lisa Coyne (ACT/RFT; PhD; USA)
Our research lab is interested in the following broad areas of investigation:
1. Adaptation of ACT-based principles to enhance behavioral prevention and intervention approaches for children, adolescents, and families
2. Parent experiential avoidance and its role in the development and maintenance of impaired parenting, emotion socialization practices, and
child behavior problems
3. Using ACT to enhance teacher behavior management strategies
4. Developing methodology to assess the impact of experiential avoidance in parent-child relationships
Current Research Projects in the Child Research Lab at Suffolk University:
1. Treatment Development & Pilot of an Acceptance and Mindfulness-Based OCD Protocol for Young Children (Aged five to eight)
2. The Role of Parental Experiential Avoidance during In-Session Exposure for Pediatric OCD
3. The Impact of Parent Experiential Avoidance on Parent-Child Interaction in Mindful Awareness vs. Emotion Control Conditions
4. Parental Experiential Avoidance and Context-Specific Stress Tolerance
5. Childhood Reactive Aggression, Emotion Socialization, and Experiential Avoidance
Suffolk University (Boston, MA): Acceptance, Mindfulness and Emotion Lab - Sue Orsillo (ACT, MF; PhD; USA)
The Acceptance, Mindfulness and Emotion Lab at Suffolk University is coordinated by Sue Orsillo, faculty in the clinical psychology doctoral program. Learn more about current projects by clicking the links below.
Swansea University: Louise McHugh & Simon Dymond (RFT/ACT processes; MSc, PhD; Wales)
The RFT & ACT Lab is a sub-group of the Learning and Behaviour research group at Swansea University in Wales.
Co-coordinated by Louise McHugh, current research projects include work on perspective-taking, derived semantic priming, transformation of functions, experimental psychopathology (fear, avoidance, thought suppression), and the development of hierarchical relations. A growing group of undergraduates, postgraduates, and externally funded researchers participate in lab meetings, conferences, and workshops. A new Masters in Behaviour Analysis commenced in September 2006 during which students will have the opportunity to pursue a research project in RFT or ACT related topics.
Visit Louise McHugh's academic website.
Visit Simon Dymond's academic website.
The Chicago School - Sandra Georgescu (ACT; MA, PsyD; USA)
The Chicago School offers both M.A. and Psy.D. level training in clinical psychology and applied behavioral analysis. Interests among faculty are broad - see faculty profiles for descriptions.
Univ of Mississippi Med Cntr: Personality & Emotion Research & Treatment Lab - Kim Gratz & Matthew Tull (ACT/MF; nondegree; USA)
Kim Gratz, Ph.D. and Matthew Tull, Ph.D. are Co-Directors of the PERT Laboratory at the University of Mississippi Medical Center in Jackson, MS. The PERT Lab offers opportunities to get involved with research at the volunteer, undergraduate research assistant, pre-doctoral internship and post-doctoral levels. Visit the PERT lab web page to find out more information about on-going projects and current opportunities.
Dr. Gratz is Director of Personality Disorders Research and Director of the Dialectical Behavior Therapy Clinic. Dr. Gratz's clinical and research interests focus on the role of emotion dysregulation and experiential avoidance in borderline personality disorder (BPD) and deliberate self-harm. In particular, her research focuses on understanding the nature and consequences of emotional dysregulation and avoidance in BPD and self-harm (through the use of novel behavioral/experimental paradigms), and applying this understanding to the development of more effective treatments for these conditions. She is also interested in the emergence of borderline personality and related pathology among children and adolescents, and the intergenerational transmission of borderline personality pathology between mothers and their children. Recent projects include: experimental investigations of emotion dysregulation, experiential avoidance, and emotional unwillingness in BPD and deliberate self-harm; an experimental investigation of the validity, markers, and associated consequences of an anxious-avoidant subtype of BPD; an examination of the personality traits and underlying processes associated with borderline personality symptoms in childhood; an examination of the rates and correlates of deliberate self-harm among children and adolescents in low-income communities; a laboratory-based study of BPD-relevant personality traits and emotion regulation capacity among women and their 12-23 month-old children; and the further development of an acceptance-based, emotion regulation group therapy for deliberate self-harm among women with borderline personality traits.
Dr. Tull is Assistant Professor and Director of Anxiety Disorders Research. Dr. Tull's research focuses on emotion regulation within the anxiety disorders, with a particular focus on PTSD. His research examines the ways in which: (a) emotion regulation strategies that function to avoid emotion (and internal experience in general) may serve as a vulnerability factor for the development and maintenance of post-traumatic symptoms; and (b) emotional approach and acceptance (such as through mindfulness) may serve as a protective factor for anxiety disorder-related pathology. This research stems from a growing body of theoretical and empirical literature that suggests a paradoxical effect of emotional avoidance/control and, conversely, the potential benefits of accepting and being mindful of one's internal experience.
University at Albany, SUNY - John Forsyth (ACT/RFT; PhD; USA)
Our lab -- the Anxiety Disorders Research Program (ADRP) -- is about understanding processes that transform normal human thoughts and painful emotions into life shattering problems associated with anxiety disorders, mood disorders, and even problem anger. We focus on these problems to understand human suffering, not as ends in themselves.
The ADRP laboratory has an explicit process-oriented translational focus. Everyone in the lab is involved in basic and applied treatment oriented research with subclinical and clinical populations. We struggle intensely with philosophical and conceptual issues and make efforts to integrate this activity with our basic and applied work. Students are treated as junior colleagues. This is the model. This is the model that paved the way for the early success of behavior therapy. It is a model that is reflected in the collective lab values statement (see attached below) that we, as a group, have developed.
To date, we have focused on understanding the role of excessive thought and emotion regulation in the development, maintenance, and treatment of anxiety disorders. Included here are studies on how emotion regulation transforms normal fear learning and other experiential processes into clinical problems, the measurement of experiential avoidance, acceptance, and defusion. We are now underway with a multisite collaborative project (the UCLA-Albany Study) testing of our new unified treatment protocol -- ACT for Anxiety Disorders -- vs. standard CBT for persons suffering from anxiety disorders.
Our lab also routinely provides consultation and both brief and intensive professional training workshops for professionals interested in learning more about ACT for Anxiety Disorders.
For additional information please contact Dr. John P. Forsyth at the following address:
John P. Forsyth, Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology
Faculty Director, Anxiety Disorders Research Program
University at Albany, SUNY
Department of Psychology, SS369
1400 Washington Avenue
Albany, NY 12222 U.S.A.
Ph: (518) 442-4862
Fax: (518) 442-4867
Email: forsyth@albany.edu
Relevant Links
Dr. Forsyth's Lab
University at Albany, Psychology Department
Acceptance and Mindfulness Books
ACT for Anxiety Disorders OnLine Research
University of Almería - Carmen Luciano (ACT/RFT; PhD; Spain)
View the Spanish presentation of the lab. The research group with the name of Experimental and Applied Behavior Analysis began in the University of Granada in 1985 and continued in the University of Almería since 1994 under the direction of Carmen Luciano Soriano, professor in the University of Almería, Spain.
The research conducted has been focused in the functional analysis of verbal behavior with special interest in the basic-applied dimension. The research conducted has involved children, parents and adults as well as some research was done with non-human organisms. In the last ten years, the research has been –and it is- tracking the functional analysis of Language and Cognition in the context of the Relational Frame Theory and the analysis of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
The basic-applied dimension research projects concerns:
- the conditions to establish relational frames, the analysis of the verbal regulation and the analysis of the transformation of functions,
- analyzing the verbal contexts defining the unflexible verbal regulation involved in problematic Experiencial Avoidance,
- the transformation of functions in the ACT clinical methods,
- the extension of ACT brief protocols to several domains, and
- the extension of the analysis of relational frames to establish verbal behavior in children with delayed psychological development.
ACTUAL RESEARCHERS working in the projects:
Dr. Carmen Luciano Soriano, Univ. Almería (mluciano@ual.es)
Dr. Inmaculada Gómez Becerra, Univ. Almería (igomez@ual.es)
Dr. Francisco Molina Cobos, Univ. Almería (fjcobos@ual.es)
Dr. Olga Gutiérrez Martínez, Univ. Granada (olgaguti@ugr.es)
Dr. Marisa Páez Blarrina, Spanish Assoc. Cancer (marisa.paez@aecc.es)
Dr. Carmelo Visdómine, (jcvisdomine@hotmail.com)
Dr. Francisco Cabello, Univ. La Rioja (francisco.cabello@dcst.unirioja.es)
Dr. Francisco Montesinos, Spanish Association Cancer (francisco.montesinos@aecc.es)
Dr. Sonsoles Valdivia Salas, Univ. Almería (sonvaldivia28@hotmail.com)
Dr. Miguel Rodríguez Valverde, Univ. Almería (mvalver@ual.es)
Dr. Mónica Hernández, Univ. Valladolid (mohernan@ual.es)
Laura Carmen Sánchez, Univ. Almería (lss250@ual.es)
Israel Mañas Mañas, Univ. Almería (imanas@ual.es)
Francisco Ruiz Jiménez, Univ. Almería (frj939@ual.es)
Javier Hilinger Sánchez, Univ. Almería (jhilinger@hotmail.com)
Also, Dr. Dermot Barnes-Holmes, Dr. Ivonne Barnes-Holmes (Maynooth, Ireland), and Dr. Michael Dougher (Albuquerque, New Mexico) are colloborating in several of the main projects.
ACTUAL FUNDING:
Actual funding projects directly connected to RFT and ACT are:
- “Derivation of Functions: Analysis of verbal contexts in Experiential Avoidance and in ACT clinical methods”. Financed as Excelent Projects Program by the Andalusian Govertment, 2006-2008.
- “Analysis of Experiencial Avoidance and defusion methods in ACT”. Financed as I+D+I Ministry of Education Program. (2006-2008).
- “Addictive behaviors and altering functions in young people” by Andalusian Govertment”, (Grant to Javier Hilinger), 2004-2006.
- “Development of a telehealth resource for young people engaging in problematic Cybersex on the Internet” by European Comission (Project coordinated by E. Quayle, Cork, Ireland) (Grants to Francisco Ruiz Jiménez and Sonsoles Valdivia Salas)
- “Transformation of Functions according to several relational frames” financed by Ministry of Science and Education (Grant to Miguel Rodríguez Valverde, 2003-2006).
- “Analyzing equivalence” financed by Andalusian Govertment (Grant to Israel Mañas Mañas, 2004-2006).
- “Multiple Esclerosis and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” by University of Almería (Grant to Laura del Carmen Sánchez Sánchez).
THESES
The following theses to achieve the doctor degree (Pre-doc theses are not included here) that have been done under the umbrella of the research group are:
- Miguel Ángel Delgado Noguera: Influence of a educational training in Sports Education. University of Granada, Ph.D. in 1989.
- Luis Valero Aguayo: Experimental analysis of new behaviors through equivalence relations. University of Granada, Ph.D. in 1990.
- Antonio Fernández Parra: Experimental analysis of the formation of phobic behaviors. University of Granada, Ph. D.. in 1990.
- Javier Herruzo Cabrera: "Say-do" correspondence training. University of Granada, Ph.D., in 1992.
- Mercedes Vernetta: Diferential effect of two methods in gymnastic skills. University of Granada, Ph. D. 1995.
- Inmaculada Gómez Becerra: (In)sensitivity to contingencies and verbal behavior. University of Almería, Ph. D. 1996.
- Francisco Javier Molina Cobos: Learning behaviors through imitation. Implications of verbal behavior. University of Almería, Ph.D. 1997.
- Serafín Gómez García: Rupture of equivalence relations (co-directed with Dermot Barnes-Holmes). University of Almería, Ph. D. 1998.
- Mª Carmen Vives: Vocal articulation deficits and generalization. University of Almería, Ph. D. 1999.
- Carmen Berrocal: Functional analysis in obesity (co-directed with Flor Zaldívar). University of Málaga, Ph. D. 2000
- Olga Gutiérrez Martínez: Comparison between acceptance and control strategies in a paradigm of self-control. University of Almería, Ph. D. 2003.
- Carmelo Visdómine: Locus of control and transference of functions. Univesity of Almería, Ph. D. 2004.
- Marisa Páez: Avoidance and control strategies in patients with breast cancer. University of Almería, Ph. D. 2005.
- Francisco Cabello Luque: Equivalent relations and protocol analysis by the silent dog method (co-directed with Dermot Barnes-Holmesd). University of Almería, Ph. D. 2005.
- Francisco Montesinos: Psychological impact of "cancer" and defusion strategies. University of Almería, Ph. D. 2005.
- Sonsoles Valdivia: Motivational analysis and transfer of functions (co-directed with Michael Dougher). University of Almería, Ph. D. 2005.
- Mónica Hernández: Quitting smoking and control versus acceptance strategies (co-directed with Jesús Gil Roales-Nieto). University of Almería, 2006 (next presentation).
Relevant publications are:
Related ACT/RFT books:
Luciano, M. C. (dir) (2001). Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso. Libro de Casos (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Cases book.). Promolibro: Valencia.
Wilson, K. G., & Luciano, M. C. (2002). Terapia de Aceptación y Compromiso. Un tratamiento conductual orientado a los valores. (Acceptance and Commtiment Therapy. A behavioral treatment oriented to values). Pirámide: Madrid.
University of Barcelona - Olga Gutiérrez-Martínez (ACT/RFT; PhD; Spain)
Please read more about the program at the University and Dr. Gutiérrez-Martínez' faculty page for contact information.
University of Cyprus- Maria Karekla (ACT/RFT; PhD; Greece)
Clinical Psychology Research Laboratory
Click to find out more about the Department of Psychology at the University of Cyprus.
University of Denver (ACT; PsyD; USA)
University of Denver clinical psychology doctoral degree in professional psychology (PsyD).
Faculty training in ACT: Ragnar Storaasli, John McNeill, and Chad Emrick.
University of Houston, Clear Lake - Chad Wetterneck (ACT; MA; USA)
Chad Wetterneck, Ph.D. is an Assistant Professor for the clinical program at The University of Houston – Clear Lake’s. He currently heads a lab focused on investigating anxiety and ACT related constructs and collaborates with Mary Short, Ph.D. in co-leading investigating factors related to Internet pornography use.
Recent projects from Dr. Wetterneck’s research labs have examined:
- Variations in the report of OCD related symptomology by ethnicity
- The acceptability of ACT and CBT based on treatment rationales for social anxiety and treatment expectations for ACT and CBT based on treatment rationales for social anxiety
- The nature and frequency of sexually intrusive thoughts and their relationship to experiential avoidance and past experience of traumatic sexual events
- The relationship of experiential avoidance, sexual compulsivity, and impulsivity to Internet pornography (IP) use
Dr. Wetterneck has excellent training in ACT including multiple training workshops, serving as the lead therapist in a randomized controlled trial of acceptance-enhanced behavioral treatment of trichotillomania, and co-leading an ACT supervision group in the greater Houston area. He received his doctorate from University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee under the supervision of Doug Woods, Ph.D. and completed his internship at Baylor College of Medicine under the supervision of Carla Sharp, Ph.D. Dr. Wetterneck has specific interests and experience with anxiety, obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Visit Dr. Wetterneck's faculty page for more information.
University of Jyväskylä - Raimo Lappalainen (ACT; master's, doctorate, licensure; Finland)
Visit Dr. Lappalainen's faculty page and read more about this program here.
University of Louisiana at Lafayette - Emily Sandoz (ACT processes, RFT, Behavioral); MS, USA)
University of Massachusetts at Boston - Liz Roemer (MF, ACT; PhD; USA)
Visit the link below to view Liz Roemer's current and former graduate students and examples of their recent research on experiential/emotional avoidance, emotion regulation and mindfulness as they relate to anxiety as well as recovery from traumatic exposure.
University of Mississippi - Kelly Wilson & Kate Kellum (ACT/RFT; PhD; USA)
This is the short version of the two-part mission of the Wilson-Kellum Lab at Ole Miss:
Part 1: The Content Mission. Yes, the lab has a mission. To make theoretical and empirical analyses of the role of basic verbal processes in complex human behavior; to aim these analyses at topics that seem central to a life lived well; and, to pursue the applied implications of these analyses in the service of improving lives.
Part 2: The Process Mission. To create an environment in which behavioral scientists are nurtured. The lab will mindfully pursue the professional development of its members in order to equip them to play an important role in the bettering of the human condition through the development, dissemination and application of this science. Professional development is understood in our group in the very broadest possible sense. Too often in psychology and other disciplines, professional development has been very narrowly construed--i.e., becoming a competent psychologist. In our lab, we are interested in the development of whole persons. Joining the lab means making a commitment to have lab be about supporting others, and in allowing yourself to be supported, in the development of a whole life.
Click on the Lab Manifesto link for the full lab mission statement.
We have an APA accredited doctoral program in clinical psychology and also offer Ph.D.'s in experimental psychology at the University of Mississippi. Kate Kellum and I co-direct this lab. If you are interested in doctoral training with us, you should look at the Lab Manifesto and at my Academic Homepage. Surf around my website and you will get a pretty good sense of the culture of our workgroup. If you are thinking about doc training, please do yourself a favor and think hard about the culture of the place you are trained. If you pick well, your graduate training will end with sweet sorrow. You will know it is time to go, but, there will be tears shed as you leave. We are not the most famous or richest place to be trained, but we offer something here that you cannot get elsewhere.
If you are interested in training opportunities and upcoming workshops, visit my training pages.
University of Missouri, St. Louis - Laurie Greco (ACT; PhD; USA)
Research emphases include: Investigation of the nature and role of ACT-relevant processes over time; Development and evaluation of ACT interventions for adult/adolescent populations (current focus on military veterans with chronic pain); Development of ACT-relevant measures (e.g., Avoidance and Fusion Questionnaire for Youth; Greco et al., 2006; Children's Acceptance and Mindfulness Measure; Greco & Baer, 2006); Integration of ACT principles and methods into family, school, and medical settings.
Visit Laurie Greco's faculty site for additional information.
University of Nevada, Reno - Steve Hayes (ACT/RFT; PhD; USA)
The University of Nevada lab is focused on creating a scientific paradigm that supports human transformation.
It seeks the development of a coherent, pragmatically useful, innovative, empirical, behavioral approach to psychological science that will enable significant steps forward in our understanding of human beings, the creation of human progress, and in the alleviation of human suffering.
It consciously tries to give away its research program by supporting the development of successful research laboratories with these goals world wide.
The lab has been at the forefront in the development of functional contextualism, Relational Frame Theory, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Labbies with Steve Hayes after he received the "Lifetime Achievement Award" from the Association of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies in 2007
Doctoral graduates from Steve Hayes's lab who also agree to a "science oath" receive the "Behavioralis Junkus degree" and learn the secret behavioral handshake.
Below are links to the current labbies, a list of "Behavioralis Junkus degree" recipients, and a comprehensive list of all dissertations to come out of the lab.
Current UNR Labbies
The current members of the ACT/RFT Lab at UNR include:
Post-Doctoral Fellows:
- Jason Lillis
- Matthieu Villatte
- Chelsea MacLane
Graduate Students:
- Kara Bunting (on internship)
- Lindsay Fletcher (matched for internship)
- Merry Sylvester (matched for internship)
- Jennifer Plumb
- Jennifer Boulanger
- Mikaela Hildebrandt
- Roger Vilardaga
- Michael Levin
- Jamie Yadaivia
- Tami Jeffcoat (formerly Lazzarone)
- Doug Long
Research Assistants
Former RA's who have gone on to graduate school in psychology
- Lindsay Martin (Towson University)
- Kate Morrison (Utah State University)
- Dahlia Mukherjee (University of Pennsylvania)
Labbie Fellow Travelers (primary advisor not Steve):
- Tom Waltz (matched for internship)
- Claudia Drossel (matched for internship)
UNR Dissertation List
Here are the dissertations that have come from the lab over the years (including those from UNC Greensboro, prior to UNR):
COGNITIVE THERAPY OF DEPRESSION: A CONCEPTUAL AND EMPIRICAL ANALYSIS OF COMPONENT AND PROCESS ISSUES
by ZETTLE, ROBERT DOUGLAS, PhD
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO, 1984, 560 pages
STIMULUS EQUIVALENCE AND LANGUAGE DEVELOPMENT IN CHILDREN (RETARDATION)
by DEVANY, JEANNE MARIE, PhD
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO, 1985, 82 pages
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN TWO CLASSES OF MEASURES EXAMINED IDIOTHETICALLY AND NOMOTHETICALLY
by TURNER, ARLINZA EARL, PhD
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO, 1986, 332 pages
THE USE OF THERAPIST RULES, SELF-RULES, AND CONTINGENCY-SHAPED FEEDBACK IN THE TREATMENT OF SOCIAL SKILLS DEFICITS IN ADULTS
by ROSENFARB, IRWIN SHIMON, PhD
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO, 1986, 258 pages
HIGHER-ORDER CONTROL OVER EQUIVALENCE CLASSES AND RESPONSE SEQUENCES: AN EXPERIMENTAL ANALOGUE OF SIMPLE SYNTACTICAL RELATIONS
by WULFERT, EDELGARD, PhD
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO, 1987, 131 pages
CONDITIONAL CONTROL OF EQUIVALENCE AND THE RELATIONS DIFFERENT AND OPPOSITE: A BEHAVIOR ANALYTIC MODEL OF COMPLEX VERBAL BEHAVIOR
by STEELE, DAVID LEE, PhD
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO, 1987, 136 pages
The effects of verbal consequences for rule-following on sensitivity to programmed contingencies of reinforcement
by Haas, Joseph Raymond, PhD
THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA AT GREENSBORO, 1991, 209 pages
Client metaphor use in a contextual form of therapy
by McCurry, Susan Melancon, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 1991, 262 pages
An analysis of the process of client change in a contextual approach to therapy
by Khorakiwala, Durriyah, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 1991, 240 pages
A behavior analysis of complex human functioning: Analogical reasoning
by Lipkens, Regina, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 1992, 214 pages
The evaluation, and remediation of obstacles to Japanese/European-American intercultural communication from a behavior analytic perspective
by Leonhard, Christoph Harald, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 1994, 180 pages
Transfer of function through equivalence: Modification effects based upon nodality and contextual control
by Kohlenberg, Barbara Saree, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 1994, 117 pages
Examining the differential effects of feedback in ply-form and track-form on staff training of consumers in a sheltered workshop
by Huntley, Kenneth Robert, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 1995, 104 pages
A study of paradoxical cognitive responding in thought suppression
by Afari, Niloofar, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 1996, 148 pages
Acceptance, suppression, and monitoring of personally-relevant unwanted thoughts in women diagnosed with borderline personality disorder
by Pistorello, Jacqueline, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 1998, 240 pages
The effects of suppression and acceptance on thought and emotion
by Walser, Robyn Darleen, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 1998, 189 pages
Relational acquisition of stimulus function in substance dependence: A preliminary examination of drug versus nondrug related equivalence classes
by Wilson, Kelly Gene, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 1998, 104 pages
An experimental analysis of the effects of an intrusive academic advising package on academic performance, satisfaction, and retention
by Sayrs, David Michael, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 1999, 101 pages
Acceptance and commitment therapy in the treatment of symptoms of psychosis
by Bach, Patricia Ann, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 2000, 87 pages
Dismantling instruction to distract from a painful stimulus: Approach/avoidance functions of distracting instructions
by Grundt, Adam Matthew, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 2000, 155 pages
Toward an empirical analysis of verbal motivation: A possible preparation for distinguishing discriminative and motivational functions of verbal stimuli
by Ju, Winifred Chin-Teh, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 2000, 255 pages
Processes of change: Acceptance versus 12-step in polysubstance-abusing methadone clients
by Bissett, Richard Thorman, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 2001, 351 pages
Culture and acceptance and control-based strategies: Predictors of psychological adjustment among Asian Americans and Caucasian Americans
by Cook, Dosheen, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 2003, 99 pages
Acceptance-based treatment of regulatory internal stimuli in nicotine-dependent smokers: A controlled comparison with transdermal nicotine replacement
by Gifford, Elizabeth Ruth van der Veen, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 2003, 181 pages
A randomized controlled effectiveness trial comparing patient education with and without acceptance and commitment therapy for type 2 diabetes self-management
by Gregg, Jennifer Ann, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 2004, 291 pages
Acceptance and commitment training and stigma toward people with psychological disorders: Developing a new technology
by Masuda, Akihiko, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 2006, 117 pages
The impact of training deictic frames on perspective taking with young children: A relational frame theory approach to theory of mind
by Weil, Timothy M., Ph.D.
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 2006, 90 pages
Acceptance and commitment therapy for the treatment of obesity-related stigma and weight control
by Lillis, Jason, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 2007, 144 pages
The role of acceptance in cognitive behavioral treatment for chronic pain in an HIV-positive community sample
by Pierson, Heather M., PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 2008, 206 pages
A randomized clinical trial of acceptance and commitment therapy versus progressive relaxation training in the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder
by Twohig, Michael P., PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 2007, 181 pages
The effect of acceptance and commitment training on clinician willingness to use empirically-supported pharmacotherapy for drug and alcohol abuse
by Varra, Alethea, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 2007, 176 pages
Examining the motivational effects of verbal stimuli: An application of motivative augmentals
by Jackson, Marianne, PhD (primary advisor: Larry Williams)
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 2008, 139 pages
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with dually diagnosed individuals
by Pankey, Julieann, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 2008, 151 pages
Relational coherence and transformation of function in ambiguous and unambiguous relational networks
by Quinones, Jennifer L., PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 2008, 88 pages
In search of operant classes in the real world: A case for synonyms and antonyms
by Berens, Nicholas, PhD
UNIVERSITY OF NEVADA, RENO, 2009, 119 pages
UNR Lab Graduates
This list of lab graduates is in order of first to most recent. Below their names are their first major post-doctoral and / or current positions.
- Robert Douglas "the Z" Zettle
Wichita State University
- Jeanne M. Devany
Auburn University
(now at The Grove Clinic, Asheville, NC)
- Arlinza E. "Sonny" Turner*
Albert Einstein School of Medicine
* deceased
- Irwin Rosenfarb
Auburn University
(now at Alliant University)
- Edelgard Wulfert
State University of New York at Albany
- David Steele
Greensboro Area Health Education Center
(now at a US military clinic in Germany)
- Joseph Raymond Haas
Children's Behavioral Services, Reno, NV
- Susan Melancon McCurry
University of Washington School of Medicine
- Durriyah Khorakiwala
Keiser Permanente Hospital
(now in private practice, Pleasanton, CA)
- Regina Lipkens
University College of North Wales
(now at Sancta Maria Psychiatric Hospital, Sint-Truiden, Belgium)
- Christoph Leonhard
Harvard Medical School
(now at Illinois School of Professional Psychology)
- Barbara S. Kohlenberg
Veteran's Administration Medical Center, Reno
(now at the University of Nevada, Reno)
- Niloofar Afari
University of Washington School of Medicine
(now at the VA San Diego Healthcare System)
- Jacqueline Pistorello
University of Nevada, Reno
- Robyn Walser
Weber State University
(now at the Palo Alto VA, National Center for PTSD)
- Kelly G. Wilson
University of Mississippi
- David M. Sayrs
Pierce College
(now at the University of Washington)
- Winifred C. T. Ju
Center for the Disabled, Cohoes, NY
(now at the West Salem Clinic, Salem, OR)
- Adam M. Grundt
Dartmouth College
(now at the Hazelton Institute)
- Patricia Bach
University of Chicago School of Medicine
(now at the Illinois Institute of Technology)
- Richard Bissett
University of Nevada, Reno
(now at Rural Regional Clinics, Carson City, NV)
- Dosheen Cook
Rural Regional Clinics, Carson City, NV
- Elizabeth Gifford
Center for Health Care Evaluation
Palo Alto Veteran's Administration and Stanford University
- J. T. Blackledge
University of Wollongong, Australia
(now at Morehead State University, Morehead, KY)
- Jennifer Gregg
San Jose State University
- Akihiko Masuda
University of Texas, Houston Health Sciences Center
(now at Georgia State University, Atlanta, GA)
- Timothy Weil
University of South Florida
- Jason Lillis
Palo Alto Veteran's Administration and Stanford University
(now at the University of Nevada, Reno)
- Michael Twohig
Utah State University, Logan, UT
- Alethea Varra
VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA
- Julieann Pankey
University of Alaska, Fairbanks
- Heather Pierson
VA Puget Sound Healthcare System, Seattle, WA
- Nicholas Berens
Center for Advanced Learning, Reno, NV
Additional esteemed lab graduates:
Ken Huntley
and
Jennifer Quinones
University of Nevada, Reno - Victoria Follette (ACT; PhD; USA)
Victoria Follette's research laboratory focuses on third-wave approaches to research and treatment for trauma related difficulties, couple problems and domestic violence. Members of the laboratory conduct both basic and psychotherapy outcome research, examining acceptance and mindfulness processes and practice Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavior Therapy and Functional Analytic Psychotherapy. For more information please visit Victoria Follette's faculty page.
University of New Mexico - Mike Dougher (RFT/ACT; PhD; USA)
Read more about the program here.
Mike Dougher's research interests:
Experimental and clinical behavior analysis. Primary research focuses on the experimental analysis of complex human behavior including stimulus equivalence and relational responding. Other interests include contextualistic methods of psychotherapy and psychotherapy research, and integrative psychotherapies.
Mike Dougher's faculty page.
University of North Texas - Amy Murrell (ACT/RFT; PhD; USA)
My lab is quickly growing. Our work group now includes me, a post-bac. student, an undergraduate, and 8 graduate students. We have 2 MTS RFT tasks up and running. One examines sexual fantasies in college women. We have an IRAP on that subject pending IRB approval as well, so we should be going on that soon. The other ongoing piece is a replication/extension of my parenting study (dissertation). It includes two experiments examining class acquisition and flexibility, transformation of function, etc.
We have several other projects in the research phase, just being designed- two on ACT treatment of children and parents, one on improving the measurement of acceptance and willingness in child populations, and one on the relationship between worry and relational framing. We are committed to having these projects running next academic year, and I will be submitting at least one application for federal funding. I will keep the group posted on that.
Here is a link to my website, where you can read about the further about our most current research projects.
You can check it out here.
University of South Carolina Aiken - Chad Drake (ACT/RFT; MS; USA)
The department of psychology at USCA offers an M.S. degree in clinical psychology. I teach graduate level courses in clinical behavior analysis and ACT and conduct related research. Contact me at chad.e.drake@gmail.com for more information.
University of Tampere (ACT; MA; Finland)
Read more about the program in the department of psychology here.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Behavior Therapy & Research Lab - Doug Woods (ACT; PhD; USA)
Research in the BTRL has two related foci. One focus is on understanding and developing treatments for OC-Spectrum disorders in children and adults. A second focus is on evaluating the efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and trying to understand the related mechanisms of change. The BTRL is directed by Dr. Doug Woods. Visit the lab website to view the most current research projects.
ONGOING ACT-RELATED RESEARCH
Treatment Studies
Behavior Therapy for Adults With Chronic Skin Picking
This study is funded by the Trichotillomania Learning Center, Inc. We are looking for adults over the age of 18 with a Chronic Skin Picking problem. The study is being conducted to compare ACT+HRT to a TAU condition for CSP. Treatment is free for those who qualify. The study has not started yet, but should begin sometime in the Summer of 2005. Please contact Chris Flessner for more information on this study, or call (414) 229-6078.
Behavior Therapy for Adults with Trichotillomania
This study seeks to evaluate the best way to administer a ACT+HRT for trichotillomania in adults. The study is being conducted in conjunction with the Trichotillomania/BFRB Specialty Clinic, and is offered to Clinic clients as one potential option for treatment.
ACT Related Studies Examining Factors Underlying Psychopathology
Experiential Avoidance as a Mediator Between Unpleasant Private Experiences and CSP
COMPLETED RESEARCH
Treatment Studies
Woods, D. W., Wetterneck, C. T., & Flessner, C. A. (2006). A controlled evaluation of acceptance and commitment therapy plus habit reversal for trichotillomania. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44, 639-656.
Teng, E. J., Woods, D. W., & Twohig, M. P. (in press). Habit reversal as a treatment for chronic skin picking: Comparison to a wait-list control. Behavior Modification. Twohig, M. P. & Woods, D. W. (2004). A Preliminary Investigation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Habit Reversal as a Treatment for Trichotillomania. Behavior Therapy, 35, 803-820.
ACT Related Studies Examining Factors Underlying Psychopathology
Begotka, A. M., Woods, D. W., & Wetterneck, C. T. (2004). The relationship between experiential avoidance and the severity of trichotillomania in a non-referred population. Journal of Behavior Therapy and Experimental Psychiatry, 35, 17-24.
Marcks, B. A. & Woods, D. W. (2005). A comparison of thought suppression to an acceptance-based technique in the management of personal intrusive thoughts: A controlled evaluation. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 43, 433-445.
Norberg, M. M., Woods, D. W., & Wetterneck, C. T. (2005). Examination of the mediating role of psychological acceptance in relationships between cognitions and severity of chronic hairpulling.
Wetterneck, C. T., & Woods, D. W. (2005). Hair pulling antedecents in trichotillomania: their relationship with experiential avoidance.
University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee Depression Treatment Speciality Clinic - Jonathan Kanter (FC; PhD; USA)
The UWM Depression Treatment Specialty Clinic is a clinical research laboratory devoted to understanding depression and improving access to services and treatment for depression in the Milwaukee area.
In our lab we encourage developing an understanding of behaviorism as a way to understand and research psychotherapy. The basic ideas are:
1. Behavior is best understood in terms of the context in which it occurs or has occurred in the past. We look into people's lives and the world they live in to understand why they feel and act the way they do.
2. The relationship that a therapist forms with the client is extremely important. Good, intense client-therapist relationships are incredibly powerful and can lead to powerful changes.
3. We do not consider a psychological problem to be solved until the person’s behavior has improved. We aim to help people enjoy active and meaningful lives that they feel are worth living. This means that treatment may not be about reducing depression (although it may be) but it may also be about finding one’s values and how to live life in the service of those values.
Visit the lab site and Jonathan Kanter's faculty page for more information.
University of Wollongong - Joseph Ciarrochi (ACT/RFT; MA, MSc, PhD; Australia)
The University of Wollongong research lab, located in New South Wales, Australia, is dedicated to conducting ACT & RFT research at all levels of the basic-applied continuum. Currently, Joseph Ciarrochi's work focuses primarily on validating the effects of Acceptance and Commitment Training with normal populations (e.g., the NSW Police Force; secondary school-based ACT interventions), as well as on ACT-relevant instrument validation and population-based studies.
Joseph provides research supervision to University of Wollongong students, and is happy to consult on/participate in ACT/RFT research conducted in Australia, New Zealand, and elsewhere.
Uppsala University - Joanne Dahl (ACT/RFT; MSc, PhD; Sweden)
The ACT Lab in Uppsala at the department of psychology represents a concerted effort in forwarding ACT clinical research. It aims at supporting students doing or interesting in doing clinical research in ACT at all levels. The vision of the Lab is to work towards a breadth of application, clarity of protocols, ease and clarity of training therapists, clarity of adherence and competence , adequacy of process measures, tightness of the control conditions, tests against known technologies, links to basic processes and large scale effectiveness. The Lab is open to all interested student at the department of psychology, both the clinical psychology program as well as the other programs at the department. It is open to students of all levels but will probably be of most interest to those involved in or close to being involved in the masters level thesis or doctoral dissertation. The program scheduled for every other Friday afternoon between 13-1600 is comprised of a combination of smaller lectures in general methodological areas such as the use of END NOTE reference system, statistical programs, update on research followed by a practical part where students may use the group to practice clinical skills of ACT needed for research projects.
Read updates at Joanne Dahl's website.
The following is a list of the areas of ACT where there are ongoing studies at some stage, along with areas that need to be addressed. This organisation may help new students see where they might like to aim research efforts.
- Breadth of Application
- Behavior medicine
-
Chronic Pain
Long term musculoskeletal pain Chronic headache
-
Epilepsy
Treatment of partial complex seizure drug refractory Treatment of partial complex seizures for people in developmental countries with no access to anticonvulsant drug therapy Lab studies: dismantling effects of ACT and BT on seizure process
- Diabetes
-
Eating disturbances
Anorexia Obesity
- Constipation
- Asthma
- Psychiatric disorders
- Social Phobia
- Psychometric studies
-
Process measures: ACT specific
Bull’s eye AAQEP (AAQ for epilepsy) AAQ in Swedish
- Biological measures such as the use of EEG, EMG, GSR, MRT or other psychophysiological measures to study process of treatment.
-
Relational Frame Theory
Study circle Stigmatization study for epilepsy Cooperation with RFT labs in the UK Development of IRAP/RFT Lab (may involve younger students)
-
Values work
Standardization of values compass protocol Values workbook IRAP RFT lab study for Values frames
-
Protocols
Uppsala 4 session base protocol (a good place to start) Create video tapes of individual and group sessions Development of a base manual.
-
Education and training
Vertical organization of students where students with experience train new students in protocols, ACT core skills and the use of measurements. Students doing clinical thesis may use the lab to practice skills, get help with problems in developing manuals, clinical skills, measurement problems, statistics and writing up of the project.
Utah State University - Michael Twohig (ACT/RFT; PhD; USA)
I am an assistant professor in the clinical psychology program at Utah State University. Our (the lab's) research generally focuses on treatment development and treatment evaluation. We work to determine the effectiveness of particular treatment modalities, but we have an equal emphasis on determining why these treatments work (mechanisms of action). Our work focuses on therapies in the "behavioral" and "empirically supported" tradition including ACT, CBT, and BT or exposure therapies. I have done a lot of work in anxiety disorders, especially OCD and trichotillomania, but I am very interested in many clinical areas. I also work with both adult and child populations.
I have very good training in ACT. I received my Ph.D. under Steve Hayes at Reno. Steve and I continue to collaborate on a NIMH grant that tests ACT for OCD. I am also well trained in CBT after doing my clinical internship under Maureen Whittal, Melisa Robichaud, and Jach Rachman at UBC in Vancouver, BC.
I work very hard to help my students do well in whatever area of psychology they are interested in whether it be clinical, research, or both. We have a very active research lab and students should expect to publish quite a lot while working with me. I also offer training in ACT throughout your entire time at USU.
We have a very nice research space and student's are generally funded throughout their time at USU.
Finally, the snowboarding, hiking, rock climbing, ect. are wonderful in Utah!
If you have an interest in working with me please contact me by phone or e-mail.
Mike
Western Michigan University (FC; PhD; USA)
The clinical psychology program at Western Michigan University is a behavioral program, and faculty there conduct research and train in modern behavioral psychotherapies such as Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP).
Visit the program webpage for further information.
Wichita State University - Rob Zettle (ACT/RFT; PhD; USA)
Dr. Zettle is a tenured professor in the clinical psychology program at Wichita State University. Dr. Zettle was Steven Hayes' first doctoral student and thus has had extensive training in ACT (>20 years). Students who enter the clinical psychology doctoral program at Wichita State University and work with Dr. Zettle can receive training in ACT.
The common thread running through Dr. Zettle's research is an attempt to better understand the roles that languaging and verbal behavior play in the initiation, maintenance, and alleviation of human suffering from a functional contextualistic perspective. Some of the research projects are more basic in nature, while others are more explicitly applied and clinical in their focus. More basic research projects focus on the development of both self-report and behavioral ways of assessing processes that contribute to psychological flexibility/rigidity as well as experimentally manipulating these same processes in impacting analogues of clinical forms of human suffering, such as anxiety and mood disorders. More applied research projects compare the clinical outcomes and related processes associated with traditional cognitive-behavioral interventions in treatment of depression versus ACT and related acceptance and mindfulness-based approaches.
Recent and upcoming publications from Dr. Zettle's lab include:
Gird, S., & Zettle, R. D. (in press). Differential response to a dysphoric mood induction procedure as a function of level of experiential avoidance. The Psychological Record.
Petersen, C. L., & Zettle, R. D. (in press). Treating inpatients with comorbid depression and alcohol use disorders: A comparison of acceptance and commitment therapy versus treatment as usual. The Psychological Record.
Zettle, R. D. (in press). Acceptance and commitment theory of depression. In P. L. Fisher & A. Wells (Eds.), Treating depression: Principles and practice of CBT, MCT, and third wave therapies. Chichester, United Kingdom: Wiley.
Zettle, R. D. (2005). The evolution of a contextual approach to therapy: From comprehensive distancing to ACT. International Journal of Behavioral Consultation and Therapy, 1, 77-89.
Zettle, R. D., Barner, S. L., & Gird, S. (2009). ACT with depression: The role of forgiving. In J. T. Blackledge, J. Ciarrochi, & F. Deane (Eds.), Acceptance and commitment therapy: Current directions (pp. 151- 173). Bowen Hills QLD: Australian Academic Press.
Zettle, R. D., Petersen, C. L., Hocker, T. R., & Provines, J. L. (2007). Responding to a challenging perceptual-motor task as a function of level of experiential avoidance. The Psychological Record, 57, 49-62.
If you are interested in joining/working with Dr. Zettle's lab, more information about his lab and his contact information can be found at www.wichita.edu.
ACT Pre-Doctoral Internship Sites
This list includes institutions and individuals offering ACT-friendly pre-doctoral internship sites.
ACBS Members: If you would like to list yourself, your program, or your institution here, click on the "add child page" link at the bottom of this page.
Baylor College of Medicine
The Menninger Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Baylor College of Medicine, offers a fully American Psychological Association approved internship training program in clinical psychology. Interns in the Baylor program are accepted into one of seven tracks, differentiated on the basis of the population served and/or the location of the training experience. While each track has a somewhat different clinical emphasis, all interns have core seminars and training experiences in common and carry adult psychotherapy patients in the Baylor Adult Psychiatry Outpatient Clinic. The number of positions available in each track and the sequence of rotations may vary, depending upon funding and resource availability. Training content and clinical emphasis, however, remain constant. Currently, ten intern positions are available.
The Adult Anxiety Track is particularly ACT-friendly. This internship track consists of a year-long placement at the Menninger Compulsive Disorder Treatment Program. The treatment philosophy of the program is firmly rooted in evidence-based cognitive-behavioral therapy. The Menninger OCD Treatment Center, with the capacity of 15 patients, is a specialized in-patient program providing intensive cognitive-behavioral therapy, medication management and milieu treatment for adults and adolescents with severe obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), OCD Spectrum disorders and other anxiety disorders. Previous interns in this track have been allowed to incorporate ACT into their work.
There are a few other psychologists at the internship site with varying knowledge on ACT. In addition, there are opportunities to learn more about and practice DBT in other areas of the internship. For more information about the internship you can visit their website http://www.bcm.edu/psychiatry/?PMID=2205
Brigham Young University - Predoctoral Internships in Professional Psychology
The Counseling and Career Center (CCC) at Brigham Young University (BYU) offers four full-time, 12 month internships for doctoral-level graduate students in Clinical or Counseling Psychology. The internships for the school year begin in August. Each position carries a stipend of $25,500 and includes all benefits accorded full-time University personnel (vacation and sick leave, holidays; medical, dental, and life insurance; library privileges; bookstore discount; and discounted tickets to University events). The CCC Psychology Internship, which began in 1989, is fully accredited by the American Psychological Association.
The program provides supervised training experiences in a full range of psychological services. Interns function as colleagues of the professional faculty and staff and participate in all services and staff development activities of the Center.
One of the supervisors, Kirk Dougher, is very active in teaching people the process of using acceptance in their theory and practice. Full info on the internships can be found here.
Kirk Dougher can also be contacted for information about the supervision and the primary applications in the rotations.
Kirk Dougher, BYU, 1500 WSC, Provo, Utah 84602
1-801-422-3035
kirk_dougher@byu.edu
Brown Medical School, Providence, RI
The internship at Brown Medical School has 4 tracks--neuropsychology, behavioral medicine, adult, and child (general and pediatrics). Both the adult and the behavioral medicine tracks are "ACT friendly." I know less about the child tracks--others might add their input about the child rotations.
In the adult track, there is a women's partial program that trains in DBT, and interns familiar with ACT have mentioned that they gained a better understanding of ACT principles through this rotation. There are also some people familiar with ACT in the alcohol center at Butler Hospital and at the RIH inpatient rotation (mood disorders rotation).
In the behavioral medicine track, there is one rotation (RIH behavioral medicine track--anxiety and sleep disorders) that is very ACT friendly. Both of the Miriam rotations (A and B) are also open to ACT and mindfulness concepts (chronic pain, weight management, smoking cessation).
Overall, the internship is hospital-based, and 4 hrs/week are reserved for research. You are required to submit at least one research project by the end of the year. Keep those details in mind when applying to make sure it's a good fit aside from the ACT friendly rotations.
Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System - Predoctoral Internship
The Central Arkansas Veterans Healthcare System (CAVHS) is a two division, consolidated, medical center with medical, surgical, psychiatric, and rehabilitation units, plus nursing home facilities. This VA Medical Center includes every major VA program and was commended by the Joint Commission of Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations (JCAHO) as being "Outstanding" at their last accreditation review. The CAVHS Psychology Internship has been fully accredited by the American Psychological Association since 1979. The Psychology Internship program provides three training tracks: General, Behavioral Health, and Neuropsychology.
The “Outpatient PTSD” rotation offers interested interns an opportunity to learn and practice Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Training opportunities include co-facilitating group psychotherapy sessions, conducting individual therapy sessions, performing functional analytic/case conceptualization interviews, participating in a weekly experiential group for staff practicing ACT, doing supervised readings on Relational Frame Theory (RFT), the basic science underlying ACT, and individual/group supervision.
Interested interns are encouraged to contact Vincent Roca, primary supervisor for the Outpatient PTSD rotation, for additional information. Full info on the internship can be found at
http://www.littlerock.va.gov/careers/psychology/internship/overview.asp.
J. Vincent Roca, Ph.D.
PTSD Clinical Team (PCT) Team Leader
501-257-3227
John.Roca@va.gov
Duke University Medical Center
The Duke internship has been known for providing quality DBT training, but a critical mass of ACT-trained faculty are increasingly available to provide experience using ACT with eating and anxiety disorders, among others. It is expected that over the next several years, opportunities for ACT-specific training at DUMC will grow as a result of recently awarded grant-funding to develop ACT for adolescent anorexia nervosa (Duke PI: Rhonda Merwin; Towson PI: Alix Timko). The Durham VA (adjacent to the med center campus) is also ACT-friendly and currently has an ongoing ACT consultation and study group.
Family Counseling Center: A Division of Trinity Services - - Chicagoland, IL
The Family Counseling Center is a division of Trinity Services, Inc, a not-for-profit, non-sectarian organization providing a wide range of behavioral health programs, supports, and services for children and adults. The Family Counseling Center is a full-service community mental health network with several facilities in the metropolitan area of Chicago, Illinois.
Interns have the opportunity to help people exhibiting a wide variety of clinical concerns. Our didactic training experiences will consist of weekly group consultation sessions, a monthly journal club, guest lecturers, and specialized ‘clinic’ meetings focused on performing and researching empirically supported treatments for different disorders.
Supervision focuses on Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and contextual-behavioral models of psychotherapy intervention, and we currently run weekly didactic training in ACT and DBT. An optional rotation in one of Trinity’s psychosocial rehabilitation units using mindfulness-based treatment for individuals with psychotic disorders is also available.
For more information, please visit our website: http://www.trinity-services.org/home.htm
For inquiries, please contact D.J. Moran: djmoran@trinity-services.org
Minneapolis VA Medical Center
The Minneapolis Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) is an affiliated teaching facility that provides comprehensive inpatient primary, secondary and tertiary care, in medical, surgical, neurological, rehabilitative, and short-term psychiatric modalities, primary and specialized ambulatory care, and rehabilitative nursing home care. This medical center is one of eight in the VA system that house a Women Veterans Comprehensive Health Center, which provides clinical service, education, and research in primary care, preventive medicine, gynecology services, and sexual trauma intervention for female veterans. Psychologists in the department currently have more than $1,000,000 in merit-reviewed, multi-year research grants.
We offer a yearlong seminar in contemporary behavior therapies, with emphasis on DBT and ACT, including experiential workshops, weekly didactic seminar, and weekly small group supervision. We also have a weekly consultation group for DBT and ACT therapists. There are multiple ACT-fluent staff here.
Here is the link to our website: http://www.minneapolis.va.gov/education/psychology/pre_setting.asp
For information regarding ACT training, contact:
John P. Billig, PhD, ABPP
email: john.billig@va.gov
phone: 612-725-2073
Mississippi Psychology Training Consortium
University of Mississippi Medical Center/ Veteran's Affairs Medical Center Residency Consortium in Jackson, MS
This consortium has been accredited by the American Psychological Association since its inception in 1964. There are five major areas of concentration (as of June, 2009) with sub-rotations within them, including: 1. Behavioral Medicine, 2. Neuropsychology, 3. Child, 4. Addictions, 5. Adult
ACT-Friendly Rotation:
Community-based Dual Disorder Rotation (Personality Disorders focus)
The goal of this rotation is to learn how to treat psychiatric difficulties that co-occur with substance use disorders. The primary focus will be on the use of empirically-supported principles to treat co-occurring mood, anxiety, and personality disorders (particular, borderline personality disorder [BPD]) among substance users in residential treatment. Core treatment elements include conducting skills-based groups at two community-based substance use treatment programs. Groups at one of these sites will include behavioral activation for depression and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) for Axis II pathology and emotion dysregulation. Groups at the other site will incorporate skills from DBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and behavioral principles to increase emotion regulation, decrease risk-taking, and manage HIV. Individual therapy will focus on the treatment of BPD and related pathology using DBT. Residents will have the opportunity to work with underserved populations and to participate in multidisciplinary treatment teams. Opportunities to train staff in DBT and behavior therapy, provide in-services on specific psychiatric disorders, and provide general program consultation to the treatment centers may also be available. Finally, opportunities will be available to develop targeted group therapies and participate in ongoing data collection at one of the sites.
Research opportunities include access to data from completed studies on borderline personality disorder, self-harm, and emotion regulation, as well as the co-occurrence of these difficulties among inpatient substance users. Opportunities to become involved in ongoing data collection examining the role of emotion dysregulation and emotional avoidance in co-occurring substance use and personality disorders are also available. Finally, there may be opportunities to become involved in ongoing research on the intergenerational transmission of borderline personality and related difficulties between mothers and their infants.
Visit the consortium site to find out more.
Northampton VA
Interns interested in ACT are provided ample opportunities to gain clinical experience and receive supervision in this model at the Northampton VA.
Interns interested in conducting ACT-based groups may select a four-month rotation on the Specialized Inpatient PTSD Unit, where ACT forms the backbone of the program philosophy. While on this unit, interns will have opportunities to colead and lead ACT groups that follow a flexible 15-session protocol. They also will colead daily ACT-based groups that are more free-form in nature. In these intensive six-week groups, they will learn how to identify and target key ACT processes in-the-moment. They will learn how ACT may be paired with behavioral activation and "in vivo" exposure, and they will learn how to bring acceptance skills into the work with veterans as they begin approaching previously avoided situations in the community (e.g., crowds). Opportunities also exist to colead an ACT-based anger group through the Intensive Outpatient Substance Abuse program.
Interns interested in building ACT competencies in individual psychotherapy may select a year-long ancillary rotation in ACT where the central focus is on outpatient treatment. Interns on this rotation build a small caseload of clients experiencing a range of problems and they practice working with these clients from an ACT-consistent perspective. Sessions are audio-taped for review by the intern and supervisor.
Interns interested in thoroughly emersing themselves in the ACT model may select both the inpatient and outpatient rotations simultaneously. We have found that the combination of these two rotations provides a rich training experience, and has helped our interns establish a solid foundation in core ACT competencies.
Scott Cornelius, Psy.D. Director of Training, and Staff Psychologist on the Specialized Inpatient PTSD Unit is the supervisor for these rotations.
Palo Alto VA
We have an ACT friendly internship program here at Palo Alto VA with an opportunity to be trained in ACT and co-lead ACT groups.
I also run an ACT Mini-Rotation.
Purpose of Mini Rotation:
Many individuals suffering from mental health issues often actively work to avoid their personal experiences of emotion, thought and sensation. However, these very actions often result in loss and increased suffering. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a behaviorally based intervention designed to address avoidance of internal events and the role that language plays in human suffering. The therapy specifically uses a number of verbal, experiential and homework interventions to help patients make experiential contact with previously avoided private events (thoughts, feelings, sensations), without excessive verbal involvement and control – and to make powerful life enhancing choices. ACT is a manual-based intervention that can be applied with a number of populations. The proposed mini-rotation will provide a combination of didactic and supervised clinical experience in the use of ACT with PTSD patients at the National Center for PTSD (NCPTSD).
Structure of the Mini-Rotation:
Time Commitment: Trainees interested in the mini-rotation would agree to participate as a co-facilitator/trainee in group psychotherapy sessions. The group time-slots depend on the unit where the therapy is being conducted. All ACT groups are currently being held at the Menlo Park Division. Trainees would also be expected to attend a weekly, one-hour, individual or group supervision and read relevant materials. The time commitment is approximately 4 hours per week. The trainee needs to negotiate with the supervisors of his/her major rotations for the necessary time or do this rotation as an add-on above the basic 40 hours.
Robyn D. Walser, Ph.D.
National Center for PTSD
Mental Illness Research, Education and Clinical Center
VA Palo Alto Health Care System
Mail Code PTSD 334 MPD
795 Willow Road
Menlo Park, CA 94025
robyn.walser@med.va.gov
650-493-5000 ext. 22039
Pikes Peak Mental Health, Colorado Springs, CO
Pikes Peak Mental Health in Colorado Springs, Colorado is a community mental health center serving both adults and children, with an internship program focused primarily on adult work. Casey Capps, Psy.D. (head of the internship training program) does ACT and enjoys supervising therapists in the ACT model.
Check out the website: www.ppbhg.org
Contact Casey Capps for more information.
Togus VA (Togus, Maine)
Updated July 14, 2008
The Clinical Psychology Training Program at the Togus, Maine VA currently offers ACT training in the PTSD and Primary Care rotations.
The Intensive Outpatient PTSD Program (IOP) is an intensive ACT training experience. ACT is presented to a cohort of veterans in a "workshop" format across 14 classes (groups) in five days. All aspects of ACT (Let Go, Show Up, and Get Moving) are experienced in the 14 sessions. Veterans who have graduated from a week-long cohort are offered unlimited follow-ups in the form of additional groups or individual "coaching" via the phone or in person. The program conducts 26 cohorts per year. The other 26 weeks are for assessment, individual sessions, research and program development. Interns and Residents become integral parts of the entire process.
Each morning the staff meet to talk about the current cohort, program development, Functional Contextualism, Relational Frame Theory and ACT. Plus we often are providing training to visiting clinicians.
The PTSD IOP strives to remain on the cutting edge of effective treatment for veterans struggling with trauma-related suffering.
We have recently started up a strong research program in conjunction with the University of Maine at Orono.
Interns and Residents will get a rich and moving educational experience in this dynamic and often entertaining process.
The IOP staff are Kevin Polk, Ph.D. and Jerold Hambright, Ph.D.
The Primary Cary Behavioral Health is and ACT rotation headed by John Agee, Ph.D. (a former postdoctoral Resident in the PTSD IOP). The rotation involves learning and implementing brief (as little as one session) psychological interventions based on ACT and other mindfulness-based therapies.
While the PTSD IOP is intense and dynamic, at the same time it is part of a laid back and friendly Togus Psychology Training program.
Contact Kevin Polk, Ph.D. at polkkev@gmail.com
University of California, San Diego/San Diego VA Healthcare System
The University of California, San Diego/San Diego VA Healthcare System offers an ACT friendly internship. Faculty include Dr. Niloofar Afari, an ACT researcher and former graduate student of Steve Hayes. The Psychology Service at the VASDHS represents one of the most academically oriented staffs in the Department of Veterans Affairs hospital system. Currently, fully accessible by the interns are 24 positions assigned to the Psychology Service. Many of the major sub-specialities of professional psychology are represented on the staff, including clinical psychology, neuropsychology, geropsychology, marital and family therapy, alcohol treatment, behavioral medicine, post-traumatic stress disorder, and related psychology research.
Located approximately 12 miles from the hospital in Mission Valley, there are extensive medical facilities and mental health programs for outpatient care at the VA Outpatient Clinic, housed in a modern building which opened in November, 1998. Mental health programs located at the VA Outpatient Clinic include a Mental Health Clinic, the Family Mental Health Program, and the PTSD Clinical Team. The VA Psychology Service also sponsors a Behavioral Medicine Program located in Mission Valley.
For more information about this internship site you can access their website here http://psychiatry.ucsd.edu/psychology/faculty.html
University of Maryland School of Medicine / VA Maryland Health Care System Consortium
We have a large, APA-accredited internship program at the University of Maryland School of Medicine / VA Maryland Health Care System Consortium. At our consortium, there are actually several psychologists who could provide ACT supervision in the areas of PTSD, substance abuse (and the two problems concurrently), and an intern could thus spend a good portion of his/her training year honing ACT skills. In addition, we have a weekly ACT consultation group meeting where professionals of many disciplines come together to sort through issues of applying ACT to their clinical populations.
Please read more about the program here.
VA Puget Sound Health Care System, Seattle WA
We have an ACT friendly internship program here at the Seattle VA with several supervisors and clinics involved in both ACT and Mindfulness therapies.
Opportunities include:
- a monthly Acceptance and Mindfulness Reading Group - to co-lead Mindfulness Groups
- to co-lead ACT groups
- to recieve individual training and supervision in ACT with supervision either through co-therapy or recorded sessions
- participation in several acceptance based research projects
ACT Supervision
There is a real need for individuals to offer tape watching, phone consultation, and other forms of consultation and supervision in ACT. We invite qualified list members to add their pages here explaining their background and what they would be willing to do. Readers need to know there is no filtering of this process, however, so buyer beware. We suggest that you look into the person's background and make careful judgments.
ACBS Members: If you would like to list yourself, your program, or your institution here, click on the "add child page" link at the bottom of this page.
How to Start and Run a Peer Supervision Group - Julian McNally
Starting and Running ACT Peer Supervision Groups
The Who
Who are you going to invite? Who do you see as the natural constituency for this group? This will depend on the purpose (see ‘The Why’). You may have a focus on a specific clinical population, or you may have a group comprised simply of people in the same geographical area who can get to the meeting each week.
The other important person-focused issue though is whether to have a ‘closed’ or ‘open’ group. Open groups let new members come in at any time and attend for as little as one session or as many as they like. Closed groups run a bit more like a club, where the same people commit to attending regularly with only occasional intakes of new people. The main advantage of open groups is that there is continual ‘fresh blood’ as new people join, so it is less likely that the discussion will feel ‘stale’. The main advantages of the closed group are that levels of trust and safety are higher and this may lead to a greater sense of continuity in participants’ learning.
The Why
Decide your group's purpose and focus:
- learning techniques
- 'troubleshooting' applications
- debriefing from clinical work
- learning to develop ACT interventions
- applying ACT to specific clinical populations (e.g. eating disorders)
- or in specific practice contexts (e.g. residential substance abuse)
- overall ACT practitioner development
The Where: Have Your Premises Serve Your Purposes
The ideal ACT PSG venue has the following qualities. Think of these as ways of 'lowering resistance' to attendance. Since many people will be attending in unpaid time, possibly at the end of a hard day's work, we want to make it as easy as possible for them to arrive and as enjoyable as possible to stay.
- Located near public transport, cheap or free parking and cafes, restaurants or bars for after-group discussions.
- Easy to find. In a well-marked or prominent building or if you don't have access to such a building, at least provide a map and directions. Note that if you're posting details of your group here (ACBS web site) you can easily provide links to GoogleMaps or Mapquest maps. Go to their websites and enter the address and they will provide you with a map you can paste into documents, but also with links you can paste into your PSG description.
- The room. Large enough that fifteen people can talk among themselves comfortably, but small enough that three people won’t ‘rattle around’. Minimal room equipment is a whiteboard or blackboard, but even this can be foregone if your group doesn’t ‘do’ diagrams (Hexaflex etc.) or if you do them on large sheets of paper that everyone can see. Other handy things to have can be overhead or slide projectors and other such teaching paraphernalia and of course, the usual ACT ‘props’: Fingercuffs, rope for Tug Of War With A Monster, etc.
The How
There are books written on how to run PSGs (a good one is Brigid Proctor’s Group Supervision: A Guide To Creative Practice) and it might be a good idea to consult one before starting your group. Caution: the following reflects my opinion on our experience in Melbourne. It’s not the official ACT PSG system, rather just a way to set up and run a group.
A little history about our group first. The Melbourne ACT peer supervision group has run since Russ Harris first contacted interested practitioners in October 2004. Initially it was set up as an ‘interest group’. The problem we encountered with this label and purpose was that once you’ve shown you're interested then what? People attending in these early days tended to have one of the following two responses. Either they learnt a little information about ACT at these meetings and because they put it in the ‘that’s interesting, I might explore that more one day’ category stopped attending the meetings. Or they were enthused to start learning skills and applications of the approach immediately but became frustrated that there was no progression in knowledge and skill.
At one of our meetings Russ repeated Kirk Strosahl’s observation that workshops produce zealots, supervised practice produces practitioners. This prompted Russ to suggest that the group ‘morph’ into a peer supervision group which he led through 2005 and part of 2006. At this time I was able to secure a venue at RMIT University which gave us a home and consequently I started convening the group in June 2006.
At the end of this document is the format for supervision that we have used at the group since at least late 2006. From the feedback our members have given, this format has worked well, although for a small group (five or fewer members) two supervisors is probably overkill. We instituted this though at a time when our numbers were around 8-10 people regularly.
Rotating the supervisor and presenter roles through the group on a published roster maintains an egalitarian spirit and ensures everyone accesses similar learning experiences.
If you plan to use this format, then for the first few meetings it may be advisable to formally chair the meeting. This helps ensure people stay focused and adhere to the functions of their roles.
Tips and Challenges
- How do I keep the number attending high?
This is the biggest challenge especially early on. Short answer: time in the game. The longer you run the group the more chance of word getting around. Don’t give up when numbers drop to two or three people. It helps if you have someone locally who is running ACT workshops as Russ did, but if you don’t have that, then ask visiting ACT trainers to publicize your group at their workshops. It goes without saying I hope that you would set up a page for your group here on the ACBS site.
- Too many people are attending! What do I do now?
First tell me how you did it! Seriously the simplest answer, apart from get a bigger room is to split the group and run two groups. You may need to train someone to take over your role as leader for the other group.
- People keep giving non-ACT suggestions. How do I keep this an ACT supervision group and not something else?
It’s natural for people to go to what they know when they don’t have an answer for the problem that the supervisee is presenting. Model and encourage a ‘non-expert’ stance frequently, for example by offering yourself as the first supervisee. Ask how the suggestion fits the ACT model. Suggest that we all sit with the not knowing for a while (this may actually be something the supervisee needs to do as anyway!)
- Keep the case presentation section to under 20 minutes. Allow 30-50 minutes for case discussion. It should be easier to stick to these limits if you keep the discussion focused on answering questions such as those in the format below.
- Choose a standardised case formulation protocol. Russ Harris provides a couple – brief and briefer – in his workshops and you can access these through his site, www.actmindfully.com.au. The ‘gold standard’ protocol, also the most comprehensive, is the one Jason Luoma developed, available here at www.contextualpsychology.org.
ACT Peer Supervision Group Guidelines – Melbourne ACT Supervision Group
- One supervisee presenting the case, two supervisors providing guidance/supervision. The remainder of the group is to observe the supervision process and provide feedback to the supervisors.
- Supervisee needs to have a specific question(s) to ask the supervisors. Examples of good questions might be:
“Is there an ACT process I’ve overlooked?”
“What would you do?”
“What does it sound to you that the client needs from me or from the treatment process?”
“What more do I need to find out from/about the client?”
- Supervisors should aim to focus on core ACT therapeutic competencies.
- Format is:
- Supervisee presents the case.
- Supervisee asks first supervisor for their guidance – relevant to the question the supervisee has about the case. Supervisor can ask questions about the client to clarify issues such as history, strengths, previous treatments, family background, etc. Supervision interventions can include demonstrations, role-plays, exercises for the whole group or the supervisee as well as questioning and explanation.
- Repeat for second supervisor
- Rest of group provide feedback to the supervisors on what they think the supervisors might have done differently, any ACT components missed or competencies not followed up on. NOT an opportunity to ‘re-interview’ the supervisee about the case. (This means supervisees need to get good at case presentation)
- The group should start the following session by following up with the supervisee to find out what ideas were tried or what was different in the subsequent session(s) with that client.
Case Formulation Questions
- What thoughts or feelings are fused and unworkable? (Fusion)
- What values is the client removed from? (Remoteness from values)
- What experiences such as emotions, thoughts, reminders, contexts and behaviours is the client avoiding or having difficulty accepting (Experiential avoidance or unwillingness)
- What is the client’s story about self? (Self as Content)
- What is the quality of the client’s presence? How do they absent themselves from life, engagement or connection? (Contact with the present moment)
- What does the client fail to start or fail to finish? Where does the client fail to or lose focus, or fail to engage in committed action? (Committed Action)
Feel free to comment below, on the ACT Listserve or directly to me (act@julianmcnally.com) with questions, reports of success or challenges you encounter in running a group.
Jason B. Luoma
One of my central career interests is in training other therapists in how to do ACT and researching the effectiveness of such training. Towards this end, I have given training workshops at the local, national, and international level. I have had the pleasure of co-leading several workshops with Steven Hayes, Ph.D. and have trained under him at the University of Nevada, Reno. For two years, I supervised a team of 9-15 clinical psychology graduate students who were learning ACT at the University of Nevada, Reno. I was the director of the First Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Summer Training Institute and was on the Program Committee for the Second Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Summer Training Institute. I am currently Director of Training for a large ACT grant that is training therapists nationwide through ACT workshops (Steve Hayes is the PI). You can find out more about me at www.drluoma.com/ACT.html.
I also run a website called www.learningact.com which is linked to my book, Learning ACT: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Skills-Training Manual for Therapists (2007). The website has a discussion forum for those who are learning ACT and want to discuss how it is going and get feedback from like-minded individuals. www.learningact.com also has a blog where I post regular updates with information of interest to people interested in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
We have been running an ACT peer consultation group in the Portland, OR area since November, 2005. Any therapists who are interested in learning ACT are invited to attend. Just send me an email at email@drluoma.com if you are interested. Also contact me if you are interested in supervision or consultation on ACT.
I recently completed a study on phone consultation as one form of training of ACT therapists. As part of this study, I developed a protocol for phone consultation with professionals wanting to learn ACT. I provide supervision over the internet and phone and have also lead online workshops. If you would be interested in phone consultation on learning ACT, but are afraid you can't afford it, please call me and we can discuss it. I work on a sliding scale. The first consultation is free for anyone interested in learning ACT.
If you are interested in contracting me please email me at email@drluoma.com, or call me at (503) 260-8424.
Joanne Steinwachs
I offer supervision for licensure for social workers and consultation for other disciplines. I came into the ACT community at the Summer Institute in Reno in 2004. I’ve done a lot of training and consulting in FAP, DBT, ICBT, Behavior Activation and ACT. Because I am able to hold a philosophically consistent stance, I’m able to use techniques from all of these approaches as needed by the client.
I’ve been a supervisor for MSWs since 1995, for Psy.Ds since 2004. I’ve done groups, family, individual and couples treatment for people who struggle with bipolar, depression, anxiety, severe trauma and addictions. I’ve worked in community mental health and hospice. I’ve been in full time private practice since 1995.
It seems to me that finding a way to make ACT your own is an important part of learning. I try hard with my trainees to help find their own voice. I’ve done a lot of trying to be Kelly Wilson, or Robyn Walser or Steve Hayes or… you get what I mean. I came to realize that the only person I can be is myself in the room, and I need to find a way to work effectively with the people who come to see me. Oscar Wilde said it really well: “Be yourself, everyone else is already taken.”
So what I see a lot of in myself and in other therapists is a conflict between our fear of failing and being really present in the room. Mostly we need to do our own exposure work around our fear and helplessness to be able to stay present for our client’s fear and helplessness. (I highly recommend Kelly's Client Descending exercise for that.) So this is a necessary condition, but not a sufficient condition for being a great clinician. What’s also needed is a theoretical and philosophical core. I’ve found that core in functional contextualism and behavior analysis. I provide an opportunity for my trainees to do both—learn a philosophical stance and do your own exposure.
Let’s face it; thinking contextually is just flat out weird. There aren’t a lot of reinforcers in our verbal community for conceptualizing this way. We need all the help we can get to stand in this place and it’s really easy to slip into a mechanistic position.
For a lot of clinicians, as soon as we exit our graduate programs we never read another theoretical article. Dirty secret, but there it is. I understand that. We’re often inundated by our work and we don’t often see the value or applicability of the research and philosophy to our work. In my training, I ask clinicians to read, and we immediately apply this reading to the work of therapy. It’s tempting to only learn a new technique or tool to take into the therapy room. But I believe that although the immediate payoff isn’t there, learning a way to think about what we’re doing is ultimately much more powerful.
So many of us haven’t had great training. That was true for me. I walked out of graduate school with a few techniques and some vague ideas about what I needed to do, but no actual tools that worked. We are often thrown into therapy settings and confronted with terrifying pain from our clients with little or nothing to offer. No wonder we grasp for immediate techniques and tools. We struggle not because we’re weak or stupid or lazy; we struggle because it’s damn hard to do this.
When a consultee comes in, cues up their tape or DVD and tells me, “Here’s where I really screwed up,” I feel that we’re on our way. To become an extraordinary therapist I believe that we must be willing to utterly and completely suck. We must do exactly what we ask our clients to do. If you won’t have it, it has you.
It’s like the fishing thing: you can give someone a fish or you can teach them to fish. I wanted to learn how to fish and I wanted to learn how to fish in ponds, streams, lakes, and the ocean. I believe having a coherent philosophical and theoretical stance allows me to do this.
Finally, I believe that we never stop learning. Not knowing what’s happening can go from an aversive experience to an appetitive one. We can be delighted and intrigued rather than hostile when our client does something that we don’t expect.
So, that’s what I offer. If you’d like to see more you can go to my website and look at the training page. There’s a lot of downloads there, mostly articles that have been helpful for me on my own long, strange trip through this material.
http://www.joannesteinwachslcsw.com/TrainingSupervisionConsultation.en.html
Kevin Polk
Training based on the ACT Life Manual
Kevin Polk, Ph.D. Togus VA and Private Practice. I have been involved in training interns and post doctoral fellows for 17 years. Since September of 2005 I helped develop an quick/intensive form of ACT treatment and training utilizing the Life Manual*. My goal in ACT training is to quickly teach someone the core skills of ACT. We can accomplish the basic training in just a few phone calls. If you like ACT we will then work on developing your "ACT Stance." I have done several private workshops in the state of Maine. The ACT community was introduced to my therapy and training style in "ACT Gone Wild" at ACT Summer Institute III in Houston. So far in 2008 I will be doing training in the Netherlands and Israel. I regularly do phone consultation/training with individuals or groups.
I am currently working on two books based on this simple approach to ACT. One is with my colleagues with the running title ACT Training Made Simple. The other a self help book called Turning Stress Into Success.
*The Life Manual is a powerful tool for rapidly training someone in the basics of ACT.
Drop me a line to inquire about my rates and schedule polkkev@gmail.com
ACT Core Competency Self-Assessment for Clinicians
The file below (see the attachment at the bottom of the page) contains the ACT Core Competency Self-Rating Form. This was created and used at the first ACT Summer Institute. The original ACT core competency items were taken from A Practical Guide to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. You can use the following ACT Core-Competency Self-Rating Form to help you in your learning of ACT. The self-assessment describes the primary behaviors that a therapist would be engaging in if they were consistent with the ACT model. If you are learning ACT, you can use this form to forward your learning.
I’d recommend you rate yourself on this form periodically and then consider the following questions in relation to your self-ratings (these are just suggestions, you could always add others). Engaging in this process can help you in determining what areas to focus on next in terms of learning ACT:
- Notice what areas you rated yourself low on. Do you understand what the competency means? If not, you may want to consider figuring out what it would mean to engage this competency. What reading materials would you need? Could you post a question to the ACT listserv asking for advice?
- Outline what you are doing that is inconsistent with those areas you are rated low in.
- Consider some options on how you might change you behavior in relation to a competency. What might you do to improve your skills in that area? Is there something you need to read about? Is there some skill you need to practice? Are you willing to make room for the possible failure and sense of inadequacy or incompetence that might go along with practicing a new technique or skill, and still do it? Perhaps you could rehearse whatever it was with a colleague before you went into a session? Perhaps you could focus a whole session on that one process so that you have a chance to practice? Perhaps you post a question on the ACT listserv about how one could improve their practice in that area. What areas might you come up with to learn to improve your practice of ACT?
- A great place to start is to just pick one action, commit to it, and get started on it. Which one could it be?
- Go back and repeat this with other competencies where you have scored low.
This form could also be adapted to be an other-rating form and used in supervision. If anyone adapts it and uses it this way, I'd love to know how it went (jbluoma@gmail.com). If you want to have your tapes rated by experts, some ACT trainers will do this for a fee. Contact them through the trainer pages. Phone or Skype supervision is also available in the same way.
ACT Peer Consultation Groups
Below are listed ACT peer consultation groups that have been formed around the world. If you are looking for a peer consultation group and don't see one here that fits your needs, consider posting something to one of the discussion boards here or on the ACT listserv (acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy@yahoogroups.com) about forming one in your village.
If you are a member of an ACT peer consultation group and are open to new members, please post a child page below to describe your group.
ACT - Interessegruppe i Århus, Danmark
Mit navn er Louise Kronstrand Nielsen og jeg arbejder i privat prakis (kognitivgruppen ved morten hecksher) i Århus, Danmark. Jeg og mine kollegaer er godt i gang med at anvende ACT, har modtaget en del undervisning fra dygtige undervisere men vil gerne i gang med at træne lidt mere intensivt på egen hånd.
Vi vil gerne oprette en gruppe, hvor vi træner ACT-øvelser og metaforer, deler erfaringer og udveksler ideer. Og ikke mindst arbejder med vores egne barrierer ift. at være en effektiv og "fleksibel" terapeut.
Ved interesse kontakt mig på ln@kognitivgruppen.dk eller 23713772
Hilsner fra Louise
ACT Interest Group - Sheffield/ Yorkshire/ North Midlands, UK
An informal group formed in March 2006, meeting monthly in and around Yorkshire/Trent region, for health professionals, academics, students interested in ACT, mindfulness and other 'third wave' approaches. The general format is discussion of a paper/ book chapter and some time on the rehearsal and application of clinical skills. For dates see the 'Upcoming Events' section or(if dates not posted) contact joe.curran@sct.nhs.uk.
ACT Peer Supervision/ Interest Group Sydney with Mary Sawyer
I have a monthly ACT peer supervision/interest group meeting at Bondi Junction at my office. This group has been meeting for 6 years now and we have a core group of clinicians and interns attending regularly.
The meeting usually follows along these lines:
- I begin with an initial experiential exercise,
- Practice one of the core ACT skills usually from the Learning ACT text
- Sometimes watching a DVD with one of the more expert ACT clinicians
- Role play with someone being a client they are stuck with
- Some reflective practice and discussion
- A demonstration with me (Mary) as the ACT therapist General networking with our colleagues
We are a freindly bunch of people who have a genuine passion for being the best ACT clinicians.
If you want to join us, please ring mary on 02 9386 5356 or email msawyer@onetoone-counselling.com.au
ACT discussion group, Sydney CBD
We meet monthly on the second Thursday of each month from 5.30-7pm. We are located close to Wynyard station. Our group is open to anyone who has some basic ACT training (e.g. has attended at least an introductory workshop) and is working in a clinical setting.
Our meeting topics vary depending on the groups' changing needs but include the following: case discussion, review of ACT books and chapters, sharing ACT exercises and experiential exercises.
Most of all we aim to facilitate the ongoing support of each other and development of our ACT skills and allow the opportunity to grow through contact with colleagues (this includes the opportunity to make mistakes as we learn!!).
Please get in touch if you would like to find out more. Contact: louiseshepherd@optusnet.com.au
Christchurch, New Zealand - ACT Interest / Peer Supervision Group
Kia Ora
We are group of mental health professionals who meet once a month (3.45pm - 5pm on a Thursday) at the Princess Margaret Hospital for training and peer supervision in ACT. We would love to hear from you if you are in the area and interested in learning more about ACT as we muddle our way through! We welcome new members. Contact kathryn.whitehead@cdhb.govt.nz
What we do:Sessions include experiential exercises, looking at the ACT core processes, discussion of chapters and papers, and peer consultation on cases. We respond to the needs and interests of group members. This group has been meeting for three years (since 2008) in a range of forms, becoming much more ACT focussed in the past year.
Groupe de Pairs ACT Lyon France
Bonjour, nous sommes un groupe de pairs ACT nous réunissant le mercredi soir sur Lyon. Contactez-moi si vous voulez participer.
benjamin[point]schoendorff[arrowbase]inserm[point]fr
Melbourne, Australia - ACT Peer Supervision Group
Currently in recess, the group will recommence in early 2010. For further details email Julian McNally: act@julianmcnally.com
Peer consultation group in Florida
Hi
I am located in Gainesville, Florida and I would like to form an ACT peer consultation group with any interested parties. If anyone is interested, please send me an email at ccamma@ufl.edu.
Resources on how to run peer consultation/supervision groups
There are a couple resources I know that can provide guidance on how to run ACT peer consultation groups.
One is this article on running peer supervision groups by Julian McNally.
A second is that there is a section in the appendix of Learning ACT about running peer consultation groups.
Southern ACT - Baton Rouge/New Orleans, Louisiana
Our Baton Rouge/New Orleans peer group meets monthly. We self study, work out of the original text and Learning ACT, as well as share on other texts and applications. We are a very open group - open to members, open to learning, and open about accompanying clients on their journeys. We are based in Baton Rouge.
We sponser training opportunities and we support other peer groups -please email Patt Aptaker at pmaptaker@yahoo.com or call her at (225) 929-9030 for more information on Southern ACT and peer group development.
Tucson
Tucson ACT peer supervision group
Contact:
Jonathan Kandell, LCSW, LISAC
Director of Therapy Services
Codac Behavioral Health Inc.
327-4505 x1087
USA/Maine/Downeast
This page will serve as the "seed" for a peer supervision/study group in the Downeast region of Maine. Please look here for updates (pending) and leave a post if interested. You can also contact me at joel@whitepinepsych.com We are currently working on a full-day Intro and half-day Intermediate/skill building ACT training to be held in Bar Harbor, Maine.
Please check here for updates. Scheduling will depend on sufficient interest so please let me know (joel@whitepinepsych.com) if you are interested.
USA/Maine/Portland
This page will serve as the "seed" for a peer supervision/study group in Portland, Maine. Please look here for updates (pending) and leave a post if interested. You can also contact me at joel@whitepinepsych.com
Link to upcoming Portland Training
Other Trainings in New England
USA/Massachusetts/Worcester
This page will serve as the "seed" for a peer supervision/study group in Worcester, MA. Please look here for updates (pending) and leave a post if interested. You can also contact me at joel@whitepinepsych.com
USA/Minnesota/Minneapolis-Saint Paul
Twin Cities ACT peer consultation group meets the second Wednesday of the month, from 9AM to 11AM, in Edina. Contact Kevin Kelly at kkellyoffice@comcast.net.
USA/NH/North Conway & Fryeburg
This page will serve as the "seed" for a peer supervision/study group in Central New Hampshire (e.g., North Conway) and Western Maine (e.g., Fryeburg). Please look here for updates (pending) and leave a post if interested. You can also contact me at joel@whitepinepsych.com
USA/NH/Southern NH
This page will serve as the "seed" for a peer supervision/study group in Southern New Hampshire and Northern Massachusetts. Please look here for updates (pending) and leave a post if interested. You can also contact me at joel@whitepinepsych.com
USA/Oregon/Portland
An ACT peer consultation group for professionals in the Portland, Oregon area has been meeting monthly since 11/4/05. Meetings are on the second Friday of every month from 3:30-5:30pm. Some sessions focus on particular topics, while others are open to consultation on ongoing cases using the ACT model. Attendance is open to any therapist or student-in-training who are interested in learning ACT.
For more information about the group, our values, and what we do, see: http://www.portlandpsychotherapyclinic.com/actconsultgroup.html
USA/Vermont/Burlington
This page will serve as the "seed" for a peer supervision/study group in Burlington, VT. Please look here for updates (pending) and leave a post if interested. You can also contact me at joel@whitepinepsych.com
Link to upcoming Burlington Training
Other Trainings in New England
ACT Postdoctoral Fellowships
If you know of a postdoctoral fellowship that would be relevant to students interested in ACT, you can post it below.
Clinical/Research Postdoctoral Fellowship in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Portland, Oregon
Our Fellowship is filled for the 2010-2011 year. However, we will be offering the fellowship again and will start accepting applications in January of 2011. Updated information will be released late Fall, 2010.
The Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research, & Training Center, PC is offering a clinical/research fellowship in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for the 2010-2011 training year that will begin in the summer of 2010. This is a unique one-year postdoctoral fellowship with possible opportunities for either a second year or transition to a permanent position. The fellow will spend approximately three days per week providing clinical services and two days on research activities.
We are a small clinic, research, and training center with two psychologists (Jason Luoma www.drluoma.com and Jenna LeJeune www.portlandpsychology.com), one postdoctoral resident, administrative staff, and one contractor. We plan to expand to 3-4 psychologists by the summer. Dr. Luoma is an established researcher and writer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with contacts at local and national research centers. Drs. Luoma and LeJeune can provide specialty training in addictions, mood disorders, trauma, and eating disorders.
The ideal candidate will have clinical training in ACT, behavior therapy, or other third wave approaches, an interest in maintaining a research career, and have demonstrated potential in both areas. Ideally, we are looking for someone with an entrepreneurial mindset, who is self-directed, and who may be interested in continuing this work after the fellowship year is over. We would like to expand our clinic and are interested in people who would be interested in careers that combine both direct clinical work, supervision, and research.
The fellow will learn about running a fee-for-service group practice, including marketing and financial operations. She/he will receive two hours per week of clinical supervision in ACT, which is sufficient for licensure in Oregon, with additional administrative supervision. She/he will participate in writing competitive grant proposals and will analyze research data, write papers, and collect pilot data on an original research project. The fellow can also have the opportunity to learn about the use of remote collaboration/videoconferencing technologies in marketing, training, and/or research.
Portland is a fantastic city that is often ranked as one of the most livable cities in America. We have a vibrant and growing community of ACT clinicians and researchers here.
Minimum requirements: Doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. We will consider ABD candidates. Demonstrated interest in and experience with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and/or other behavior therapies. Demonstrated commitment to research (e.g., at least one peer reviewed empirical publication). Minority candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.
Postdoctoral Fellowship in CBT at Harbor UCLA Medical Center
Psychology Post-Doctoral Training Opportunities in CBT, Behavioral Health, and Corrections Harbor-UCLA Medical Center, Torrance, CA
The Psychology Division in Harbor-UCLA Medical Center’s Department of Psychiatry is in its 27th year of training post-doctoral fellows in clinical psychology, and designated itself as a post-doctoral training program since 1984. The program received its APA accreditation in 1997, and was one of the first three APA-accredited post-doctoral trianing fellowships in the United States.
Our post-doctoral fellowship operates in a setting that is rich in the traditions of public servcie, education, and research. Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is a 340-bed general hospital owned and operated by the Los Angeles County Department of Health and Human Services and is affiliated with the David Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. Its 300-square mile catchment area runs from the Los Angeles International Airpost to the ports of Long Beach and Los Angeles and encompasses 17 municipalities as well as unincorporated areas. Its service population of over 2.2 million people is economically, culturally, and ethnically divers, and the poor and underserved comprise the majority of the medical center’s workload.
Harbor-UCLA Medical Center is accepting applications for its September, 2009 – August, 2010 fellowship period in the following areas:
- Behavioral Medicine – Health Psychology
Emphasis on HIV Mental Health with opportunities in Family Medicine and Bostetrics & Gynecology – two positions
Women’s Behavioral Health – Inpatient Psychiatry – one position
- Adult Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy – one position
Extensive training in CBT, Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Behavioral Analysis System of Psychotherapy (CBASP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Postdoc serves as Assistant Director to the CBT Clinic
- Child & Adolescent Psychiatry (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy/Trauma) – one position
- Correctional/Forensic Psychology – Assertive Community Treatment/Psychosocial Rehabiliation – two positions We are currently accepting applications, and will begin interviewing candidates in January, continuing until all positions are filled. For additional information on all of our programs and to download an electronic application form, please visit our website at http://psychology.labiomed.org/.
Interested individuals may also contact David J. Martin, Ph.D., Director of Training & Chief Psychologist at djmartin@ucla.edu or dmartin@labiomed.org.
Togus, Maine VA Postdoctoral Fellowship
Togus offers a one-year fellowship. At least 3/5 of the fellowship is spent in the ACT Lab at Togus Contact polkkev@gmail.com for more information.
ACT Presentation Materials
This page will be the parent page for ACBS members to post/attach presentations (e.g., Powerpoint Slides), individual slides or figures, handouts, or related materials. This will also allow the community as a whole to provide feedback on the materials, offer constructive criticism, suggest revisions, and improve our collected effort to effectively educate others about ACT. If you have materials you are willing to put into the "public domain" so others may use them, you can do it here.
ACT 2-day Training
Presented by Steve Hayes in Boston.
ACT Colloquium
Colloquium presented by Steve Hayes in 2005. Includes Ann Branstetter's data on psychological adjustment among cancer patients.
ACT Gone Wild
The Togus, VA Intensive Outpatient Program's approach to ACT in groups is presented. It reviews a bit of the old four-week ACT program and then presents the new one-week program. Values work runs throughout the program. Diffusion from struggling with suffering moves across four themes. It also includes some short videos of Dr. Polk's colleagues, Dr.s Agee and Hambright, presenting a bit of the program.
Presented by Kevin Polk, Ph.D. at SI-3; Houston, TX, USA; July 2007
ACT Oceania II - The History of ACT and RFT
Powerpoint presentation on history of ACT and RFT presented by Rob Zettle at Christchurch, NZ.
ACT Oceania II--ACT with Depression
Powerpoint on ACT with Depression workshop presented by Rob Zettle at Christchurch, NZ.
ACT State of the Evidence
Originally presented by Steve Hayes at ACT SI 2; Philadelphia, PA, USA 2005. Updated July 2008.
ACT for Anxiety- Kenneth Cole
Presented by Kenneth Cole, PhD, of the VA Long Beach Health Care System in April 2007
ACT for Anxiety-Gary Powell
Presented by Gary Powell, Trinity School Staff Twilight Talks Session,
6 February 2006
ACT for Chronic Pain
Presented by Laura Meyers, PhD, Minneapolis VAMC
ACT for Male Sexual Problems
This page includes a power point presentation by Russ Harris on ACT for Male Sexual Problems, from the 2nd World Conference in 2006.
ACT for PTSD
Two powerpoint presentations to psychology interns in Spring 2006 by Kevan McCutcheon, PhD, Center for Stress Recovery, Cleveland, Ohio, USA
ACT with Couples
This is a presentation called:
The Application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Couples in Distress
Presented by Casey Capps and Ragnar Storaasli
May 30th, 2006
ABA Atlanta
Powerpoint presentation attached below.
ACT with Depression
PowerPoint presented by Rob Zettle of Wichita State University at ACT SI-3; Houston, Texas, USA; July 2007.
ACT with Parents and Families
Presented by J.T. Blackledge, Ph.D. on enhancing parent training with ACT.
ACT:Model and Application
Presented by Steve Hayes at NIMH in 2005. Includes overview of ACT processes and outcome data.
Anxiety and Forgiveness
The two links below are to introductory ACT-based presentations on Forgiveness and Anxiety that I gave to staff and students at the UK school where I work.
Please feel free to use/amend/distribute them for non-commercial purposes. Thanks to the ACT artists and conceptualisers of the illustrations used therein.
http://www.cyberpauken.com/forgiveness.ppt
http://www.cyberpauken.com/Anxiety.ppt
Downloadable files below.
Gary
ContextaFlex: Connecting FC, RFT and the Hexaflex
A PowerPoint presentation to show beginners the importance of the underlying philosophy (functional contextualism) and theory (RFT) behind the practice of ACT.
Presented by:
Jerold Hambright, Ph.D., Kevin Polk, Ph.D., John Agee, Ph.D.
Veterans Affairs Hospital, Togus, Maine, USA
From Mechanism to Functionalism - or: What is Avoided in Emotional Avoidance?
PowerPoint presented by Rainer Sonntag of Olpe, Germany at WorldCon II; London, England; July 2006
Handouts from Introductory and Advanced ACT Workshops by Russ Harris
Russ Harris (from Australia) responded to a query about handouts that could be shared with the ACT community by volunteering a couple handouts that he uses in his workshops (see below). After looking at them, I find them to be a very valuable and practical aid for ACT therapists. If you want to talk to him about them, his contact info is described in the handouts.
Intro to ACT by Guarna and Kubik, Portland, ME June 5, 2009
Powerpoint from full-day workshop in Portland, Maine, 6/5/09.
Intro to ACT_Portland, Maine_Guarna_&_Kubik
Full day training on 6/20/08 by Joel Guarna and Elizabeth Kubik.
Introduction to ACT by Joel Guarna, Dover, NH: 3/21/09
Powerpoint attached (must be member & logged-in).
Introduction to ACT- Charles Morse
Presented by:
Charles Morse, MA, LMHC,
Director of WPI Student Development & Counseling
Introduction to ACT-Julian McNally
The PowerPoint is an abbreviated form of Steve Hayes' presentation on the Hexaflex. The only original material is in the speaker's notes (under the slides and in the attached Word document) and I think the 'Chocolate' slide is original.
Julian McNally
Introduction to ACT_Boston Consortium_ 2005_Joel Guarna
Intro to ACT Presentation to the Boston Consortium in Clinical Psychology, March 2005, by Joel Guarna and Steve Quinn (staff psychologists at the VA Boston).
Introduction to the Hexaflex
This power point created by Steve Hayes outlines the various features of the hexaflex model.
Trans-Diagnostic Approach to Problems in Living
Presented by Kelly Wilson at Boystown.
What is this Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
Presented in Australia by Mary Sawyer.
Tips on how to add content to this section
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Suggestions on adding to the ACT Presentation Materials section:
(a) For the sake of keeping this organized, I would recommend using the option for "add child page" to this main page instead of adding as comment/reply. Child pages are listed in a nice list that is easy to read and access. Comments can get quite chaotic. Also, the "add child page" format allows others to make comments and give feedback that will stick to the appropriate page/presentation instead of getting jumbled to the point where you will not know which comments refer to which postings.
(b) Then, give your new page a short, descriptive title (e.g., "General ACT Talk, Boston 2005").
(c) Write whatever description/comments/requests for feedback that you want directly on the new child page.
(d) You can then either: (i) Provide a link to the location where the presentation/materials are located (on or off site) or (ii) Attach the actual presentation/materials at bottom (if you do this, be sure to mention "materials attached at bottom" as attachments are easy to miss with the format here). Personally, I would encourage folks to do (ii) for ease of downloading.
(e) Another option: Link from here to material in your blog. Even if you opt to leave your posted presentations in your personal blog, perhaps you could add a child page here, inform members you have stuff in your blog, and then link to it by adding the URL to your child page. For example, if Steve wanted to link us to presentations in his blog, he would (a) add a child page, (b) title it "Steve's Presentations," (c) Write: Hey gang, I have some presentations you can use in my blog. You can find them at... on the page, and then (d) provide the link on the next line: "http://www.contextualpsychology.org/en/blog/steven_hayes"
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Conferences
Future Conference information:
ACBS World Conference IX
Parma, Italy
July 13-15, 2011
(pre-conference workshops July 11-12)
Past Conference information:
ACBS Annual World Conference VIII
(We've phased out the ACT SI, and created a combined event in the WC VIII.)
University of Nevada
Reno, Nevada
June 21-24, 2010
(pre-conference workshops June 19-20)
ACBS World Conference III
The Third World Conference on ACT, RFT, and Contextual Behavioral Science
University of Twente
Enschede, The Netherlands
July 1-3, 2009
(pre-conference workshops June 29-30)
ACT Summer Institute IV
Illinois Institute of Technology
Chicago, Illinois
May 28-30, 2008
(pre-conference workshops May 26 & 27th)
ACT Summer Institute III
University of Houston - Clear Lake
Houston, Texas
July 16-20, 2007
World Conference II
The Second World Conference on ACT, RFT, and Contextual Behavioral Science
University of London
London, U.K.
July 24-28, 2006
ACT Summer Institute II
LaSalle University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
July 18-22, 2005
ACT Summer Institute I
University of Nevada, Reno
Reno, Nevada
July 12-16, 2004
First World Conference on ACT, RFT & The New Behavioral Psychology
(organized by Psykologpartners Wadstrom & Wisung AB)
Linkoping, Sweden
August 13-17, 2003
ACBS Annual World Conference IX
ACBS World Conference IX
Parma, Italy
July 13-15, 2011
(pre-conference workshops July 11-12)
Sponsors:
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.
ACBS Annual World Conference VIII
June 21-24, 2010 (Pre-conference workshops June 19 & 20, 2010) Two days of intensive, experiential, 2-day workshops by leaders in the ACT & RFT communities will immediately precede the World Conference VIII.
(Join us July 2011 in Parma, Italy!)
| What is the World Conference? |
The World Conference brings together clinicians and researchers to present cutting-edge research in ACT, RFT, and Contextual Behavioral Science, as well as experienced trainers to lead experiential workshops so that you can learn how to better serve your clients.
The World Conference is for psychologists, social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, psychiatrists, medical doctors, drug counselors, health researchers, language researchers, behavior analysts, students and more.... Anyone in a similarly related helping field is invited to attend.
We offer FREE CEs in Psychology, Social Work* & MFT* and there are no additional fees for any of the 50+ workshops offered during the main conference.
Registration in the full conference is all-inclusive and includes lunch, open access to workshops, research symposia, posters, plenary sessions with CBS researchers and practitioners, and panel discussions.
| CONFERENCE HIGHLIGHTS |
- A great venue for networking & fostering local and international collaboration
- Conference activities all take place in a beautiful, spacious new venue on the University of Nevada Reno Campus
- Evening events provide additional opportunities to network and relax after official conference activities are done for the day (all within walking distance from hotel)
- No additional charges (for CEs or workshops) with registration
INVITED SPEAKERS We have some very exciting invited speakers this year who will be adding that something special to the conference. Some of the invited speakers, in addition to the many ACT and RFT experts in attendance, include:
- Daniel Wegner speaking on the latest research on thought suppression and the implications this has for ACT, RFT, and ACBS.
- James Gross talking about basic processes of emotion regulation and how this relates to ACT/RFT/CBS.
- G. Terrence Wilson will give an overview of where CBT is as a field and where he thinks CBT and ACT need to go from here.
- Robert Gallop, a prominent statistician who makes things like Hierarchical Linear Modeling understandable, will be doing a half day workshop on HLM and multi-level modeling of data.
- Bob Kohlenberg and Mavis Tsai will do a pre-conference workshop on Functional Analytic Psychotherapy.
- Special discounted hotel rates (as low as $59/night!)
- Affordable airlines service Reno-Tahoe International Airport, rated as one of the easiest airports from which to travel
- Free Parking at conference hotel, transportation provided to conference venue
- One-hour drive to Tahoe, less than 4-hours from San Francisco
-
View/download the final World Conference 8 Program (PDF file, 2.86MB)
Read the links below for further details!
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
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
407 N. Virginia Street, Reno, NV 89501
This room block is closed.
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.
- 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.
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)
ACT with Children & Families - Coyne (CLOSED)
ACT with Children & Families
**This workshop has closed.**
Workshop Leader: Lisa W. Coyne, Ph.D., Suffolk University
Dates & Location: June 19 & 20, 2010, 9:00am - 5:00pm at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Continuing Education Credits Available: 14
Workshop Description: Acceptance and mindfulness-based treatment approaches have been developed, applied, evaluated, and disseminated across many types of clinical issue, population, and setting. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an exemplar of this type of approach, and emphasizes full, non-judgmental awareness and acceptance of ones’ psychological experiences in the context of commited, valued action. Although there are many opportunities for ACT training with adult populations, there are relatively few in which to learn how to apply this approach with children, adolescents, and their families. Yet training opportunities are needed, given the rich developing literature on both basic developmental processes that may be targeted by ACT, as well as emergent adaptations of ACT for youths. Thus, this workshop aims to explore the ways that ACT can be used to address problems of youth and parenting. A basic overview of literature to date regarding children, adolescents, and parents will be presented. Functional assessment strategies, case conceptualization and treatment planning from an ACT perspective will be reviewed. More specifically, the presenters will discuss how treatment goals and the six core components of ACT work can be tailored to youth and parents. Clinical examples will be used to illustrate therapeutic techniques. The workshop will be a mix of didactics and experiential work. Participants will be encouraged to discuss cases as well as treatment ideas, role-play, and participate in a number of exercises.
Learning Objectives:
- To learn how conceptualize child cases from an ACT perspective.
- To learn about the current assessment of ACT relevant processes in youth.
- To address each of the six core components in work with children and families.
Target Audience: Introductory through Advanced.
Registration Rates: 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 conference hotel.
ACT: Advanced Training in Core Skills and Flexible Use of the Model - Walser (CLOSED)
ACT: Advanced Training in Core Skills and Flexible Use of the Model
**This workshop has closed.**
Workshop Leader: Robyn D. Walser, Ph.D., TL Consultation Services
Dates & Location: June 19 & 20, 2010, 8:30am - 4:30pm at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Continuing Education Credits Available: 14
Workshop Description: In this advanced workshop we will broadly explore the core components of ACT with a specific focus on present moment processes and the therapeutic relationship. We will also focus on the therapy processes that trigger each of the six components. We will address how therapists can flexibly adopt the six ACT processes including work that is linked to personal psychological experience in session. Our focus will include a description of how the most basic part of the ACT therapeutic stance naturally flows from a therapist’s application of the ACT model of language and human functioning to their own professional and personal life as well as that of their clients. Special topics of focus will include compassion and forgiveness. Participants will engage in a number of ACT based activities, including mindfulness, experiential exercises and group activities. Additionally, role-plays with feedback and from therapist and client will be presented. The workshop will provide therapists with group and personal experiences that will allow further development of their ACT skills. We will have a little fun too!
Learning Objectives:
- Describe the core components and the processes that trigger these components.
- Describe the six core processes and how they lay the groundwork for the therapeutic relationship from an ACT perspective.
- Describe how six core processes apply to personal psychological experience in the session.
Target Audience: Intermediate through Advanced.
Registration Rates: 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 conference hotel.
An Experiential Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (not just for beginners) - Kelly Wilson (CLOSED)
An Experiential Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (not just for beginners)
**This workshop has closed.**
Workshop Leader: Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D., University of Mississippi, Onelife LLC
Dates & Location: June 19 & 20, 2010, 9:00am - 5:00pm at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Continuing Education Credits Available: 14
Workshop Description: In this workshop we will explore a question that is at the heart of ACT. The question is embodied in the six ACT processes described in the Hexaflex.
In this very moment, (present moment) Will you (self-as-context) Accept the sweet and the sad, (acceptance) Holding lightly stories about what is possible, (defusion) Be the author of a valued pattern of living, (values) And turn gently, in kindness, toward your own life? (commitment)
As a treatment, ACT is based on a model that does not draw hard lines between sick and well, between client suffering and therapist suffering. We are not a different species than our clients. This is not to say that some lives, some struggles, are not harder than others. They certainly are. However, you can look deeply at your own lived suffering and struggles and find kinship with your most distraught client.
There is a source of suffering that is shared by language-able humans. The source of that suffering can be found in language itself and the way language works. This is not the only source of suffering, of course, but evidence is mounting that language processes are capable of compounding suffering. Humans seem to be the only creatures on the planet that don’t just suffer but also suffer that they suffer. Humans suffer that they have suffered in the past, and they suffer that they might suffer later.
How do we “save” ourselves from this abundance of suffering? We apply problem-solving mode of mind. This mode of mind has been marvelously fruitful in helping us to produce food, shelter ourselves from the elements, and avoid predators. Problem-solving mode of mind allows us to categorize, evaluate, and tell stories about anything and everything—including anything that exists, that did exist once, that might exist, and even things that could not possibly exit.
Many of our stories are quite useful. Consider stories about how to preserve food for the winter or stories about the value of vaccinations in disease prevention. Some are benign. I have been reading science fiction for decades. But some stories we tell about ourselves about the world around us narrow the place we get to inhabit. Some stories describe limitations and necessities that squeeze us into tiny little life spaces. And once our stories effectively downsize our world, we try to make the best of those cramped quarters.
Have you ever looked deeply into your client’s eyes and seen someone who once dreamed that there would be more to life? Seen someone who just stopped dreaming because the world is just not that kind of place? Seen someone who stopped dreaming because they knew that they did not deserve more?
The people we call clients represent a subset of a greater human condition. Many, many of us live much, much smaller lives than we need to. ACT is based on a basic science that suggests that we can loosen the grip that these stories have us and, in doing so, make possible richer and more varied lives.
Join me for a couple of days and learn about ACT from the inside out. We will take an experiential walk around the hexaflex. We will learn ways to bring ourselves into the present moment. We will learn ways to accept the sweet and the sad. We will learn ways to let go of limiting stories about ourselves and about the world around us. We will learn to intentionally author a valued direction. And, finally, we will practice the lovely human art of returning in kindness to our own lives.
Learning Objectives:
- Attendees will be able to identify the six dimensions of the ACT model of psychological flexibility.
- Attendees will be able to describe two major obstacles to valued living from an ACT perspective.
- Attendees will be able to describe an ACT approach to negative cognition about self.
Target Audience: Beginner through Advanced.
Registration Rates: 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 conference hotel.
Disarming Anxious Suffering Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A 2-Day Professional Workshop - John Forsyth (CLOSED)
Disarming Anxious Suffering Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A 2-Day Professional Workshop
**This workshop has closed.**
Workshop Leader: John Forsyth, Ph.D., University at Albany, SUNY
Dates & Location: June 19 & 20, 2010, 9:00am - 5:00pm at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Continuing Education Credits Available: 14
Workshop Description:
ACT is a newer third-generation evidence-based behavior therapy that balances mindfulness and acceptance processes with commitment and behavior change processes to (a) undermine unhelpful thoughts and emotional avoidance, while (b) promoting greater experiential and psychological flexibility in the service of valued ends. In short, ACT teaches clients how to be with their hurts and do what works – to live well, richly, and meaningfully, without first having to defeat sources of emotional and psychological pain.
ACT is a broadly applicable process-guided approach to human suffering and its alleviation, not simply a set of intervention technologies for specific psychological disorders. Thus, this two-day workshop will introduce ACT, both as a model and intervention technology, and illustrate its practical application with an eye on processes that feed and maintain anxious suffering.
Our two days together will be filled with didactic teachings, live and video demonstrations, and practical experiential exercises that will be done individually, in dyads, and small groups. The exercises will highlight the integration of mindfulness and acceptance strategies (along with kindness and compassion exercises) to disarm forms of anxious suffering and also focus on strategies to promote greater clarity of values and action in the service of living well. Participants will be encouraged (but never forced or coerced) to engage the material at a personal level, as it applies to their own lives, and then also in the context of their clinical work. All I ask is that participants are willing to get inside the ACT model and approach, if only for just 2-days. Clinical worksheets and other practical tools will be provided.
Workshop Overview & Program: This 2-day introductory workshop will explore the use of ACT with clients suffering from anxiety and related disorders. A general familiarity with ACT will be helpful, but is not required. The only requirement is that participants come with an openness to learn.
Day 1 – June 19, 2010 (approximate schedule)
9am – 12pm: Session One
When and how psychological and emotional pain turns into human suffering
- ACT#1: The ACT model of human suffering and its successful alleviation: Overview, processes, and outcomes
12pm – 1pm: Lunch
Dr. Forsyth will provide a luncheon presentation of his research, and that of others, using ACT for anxiety-related disorders.
1pm – 2:30pm: Session Two
-
ACT #2: Creative hopelessness: Making room for new possibilities
Strategies to weaken the struggle and control agenda as a way out of anxiety and fear.
2:45pm – 4:30pm: Session Three
-
ACT #3: Values clarification: A context for the work & what are we working toward
Identifying values and barriers that get in the way of vital action.
Day 2 – June 20, 2010
9am – 12pm: Session Four
-
ACT #4: Disarming an unhelpful mind: Acceptance, mindfulness & defusion.
Cultivating space, self-kindness & compassion, and a new relationship with anxiety
12pm – 1pm: Lunch
1pm – 4:30pm: Session Five
-
ACT #5: Framing exposure-based strategies: Nurturing willingness and valued action
Getting with anxious discomfort in the service of a more vital life.
Learning Objectives:
Over the 2-days, several core ACT themes will be cultivated and participants will have an opportunity to learn how to:
1. Develop an understanding of the ACT model of human suffering and its alleviation, with emphasis on the conceptualization of anxiety and related clinical concerns within an ACT framework;
2. identify and weaken excessive struggle and avoidance (i.e., experiential avoidance) while promoting more defused and mindful actions in the service of valued living;
3. integrate experiential exercises, metaphors, and mindfulness (defusion) techniques seamlessly into their clinical work;
4. develop and apply new metaphors and mindfulness exercises to foster compassion, kindness, and greater experiential and psychological flexibility;
5. help clients balance acceptance and change while moving in the direction of their chosen values and life goals;
use exposure-like exercises in an ACT consistent fashion; and
6. to apply ACT flexibly and appropriately while also gaining insight into the ACT therapeutic stance and how not to do ACT.
Target Audience: Introductory through Intermediate.
Registration Rates:
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 conference hotel.
Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP): New Frontiers in Awareness, Courage, Love, and Behaviorism - Tsai & Kohlenberg (CLOSED)
Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP): New Frontiers in Awareness, Courage, Love, and Behaviorism
**This workshop has closed.**
Workshop Leaders: Mavis Tsai, Ph.D., Independent Practice and University of Washington, & Robert Kohlenberg, Ph.D., ABBP, University of Washington
Dates & Location: June 19 & 20, 2010, 9:00am - 5:00pm at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Continuing Education Credits Available: 14
Workshop Description:
Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP) is a "here and now" therapy that focuses on the subtle ways clients' daily life problems occur in the therapy session. Based on behavioral functional analysis and a contextual world view, FAP implements awareness, courage, and love in the therapist-client relationship to create deep, meaningful and healing interactions. This approach can be applied to a wide range of clinical problems, including: depression, anxiety, intimacy difficulties, personality disorders, problems of the self, substance abuse, and OCD.
All FAP interventions are informed by clearly stated behavioral principles. FAP embraces a wide range of therapeutic stances and techniques, and is intended to help answer the perennial and elusive key question: "What is the theoretically sound basis for selecting the technique that is most appropriate for a particular client at a certain time?"
Considered one of the new generation innovative Cognitive Behavior Therapies identified as "Third Wave", FAP is integrative, and provides a conceptual and practical framework that will help super-charge your next therapy session. The workshop will include videotaped therapy sessions, experiential exercises, demonstrations and handouts that can be used with clients.
Learning Objectives:
1. Learn five strategies to increase connection and intensity in your therapeutic interventions and to facilitate client change.
2. Learn how commonly used interventions can be inadvertently counter-therapeutic.
3. Learn how to best use yourself as an instrument of change.
Target Audience: Beginner & Intermediate.
Registration Rates for FAP Workshop:
Note: Onsite registration is not available for the pre-conference workshops
- Students: $195
- Professionals: $325
Above prices include 2 lunches, coffee/tea on site, as well as transportation to/from the conference hotel.
Introduction to Relational Frame Theory (RFT) for Clinicians - Törneke & Blackledge (CLOSED)
Introduction to Relational Frame Theory (RFT) for Clinicians
**This workshop has closed.**
Workshop Leader: Niklas Törneke, M.D., Private Practice, & John T. Blackledge, Ph.D., Morehead State University
Dates & Location: June 19 & 20, 2010, 8:30am - 4:30pm at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Continuing Education Credits Available: 14
Workshop Description: Relational frame theory (RFT) is the theoretical base for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Even if you can do ACT well without an understanding of this background we believe understanding RFT can enrich clinicians and help them improve their work. This understanding is also essential to take part in further development of clinical strategies and techniques. This workshop will describe all basic concepts in RFT. Some basic experimental work will be used to illustrate central issues in the theory but the focus will not be experimental but conceptual. The workshop will also describe how RFT is related to basic behavioral principles and how clinical problems and interventions can be understood from the perspective of RFT. Some experiential exercises will be included for illustration of central concepts, but the workshop is mainly didactic. Day 1- Functional Contextualism: What is it, and how does it inform an understanding of RFT and ACT?
- A Crash Course in Basic Behavioral Principles: Operant conditioning, classical conditioning, & generalization. How do these principles work and how are they relevant to psychotherapy?
- Why Do We Need RFT Anyway? RFT vs. Cognitive Theory and a Skinnerian account of verbal behavior.
- Transforming Stimulus Functions: The continuity between basic behavioral principles and RFT.
- RFT: Terms & Processes.
- RFT’s Experimental Basis.
- The Benefits & Banes of Derived Relational Responding: What does DRR allow us to do that nonverbal organisms can’t?
Day 2- What does RFT have to do with ACT?
- RFT and rule-governed behavior: Toward psychological inflexibility
- RFT and the enhancement of human suffering
- RFT and experiential avoidance
- RFT and self as context, self as content, & self as process
- RFT and metaphor
- RFT and cognitive defusion
- RFT and valued living
Learning Objectives:
- 1. Participants will learn how RFT is related to basic behavioral principles.
- Participants will learn the basic concepts of RFT and how they are related to each other.
- Participants will learn how RFT informs clinical practice.
Target Audience: Intermediate clinicians.
Registration Rates: 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 conference hotel.
Introductory ACT Workshop- Hayes (CLOSED)
Introductory ACT Workshop
Workshop Leader: Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada
**This workshop has closed.**
Dates & Location: June 19 & 20, 2010, 9:00am - 5:00pm at the University of Nevada, Reno.
Continuing Education Credits Available: 14
Workshop Description: Acceptance and mindfulness is having a profound impact on clinical practice. Both empirically supported and focused on deep clinical issues, acceptance and mindfulness approaches have been shown to help clients cope with a wide variety of clinical problems, including depression, anxiety, stress, substance abuse, and even psychotic symptoms, with benefits as important for the clinician as they are for clients. ACT has been a leading force in this transition. ACT is based on the idea that psychological suffering is usually caused by experiential avoidance, cognitive entanglement, and the resulting failure to take needed behavioral steps in accord with core values.
This two-day workshop will discuss and demonstrate ACT processes and techniques. You will be taught how to recognize ACT targets in your clients and in yourself, and how to generate methods of intervention that embody those principles and to integrate these with other methods you may prefer. Participants will be shown how embodying, targeting, and using these processes provides a working model of a powerful therapeutic relationship. The workshop will at times be experiential, not merely didactic. The intention of the workshop is to provide clinicians with an introduction to ACT, a beginning set of skills, and with personal experiences that will direct further development of these skills.
Learning Objectives:
Attendees will learn:
1. Why ACT processes underlie most forms of psychopathology
2. How to formulate cases in terms of ACT processes
3. The major steps in ACT
4. How to recognize ACT processes in flight
5. The relevance of ACT processes to the practitioner
Target Audience: Beginner/ Intermediate.
Registration Rates:
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 conference hotel.
Mindfulness & Meditation ACT Workshop Retreat - Dahl, Fletcher, & Livheim (CLOSED)
Mindfulness & Meditation ACT Workshop Retreat
**This workshop has closed.**
Workshop Leader: JoAnne Dahl, Ph.D., University of Uppsala, Lindsay Fletcher, M.A., University of Nevada, Fredrik Livheim, Ph.D., Karolinska Institutet
Dates & Location: June 18, 5:00pm - June 20, 2010, 4:00pm at Camp Galilee in Glenbrook, Nevada, on the shores of Lake Tahoe.
*** Please note (above) that this workshop begins on the evening of June 18th.
Continuing Education Credits Available: 12
Workshop Description: Meditation practice provides the context for deepening all of the core processes of ACT. Learning how to strengthen your own experience of these processes will help you in your personal life and will help you help your client. Learning how to focus in the present moment, take the perspective of the observer self, defuse from thoughts, impulses and feelings, accept experiences, and identify and persist in valued directions, are all practiced in meditation training. The aim of this meditation ACT retreat is to help you to deepen your own experience in these core processes by means of your own meditation practice and learn how meditation practice translates to being present in your relationships. More specifically, participants will learn to: focus attention in the present moment using breathing techniques, defusion from impulses by means of sitting still and observing and sitting still, training in self-as-context by means of body scan technique, and training in acceptance of experiences as thoughts, feelings and or physical sensations. Meditation practice will be combined with and tailored to each of the ACT core processes throughout the retreat. These meditation exercises will be interspersed with ACT exercises focused on building mindfulness skills in relationships.
Learning Objectives:
1. Learn now to strengthen your own experience of the ACT core processes through meditation practice.
2. Learn how to focus your attention, act rather than react, and see impulses for what they are.
3. Train self as context with a body scan technique.
Target Audience: Intermediate & Advanced.
Registration Rates:
Note: Onsite registration is not available for the pre-conference workshops
Students: $200
Professionals: $365
- Above prices include shared dorm sleeping, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners.
Special notes to attendees of this workshop:
This workshop retreat will take place at beautiful Camp Galilee, on the shores of Lake Tahoe. This is a camp, which means, that you are provided with dorm style sleeping, in single person beds. There will be a men's dorm, and a women's dorm.
Meals are served at 8:00am, noon, and 6:00pm.
What you should plan to bring...
1. Wear comfortable, soft training clothes. I recommend bringing at least one pair of long pants, and one sweatshirt (it can get cool in the evening, and along the water).
2. Bring a meditation pillow.
3. You will need to bring your own sheets/blanket, towel, pillow, toiletries (toilet paper will be provided). (Remember, a pillowcase and your towel can make a great pillow.)
4. You are welcome to bring snacks/ drinks with you to eat during breaks or to supplement your meals. You will be provided with meals, but the meals served are typically intended for younger campers, and depending on your appetite, you may want a little more. (There is not a store within walking distance.)
5. Sunscreen. Tahoe, and Reno for that matter, are at a high elevation with a dry climate, which means that you will get a sunburn far faster than other parts of the world.
6. Optional: Shower shoes (flip-flops), ear plugs, travel alarm, small flashlight, sunglasses.
Getting there...
I highly recommend car pooling or taking the airport shuttle from Reno. (Parking is limited.) Find others to car pool with using the Room Share/ Ride Share page. With just one other person sharing a rental car, it should be less expensive than taking the airport shuttle, so I highly recommend it. If you take the airport shuttle, you'll need to get off the shuttle at a hotel in Stateline, NV, then get a taxi to Camp Galilee (map).
Travel time from Reno to Camp Galilee by car: please allow 1 hour
Travel time from Reno to Camp Galilee if traveling by shuttle: please allow 2 hoursYou are allowed to begin arriving at Camp Galilee on Friday, June 18, as early as 4:00pm. We will begin handing out badges/ materials at 5:00/ 5:30pm. Dinner will begin at 6:00pm, with your first workshop session to follow.
Our group must depart Camp Galilee by 4:00pm on Sunday, June 20 (as they will be expecting another group). Remember this is not a hotel, we need to leave Camp Galilee in the same beautiful (and clean) condition it was in when you arrived.
Directions... (map)
From Reno: Take US Highway 395 South through Carson City. South of Carson City turn RIGHT on US Highway 50 West to Lake Tahoe. Pass over Spooner Summit and continue on US 50 toward South Lake Tahoe. As the road approaches the edge of Lake Tahoe and you pass Glenbrook on the right, watch for the Fire Station and Post Office on the Left. Look for green sign saying Galilee with an arrow pointing the way.
From North Lake Tahoe: Take State Route 28 around the east shore of Lake Tahoe. At the intersection with US Highway 50 turn right toward South Lake Tahoe and follow the directions above into Glenbrook
From South Lake Tahoe: Take US highway 50 East toward Carson City. After passing through the tunnel at Cave Rock begin looking for the green sign saying Galilee with an arrow pointing the way.
Physical Address: 1776 Highway 50, Glenbrook, Nevada 89413
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)
- 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
- 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.
- 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.
Paper Registration Form - WC8
If you have trouble with our online form, feel free to use this paper version for Registration. You may email, mail, or fax it to us.
Registration: Reno, Nevada, June 2010 Name:______________________________________________________________________________
Institutional Affiliation: (university/ private practice/ etc.) ______________________________________
Mailing Address:_______________________________________________________________________ City:________________________________________ State:_________________ Zip:_______________
Daytime Phone:_________________________________ Fax:__________________________________
Email address (required):________________________________________________________________
First Name (as you’d like it to appear on your name badge): ___________________________________
First & Last Name (as you’d like it to appear on your name badge): ______________________________
Affiliation (as you’d like it to appear on your name badge): ____________________________________
City, State, Country (as you’d like it to appear on your name badge): ____________________________
Meal Preference: _____ non-vegetarian _____ vegetarian
Type of Certificate/ CE credits needed (please choose one):
____ no certificate needed
____ general certificate of attendance
____ general certificate of attendance with number of hours attended (must sign in onsite to receive this)
____ CE credits for Psychologists (APA type)
____ California LCSW or MFT CEs
____ NBCC for counselors (pending approval)
____ NASW credits (pending approval)
License Number (if you need it to appear on your certificate): ______________________
For the 2-day Workshops (June 19-20) (these workshops run concurrently, you may choose to attend only one)
Note: Fees include 2 lunches, coffee/tea on site, as well as transportation to/from the conference hotel.
Note: Fees for the MEDITATION RETREAT (June 18-20) include shared dorm sleeping, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 2 dinners. Please mark the 2-day workshop you wish to attend:
______ Lisa Coyne
_____Professionals/Affiliates: $305 (for above workshops)
_____Students: $170 (for above workshops)
______ JoAnne Dahl, Lindsay Fletcher, & Fredrik Livheim (Meditation Retreat Workshop)
_____Professionals/Affiliates: $365 (for Meditation Retreat Workshop)
_____Students: $200 (for Meditation Retreat Workshop)
__________ Total Cost
You may pay via Visa, MasterCard, American Express, PayPal, or by a check in US Dollars.
I am paying by : ______________________
PayPal: Go to http://www.paypal.com/sendmoney Our account is under the email address: acbs@contextualpsychology.org
Credit Card: If paying by credit card, you may fax your registration to: 1 (225) 302-8688
__Visa __MasterCard __American Express
No.__________________________________ Expiry Date_________ Sec. code _______ Signature:___________________________________
Checks: Please make checks, in US Dollars, payable to ACBS. _______________________________________________
Mail*, fax*, or email this completed form and payment to: ACBS 42398 Haltom Rd. Hammond, LA 70403 USA 1 (225) 302-8688 (fax) acbs@contextualpsychology.org
_______________________________________________
*This form and payment must reach ACBS in Hammond, Louisiana, by June 1, 2010, to take advantage of the Regular Registration Rate. Onsite registration is not available. Note: Registrations are processed in the order that they are received AND paid for. If a workshop is full before your registration reaches us, you will be contacted to make alternative arrangements. If you send a registration without payment, it does not secure your place, only a registration with payment can do that.
Note: Some CEs require post-conference paperwork completion, as well as onsite sign in, for the credits to be awarded.
- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Note: A $25 processing fee will be charged for registration refunds up to June 1, 2010. We regret that after June 1, 2010, refunds can not be made. Enrollment may be limited due to the limitation of our venue to accommodate additional sessions and attendees.
Reno Conference Maps
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. 4th 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. 1st 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. 5th 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+
4th 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/
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.
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
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 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 2nd and 3rd 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.
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/
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.
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
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. 2nd St, Reno
(at the Grand Sierra Resort)
www.grandsierraresort.com/
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
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
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
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.
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.
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.
http://www.
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.
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
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
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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
- The Art and Science of Thought Suppression - Wegner
-
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 Research: An interactive primer for beginners - Lillis
- 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
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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
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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
- Improving Clinicians' Empathy Skills with ACT - Villatte, Monestes, & Vilardaga
- 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
- Research and Therapeutic Application in the Context of Valued Living - Nassar, Flynn, & Slater
- 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 and Willingness: New Strategies to Enhance Willingness and ACT Values Work - McKay
- Values, Verbal Relations, and Compassion: We can do a better job of facing global challenges (plenary) - Hayes
ACBS World Conference III
Online Registration is Now Closed.
Registration includes access to: symposia; paper presentations; invited talks; plenary sessions; more than 40, 1-6 hour workshops; transportation to/from your hotel (where available, when we're notified by our deadline); 3 lunch buffets; 2 complete dinners; poster session; and our famous follies night.
This three-day conference (with two days of pre-conference intensive workshops) will provide a unique opportunity to learn about cutting-edge advances in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Relational Frame Theory (RFT), in addition to other third generation approaches in the behavioral and cognitive therapies. There will be a comprehensive scientific program in these areas of contextual behavioral science, examining philosophical, theoretical, basic and applied issues. Students, practitioners, researchers, and policy makers will benefit from this conference and find it an excellent opportunity to learn from the very top people involved in the development and advancement of ACT, RFT, and contextual behavioral approaches.
The conference will have 12 tracks simultaneously for all three days. There will be invited addresses from internationally known clinical and research leaders. Many of the leaders of the ACT / RFT community will also be giving invited addresses. There will be more than 100 symposia, panels, case conferences, and discussions on topics as wide ranging as ACT / RFT work itself.
In addition to a full, multi-track scientific and clinical program, a wide variety of half-day (and a few full-day) workshops will be presented at the conference (July 1-3) by leading researchers and practitioners. These workshops are FREE with conference registration, no additional sign up required. These workshops will be designed to help develop the practice and skills of novice, intermediate, and advanced clinical practitioners, educators, prevention specialists, and even basic scientists. Most of the workshops will focus on ACT, but a wide range of topics will be addressed.
Location:
University of Twente Enschede, The Netherlands (pronounced "EN-sha-day" or "EN-skhey-day") The conference, pre-conference workshops, 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).
Dates: Kick off Poster Session, evening June 30 Conference, July 1 - July 3, 2009 (pre-conference workshops June 29 & 30)
For questions (in Dutch): Als u vragen heeft, gesteld in het Nederlands, kunt u deze verzenden naar: bureau.bij-ennascholing@ggnet.nl. U krijgt dan zo spoedig mogelijk bericht.
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.
WORKSHOP FULL: ACT with Youth and Parents - Amy Murrell & Rikard Wicksell
ACT with Youth and Parents Workshop Leader:
Amy Murrell, Ph.D., University of North Texas, USA, & Rikard Wicksell, Ph.D., Karolinska University Hospital, Sweden
Dates & Location:
June 29 & 30, 2009, 9:00am - 5:00/5:30pm at the University of Twente (Enschede, The Netherlands).
Workshop Description:
Emphasis on acceptance and mindfulness in treatment has grown dramatically in recent years. Along with empirical investigation of these and related processes, corresponding clinical knowledge has been increasingly disseminated. Research on and clinical utility of ACT exemplifies this growing interest. ACT supervision is becoming more and more available; and, presentations, workshops and other trainings are frequently conducted - in multiple settings, in a number of countries. The proportion of such trainings that address child, adolescent or parenting issues, however, is quite small. While some work on the use of ACT with youth and parents has been conducted, the fraction of existing work and training is miniscule compared to the likely need. Foremost, many people consider the time span of childhood and adolescence to define a culture which is entirely separate and different from that of adulthood. Therefore, cultural sensitivity and relevant adaptations cannot be ignored. Additionally, there is evidence that many of the problems experienced by youth and their parents are resistant to change (especially long-term) via traditional cognitive-behavioral treatment approaches. There is some literature that suggests this could be related to cognitive fusion and/or experiential avoidance, and that ACT might address these problems in a novel way. Thus, this workshop will explore the ways that ACT can be used to address problems of youth and parenting. Functional and other assessment, case conceptualization and treatment planning from an ACT perspective will be reviewed. More specifically, the presenters will discuss how treatment goals and the six core components of ACT work can be tailored to youth and parents. Clinical examples will be used to illustrate therapeutic techniques. The workshop will be a mix of didactics and experiential work. Participants will be encouraged to discuss cases as well as treatment ideas, role-play, and participate in a number of exercises.
Learning Objectives:
1. Learn how to address each of the six core components in work with youth populations.
2. Learn how parents, from an ACT perspective, are relevant to treatment of youth.
3. Learn about the current assessment of ACT relevant processes in youth.
Target Audience: Beginner through Advanced.
WORKSHOP FULL: Applying ACT to Complex Chronic "Dug in" Problems - JoAnne Dahl
Applying ACT to Complex Chronic Dug in Problems emphasizing the use of experiential dramatization of Core Processes
Workshop Leader: JoAnne Dahl, Ph.D., University of Uppsala, Sweden
Dates & Location: June 29 & 30, 2009, 9:00am - 5:00/5:30pm at the University of Twente (Enschede, The Netherlands).
Workshop Description: In the ACT perspective, it is through experimenting with different behaviors and mindfully experiencing what life serves up that we can free ourselves from ‘dug in’ patterns and move on. Freeing our energy from endless struggles with unsolvable problems, we can channel this same energy towards valued living. The pay off for taking even the tiniest step in valued directions is immediate, meaningful and heartfelt. The aim of this workshop is to let you experience a variety of innovative ways of applying the ACT core processes to help free the ‘dug-in’ client from her struggle and go on to live a valued life. What characterizes this ACT workshop is less talk and more own experiencing of ACT core processes. ACT and RFT conceptualization are done ‘on the floor’ in the form of a ‘Life-line’ which you will get the chance to do. The ‘Life-line’ is a behavioral analysis in a values context done on the floor illustrating functional classes of both experiential avoidance and attachment to content and feelings. The ‘Life-line’ provides a quick perspective taking of one’s learning history in the form of habitual behavior as well as the verbally constructed rules regarding these experiences. This aim of this exercise is to illustrate the discrepancy between the client’s valued direction in life and detours of experiential avoidance. This leads to ‘creative hopelessness’ and instigates motivation for taking steps in one’s valued directions. Based on the analysis, core processes of ACT: values, defusion, acceptance, mindfulness, self as context and commitment are all ‘ACTED’ out using physical dramatizations developed by the author. Participants will have the opportunity to practice and receive feedback. My hope is that every participant will leave this workshop filled with own experiences of ACT assessment and treatment for ‘dug-in’ problems both own as well as with for client work. Welcome!
Learning Objectives:
1. Learn how to make an assessment 'on the floor' using the Life-line for any presenting 'dug-in' problem.
2. Learn how to physicalize, dramatize and experience all ACT core processes applied to 'dug-in' problems
3. Increase your own psychological flexibility as a therapists when you both get 'stuck'.
Target Audience: Intermediate through Advanced.
WORKSHOP FULL: Introductory ACT Workshop (introductory/intermediate)- Steve Hayes
Introductory ACT Workshop
Workshop Leader: Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., University of Nevada
Dates & Location: June 29 & 30, 2009, 9:00am - 5:00/5:30pm at the University of Twente (Enschede, The Netherlands).
Workshop Description: Difficult clients tend to be both harder to treat successfully, and to be emotionally difficult for therapists, resulting in higher levels of stress and burn-out. These clients are generally more complex and chronic, and they often been through the therapy mill. Because of the growing popularity of empirically supported methods, difficult clients may have already had courses of more traditional empirical treatments (e.g., various forms of cognitive behavior therapy) and are unlikely to be moved by another attempt within the same model. Something else is needed that is empirically based, that provides relief for clinicians, and that allows for a new, more powerful approach to difficult cases. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is such an approach. The core conception of ACT is that psychological suffering is usually caused by experiential avoidance, cognitive entanglement, and the resulting failure to take needed behavioral steps in accord with core values. According to this view, trying to change difficult thoughts and feelings as a means of coping might can be counter productive, but new, powerful alternatives are available, including acceptance, mindfulness, cognitive defusion, values, and committed action. ACT teaches clients and therapists alike how to alter the way difficult private experiences function mentally rather than having to eliminate them from occurring at all. This empowering message has been shown empirically to help clients cope with a wide variety of clinical problems, including depression, anxiety, stress, substance abuse, and even psychotic symptoms. Research has shown that these methods are as beneficial for the clinician as they are for clients, quickly alleviating therapist burn-out. This two-day workshop will discuss and demonstrate ACT techniques, particularly acceptance, cognitive defusion, and behavioral commitment strategies. While the procedures are broadly useful, the workshop will focus in particular on issues of multi-problem patients. Data supportive of this approach will be discussed. The workshop will at times be experiential, not merely didactic. The intention of the workshop is to provide clinicians with a workable set of ACT skills, and with personal experiences that will allow further development of these skills based on their application with difficult clients.
Learning Objectives:
Attendees will learn:
1. Why experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion underlie most forms of psychopathology
2. How modern research in human language and cognition is revealing a key source of human suffering
3. How to formulate cases in terms of experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion
4. The major steps in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
5. How to foster psychological acceptance
6. How to quickly reduce the impact of negative thoughts
7. How to mobilize and make use of the spiritual side of clients
8. How to help clients get more into contact with their core values
9. How to build larger patterns of committed action
10. How to apply these same methods to the stressful impact of working with difficult clients
Target Audience: Beginners and above.
WORKSHOP FULL: Personal Willingness and Compassion: Advanced Workshop in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - Robyn Walser
Personal Willingness and Compassion: Advanced Workshop in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Workshop Leader: Robyn D. Walser, Ph.D., TL Consultation Services
Dates & Location: June 29 & 30, 2009, 9:00am - 5:00/5:30pm at the University of Twente (Enschede, The Netherlands).
Workshop Description: This workshop will focus more specifically on improving your personal skills in the delivery of ACT and will be largely experiential in nature. The ACT approach holds that clinicians must be willing to apply ACT in their own lives in order to deliver the therapy effectively – in this workshop we will be exploring barriers to this process while promoting personal acceptance and behavior change as it applies to the therapeutic relationship and personal values. We will focus on a variety of experiential exercises that will address subtle issues of control and will invite openness to experience. Opportunity to role-play difficult clients, address sticking points, and work on personal therapeutic challenges will be provided. Main areas of experiential focus will be on forgiveness, compassion, improving patience, and taking bold, ethical steps in life and the therapeutic relationship. The occasion for personal feedback on your ACT work will be available. In addition, we will engage in a number of mindfulness practices designed to promote personal skill in awareness. And finally, we will have a bit of fun too!
Learning Objectives:
1. Learn the how to apply the core competencies of the ACT therapeutic stance.
2. Learn how to use ACT in working with difficult barriers, challenges and sticking points from both the client and therapist perspective.
3. Develop personal skill in willingness and awareness.
Target Audience: Advanced.
WORKSHOP FULL: Tweedaagse Experientiele Introductie Workshop ACT (In het Nederlands- In Dutch!!!)- Ando Rokx & Lucas Goessens
Tweedaagse Experientiele Introductie Workshop ACT (In het Nederlands - In Dutch)
Workshop Leaders: Ando Rokx, MSc, and Lucas Goessens, MSc, GGNET
Dates & Location: June 29 & 30, 2009, 9:00am - 5:00/5:30pm at the University of Twente (Enschede, The Netherlands).
Workshop Description: ACT is een relatief nieuwe vorm van psychotherapie, met een radicaal ander perspectief op menselijk lijden en psychopathologie. Het doel van ACT is vergroting van de psychologische flexibiliteit. In de cursus ‘Acceptance en Commitment Therapie’ ervaart u de werking en effecten van deze bijzondere therapievorm.
U kunt ACT toepassen bij de behandeling van angst, depressie, werkgerelateerde problematiek, verslaving en chronische pijn. Met deze therapie stelt u niet iemands symptomen, klachten of cognities centraal, maar zijn eigen beleving, de acceptatie daarvan en commitment aan eigen waarden. ‘Acceptance en Commitment Therapie’ maakt deel uit van de derdegeneratie gedragstherapie. Vanuit een empirisch ondersteunde filosofie en theorie zijn elementen uit onder meer gedragstherapie, gestalt en mindfulness samengevoegd. De traditionele cognitieve gedragstherapie doet volgens ACT overmatige pogingen om invloed uit te oefenen op feitelijk onbeheersbare emotionele en cognitieve processen. De traditionele technieken als gedachten onderdrukken, positief denken, analyseren van gedachten en zoeken naar verklaringen en oorzaken, lijken logische manieren om psychische klachten te bestrijden. Volgens ACT leiden ze er mogelijk juist toe dat klachten allesbepalend worden en gedrag in het teken komt te staan van emotionele vermijding. ACT stelt dat de eigen beleving een reactie is op de werkelijkheid in plaats van een weergave van de werkelijkheid. Met ACT leert u de patiënt dit onderkennen en aanvaarden. Ook leert u hem zijn gedrag te laten leiden door gekoesterde waarden. Ondanks of soms juist dankzij de aversieve reacties en belevingen die daar onvermijdelijk mee gepaard gaan.
Programma
Cursusdag 1 -theoretische en filosofische achtergronden -verschillende fasen, processen, methoden en toepassingsgebieden -overeenkomsten en verschillen met bestaande vormen van (gedrags)therapie -uitleg, illustratie en beleving van de kernprocessen -experiëntiële vermijding, cognitieve fusie, aanvaarding en mindfulness
Cursusdag 2 -formuleren van waarden -stimuleren van waardengericht gedrag -identificeren van emotionele en cognitieve belemmeringen -de consequenties van ACT voor de therapeutische relatie -verdieping naar specifieke toepassingsgebieden
Werkwijze De cursus start met een presentatie van de theorie, filosofie en methodiek van ACT. Vervolgens worden de verschillende fasen en processen van ACT doorlopen, verduidelijkt met ervaringsgerichte oefeningen, en direct toegepast met casus-gerichte oefeningen. De opzet is zodanig dat u na deze workshop direct een begin kunt maken met het toepassen van ACT-interventies bij uw cliënten.
Learning Objectives:
Na afloop van deze cursus:
-kent u de filosofie, theorie en praktische toepassing van Acceptance en Commitment Therapie
-hebt u zelf ervaren wat het effect is van de verschillende processen, oefeningen en interventies
-beschikt u over een nieuw perspectief op emotioneel lijden, psychopathologie en uw rol als hulpverlener
-kent u de interventiemethoden die focussen op acceptatie van de eigen beleving van patiënt en zijn commitment aan eigen waarden
-hebt u voldoende theoretisch inzicht en therapeutische vaardigheden om onderdelen van ACT toe te passen in uw dagelijkse praktijk
Target Audience: Beginner, Intermediate.
WORKSHOP FULL: Using the Hexaflex Functional Dimensional Experiential Interview - Kelly Wilson, Emily Sandoz, & Regan Slater
Using the Hexaflex Functional Dimensional Experiential Interview
Workshop Leader: Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D., University of Mississippi, USA, Emily K. Sandoz, University of Mississippi, USA, & Regan Slater, University of Mississippi, USA (assisted by Nadia Lucas, Maureen Flynn, Stephanie Nassar, and Lindsay Martin)
Dates & Location: June 29 & 30, 2009, 9:00am - 5:00/5:30pm at the University of Twente (Enschede, The Netherlands).
Workshop Description: In the workshop, we will use the structure of the Hexaflex Functional Dimensional Experiential Interview (HFDEI; from Mindfulness for Two, Wilson & DuFrene, 2009). This interview provides strong linkage between treatment, assessment, and case conceptualization. The HFDEI is an unusual interview. First, it doesn’t bow to syndromal classification. The user of the interview need not discard syndromal classification, since many circumstances require them. Although the diagnoses in the HFDEI are not DSM syndromes, many of the signs and symptoms required for DSM diagnoses will be elicited in the context of this interview. Second, the interview is organized around a dimensional understanding of psychological difficulties. Third, and probably most unusual, the interview contains significant experiential components. The interview for the hexaflex is not a mere series of questions, rather it involves a set of questions embedded in a series of experiential exercises. The exercises and questions will provide you with directly observable samples of client behavior that will allow for rating those behavior samples in terms of the six facets of the hexaflex. The entire interview is embedded in a series of questions about valued domains of living. ACT is not a treatment aimed at the elimination of symptoms, rather it’s a treatment aimed at the enhancement and development of valued living. Because there’s an intimacy between values and vulnerabilities, an examination of values is a likely entry point to seeing the relationship between difficulties with behavior change processes on the one hand and mindfulness processes on the other. In addition, such an interview helps you and your client remain closely connected to the ACT model. Work with client struggles are always directed and dignified by valued living. Likewise progress in ACT is ultimately to be found in increases in valued living. The workshop will involve a series of exercises and intensive practice with the HFDEI. Practice with the interview will be interspersed with viewing video segments. Participants will practice looking at each of the six facets of the hexaflex and will practice at case conceptualization. As is usual for me, this workshop will be highly experiential. In the workshop, we will mix the experiential and conceptual. This mixing itself is practice for the mixing of conceptual and experiential in our treatment. The interview can provide a framework for assessment and also for treatment. In a short version, the interview allows for the assessment of all six core ACT processes. The interview, in an extended form can serve as a template for the provision of treatment. Prior to the workshop I will make workshop preparation materials available to attendees. For additional information, please contact me at kwilson@olemiss.edu.
Learning Objectives:
1. Learn to use assessment to directly generate treatment targets.
2. Learn to conceptualize client difficulties in terms of core ACT processes.
3. Learn to devise specific treatment strategies based on this conceptualization.
Target Audience: Intermediate through Advanced.
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.
Problèmes de paiment depuis la France
Un certain nombre d'entre vous ont fait l'expérience de voir leurs paiements rejetés depuis la France.
Pour autant que nous puissions comprendre ce qui se passe, il s'agit d'un programme de sécurtié automatique des banques françaises qui bloquent comme étant suspecte toute transaction international considérée (par les banques, pas par l'ACBS) comme trop petite pour ne pas être suspecte. Nous savons que ça passe mal à $10, bien à $25 et nous ne savons pas e qui se passe avec des sommes intermédiaires./Pour payer sans difficulté moins de $25, essayez paypal: créez un compte gratuit sur le site ACBS en vous inscrivant puis allez sur www.paypal.com/sendmoney
L'addresse pour envoyer votre paiement est : acbs@contextualpsychology.org Le site vous invite ensuite à créer un compte Pypal, et vous demandera d'entrer vos détailsd e carte de crédit et, quand le paiement est complété, Emiliy à l'ACBS reçoit un email pour l'informer que le paiement est passé.
Elle ira ensuite vous donner les privilèges d'accès.
http://www.contextualpsychology.org/how_do_i_purchase_or_renew_membership
Enschede, The Netherlands - Maps, Restaurant Info, etc.
- 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.
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.
Eden Hotel Reservation Form
Below is the 2-page reservation form for the Eden Hotel Group.
Page1 ********
EDEN
Hotel De Broeierd - Enschede
Dish Hotel - Enschede
Star Hotel - Hengelo
BOOKING REQUEST World Conference ACT 2009 -University of Twente 29-06-2009 until 03-07-2009
Preferred Hotel :
□ Eden Hotel De Broeierd Enschede
□ Eden Dish Hotel Enschede
□ Eden Star Hotel Hengelo
Hotel room
Arrival Date ___________________________________________
Departure Date ________________________________________
Number of nights _______________________________________
Number of rooms _______________________________________
Number of persons ______________________________________
Special requests ________________________________________
* Room rate € 90.00 per room per night ( single use), Breakfast € 15.00 per person
Personal
Family name ___________________________________________
First name _____________________________________________
Address _______________________________________________
Postcode ______________________________________________
City ______________________________________________
Country ______________________________________________
Phone __________________ Fax: __________________
E-mail ___________________________________________ Eden Hotel De Broeierd Enschede, Hengelosestraat 725, 7521 PA Enschede 053-8506500
Eden Dish Hotel Enschede, Boulevard 1945 nr 2, 7511 AE Enschede 053-8506600
Eden Star Hotel Hengelo, BP Hofstedestraat 50, 7551 DG Hengelo 074-8516800
Page 2**********
EDEN
Hotel De Broeierd - Enschede
Dish Hotel - Enschede
Star Hotel - Hengelo
Method of payment
In order to process your hotel reservation, we do require your credit card number and expire date. Your credit card is only used for guarantee purposes and will only be charged in case of non-arrival without prior / timely cancellation. All payments will be done directly at the hotel, either by credit card, pin card or in cash.
Credit card details Credit card : □ Visa, □ American Express, □ Euro/Mastercard
Card number : _______________________________________ Expire date : ____________________
Name card holder : _________________________________________
Conditions
-We advise to reserve your room as soon as possible but before 28-04-2009
-Reservations, cancellations and modifications will be done in writing
-This registration form will only be handled when it is filled out completely
-All requests will be confirmed in writing within 2 days by Eden Hotels Twente
-Free cancellation is possible upon 4 days before arrival date, after this date the room costs ( € 90.00 per night) will be charged on your credit card
By signing this form you agree with the above mentioned conditions.
Signature : ___________________________________________ Date : ________________________________________________
Please return this form to:
Eden City Hotels Twente
Reservations Department
Hengelosestraat 725
7521 PA Enschede
Netherlands
Fax : 0031 (0)53 850 6502
E-mail : reservations.twente@edenhotelgroup.com
Eden Hotel De Broeierd Enschede, Hengelosestraat 725, 7521 PA Enschede 053-8506500
Eden Dish Hotel Enschede, Boulevard 1945 nr 2, 7511 AE Enschede 053-8506600
Eden Star Hotel Hengelo, BP Hofstedestraat 50, 7551 DG Hengelo 074.-8516800 *******
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
3-hour workshop on FC in therapy and supervision
I told several people that I would post a copy of these slides, so here they are. The slides are missing a lot of the clinical examples we used, and they have supervision examples that we did not use (to conserve time), but for the most part, this was our presentation.
I also just wanted to note that Amanda and I did this talk for a specific purpose. We wanted to show how the philosophy of science "plays out" in the contexts of clinical work (including therapy and supervision) and to emphasize that viewing this stuff as science (as opposed to something mystical, magical, etc.) lends itself better to clinical training and dissemination.
Hope it is useful!
Amy
ACT for Disordered Eating - Sandoz
This is the Workshop provided by Sandoz
Babel's AAQ-II. Do different languages result in different outcomes in Europe? Monestès et al.
Babel's AAQ-II-Monestès et al powerpoint is attached below.
Flexing the gut- Quality of life in IBS
These are the powerpoint slides for the presentation on Psychological Flexibility and Quality of Life in patients with Irritable Bowel Syndrome (IBS). The presentation describes how low psychological flexibility towards the experiences of IBS can result in lower quality of life. Preliminary results of the first of 2 studies are presented. study 2 is described with the presentation of a new self-help manual.
For more in formation regrading this research contact me at N.M.D.R.Ferreira@sms.ed.ac.uk
IRAP Workshop -- Vahey, Stewart, McHugh, Kosnes, & Barnes-Holmes
Workshop Title:
The Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure (IRAP): Where From, How To, and Where To
Workshop Abstract:
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.
Know Thyself, Choose Thyself: Exploring Flexibility with Self and Valued Living - Sandoz & Nassar
This is the powerpoint from a mini-workshop by Sandoz and Nassar
Prediction and influence with precision, scope and depth - a guide. (Joe Curran)
Here are the slides from a brief presentation I gave at WorldConIII that discussed 'Prediction and influence with precision, scope and depth'. It's mainly aimed at clinicians and I'm turning it into a paper to help explain the bits that need explaining.
Get in touch if you see anything that you'd like to mention.
Cheers
Joe
(joe.curran@shsc.nhs.uk)
Resistance to Anti-smoking Information As a Function of Implicit Expectancies Toward Smoking and Smoking-cessation (Vahey et al)
Title: Resistance to Anti-smoking Information As a Function of Implicit Expectancies Toward Smoking and Smoking-cessation
Presenters/authors and affiliations:
Vahey, N.1, Barnes-Holmes, D.1, Barnes-Holmes, Y.1, & Stewart, I.2
1National University of Ireland, Maynooth, Co. Kildare, Ireland.
2National University of Ireland, Galway, Co. Galway, Ireland.
Objectives: To examine across two studies (N = 92), how implicit expectations of quitting versus smoking impede anti-smoking messages prescribing smoking-cessation.
Design: The studies employed group comparisons (smokers at different stages of change and nonsmokers), coupled with repeated-measures analyses of target-attitudes about quitting and smoking. Between-group manipulations also allowed the examination of how implicit attitudes interact with the framing of the anti-smoking information presented.
Method: The Implicit Relational Assessment Procedure required participants to alternate between making “consistent” responses and “inconsistent” responses (e.g. responding “True” and “False” respectively, to “I Need to Smoke when Upset”) at speed. The response-time differentials between consistent and inconsistent tasks indexed implicit bias.
Results: ANOVA and regression statistics provided significant effects strongly implicating implicit attitudes in smoking-persistence and –relapse.
Conclusions: The collective findings suggest that implicit smoking- and quitting-related expectancies are important in differentially undermining smoking-cessation, by respectively precipitating smoking-relapse and undermining information that prescribes quitting.
Transformation of Function of Pseudofood Names - Sandoz Paper
This is the powerpoint from a paper presented at Worldcon
Treatment of stuttering with ACT
These are the slides of the presentation. If you are interested on any further detail or on the exercises, please send me a mail to higueratr at sign psicoterapeutas dot com or contact through http://www.contextualpsychology.org/user/higuera.
Values in ACT: Conceptualization, Clinical Exercises, and Assessment
Values symposium by Slater, Nassar, & Flynn
•What are Values? Unpacking Values as Conceptualized in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
• An Improved Measure of Valued Living: The Valued Living Questionnaire-II (VLQ-2)
• Values-Centered Exercises: Impact of Values Work on Psychological Well-Being
This symposium discussed 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.
Villatte, Monestès, McHugh et al. : Deictic relational responding in belief attribution - social anhedonia
Deictic relational responding in beliefs attribution: people with high social anhedonia are impaired in reversing the frame of I-YOU.
A Relational Frame account of beliefs attribution has been proposed in terms of deictic relational responding. According to this view, attributing beliefs to another involves a higher relational complexity than self-attributing because it requires reversing the deictic frame of I-YOU (i.e., taking the perspective of another). Social anhedonia has been shown to lack social interactions and to present deficits in attribution of mental states and in complex deictic relational responding involving the frame of I-YOU. The current study investigated the ability to respond in accordance with deictic frames in a task consisting of reporting true- and false-beliefs to another and to the self in 30 participants with a high level of social anhedonia. We predicted that these participants would perform weaker than controls on tasks involving attributing beliefs to another. Consistent with this prediction, participants with high social anhedonia were less accurate than controls when reporting the beliefs of another, but not of the self, thus indicating difficulties in reversing the deictic frame of I-YOU in this population. Implications for the understanding of deficits in beliefs attribution in populations characterized by a high level of social anhedonia (e.g. people with schizophrenia) are discussed.
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 Upda