What is ACT? A Brief Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Maine Psychological Association
Fall Conference 2009
University of Maine, Augusta Campus
November 6, 2009
1:30 pm - 4:30 pm
Presented by Joel Guarna, PhD and Elizabeth Kubik, PhD
Maine Psychological Association (MePA)
MePA Website
MePA Fall Conference Brochure
Description of the presentation
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a contemporary form of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that has shown much promise in helping clients with a wide range of emotional and behavioral difficulties. Using a combination of didactic presentation and experiential exercises, this brief workshop will introduce participants to the ACT model. Attendees will leave this training with a basic understanding of ACT approaches to therapy and reasons to consider learning more.
Learning objectives
This workshop is designed to help you:
1. Summarize the ACT model of human suffering including the roles of experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion.
2. Summarize how ACT therapy goals differ from those most traditional cognitive and behavioral therapies (and the presenting goals of most of our clients).
3. Practice a values intervention you can use for yourself and your clients.
Example learning assessment questions based on the learning objectives
Based on the content of the workshop, I am able to:
(Strongly Agree Strongly Disagree)
1. Describe examples of experiential avoidance and cognitive fusion.
2. Translate several common presenting concerns into ACT-consistent therapy goals.
3. Describe a values intervention I can use myself or with my clients.
Joel Guarna, PhD
25 Middle Street
Portland, ME 04101
207-272-8500
joel@whitepinepsych.com
Joel Guarna, PhD is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Portland. Dr. Guarna’s areas of clinical interest include Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), mind/body health and behavioral medicine, and treatment of addictions, trauma, anxiety and mood disorders. He was introduced to ACT in 1999 and has attended and given numerous trainings on ACT over the past several years.
Elizabeth Kubik, PhD
25 Middle Street
Portland, ME 04101
beth.kubik@gmail.com
Elizabeth Kubik, PhD is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Portland. Dr. Kubik specializes in anxiety and stress management, post-partum depression, and women’s wellness/health psychology. She was introduced to ACT during her graduate and postgraduate training and has continued her study of ACT through participation in conferences and consultation groups.
