Faculty: Sonja Batten, Ph.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: Anderson García, Ph.D.
Learn more about ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond and earn 8 CE credits
<> EPISODE 1 → The ACT Therapist and Trauma
The first episode of our series “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond” centers on the role of the ACT therapist and the therapeutic relationship, with a focus on trauma and PTSD. It describes how the therapeutic stance should be consistent and collaborative, since we are on the same boat with the client, but the client is the real expert on their own life.
* Prefer to read? Here's a text version: The ACT Therapist and Trauma
<> EPISODE 2 → The ACT Approach to Trauma and PTSD
In this episode of our series “ACT for Trauma: PTSD and Beyond”, we examine what makes ACT a unique approach to PTSD, and why it is an effective and evidence-based treatment for PTSD and similar diagnoses. By focusing on the quality of life rather than on exposure, ACT helps clients to work with a wider range of symptoms, and aspects of their lives.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The ACT Approach to Trauma and PTSD
<> EPISODE 3 → ACT for Trauma: The Role of Experiential Avoidance
Experiential avoidance is a key process in the development and maintenance of PTSD. In this episode we explore how this, and other processes such as fusion, affects the quality of life of clients with PTSD and other traumas by inducing inflexible behavior and thought patterns.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for Trauma: Experiential Avoidance and PTSD
<> EPISODE 4 → The ACT Treatment for Trauma
Using the hexagon model in ACT, Dr. Batten explains how ACT is employed to treat and understand trauma. A flexible approach is always present, as every client and trauma are understood using their own unique contexts and features. All six elements of the model have relative importance, depending on the client’s needs.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The ACT Model of Treatment: Focus on Trauma
<> EPISODE 5 → ACT for PTSD: Treatment Targets and Ideal Candidates
Dr. Batten outlines who can be good candidates for ACT treatment for PTSD, including clients who haven’t responded to traditional treatments or aren’t willing to engage in exposure-based treatment. She describes the settings where ACT has been employed, such as individual outpatient therapy and group treatment. Finally, mindfulness, interpersonal effectiveness, and emotional functioning are explained as the main skills that PTSD patients acquire through ACT treatment.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT Treatment Targets for PTSD
<> EPISODE 6 → ACT for PTSD: Comorbidities and Childhood Trauma
In this episode, Dr. Batten examines several relevant topics to set the groundwork of ACT for PTSD. Comorbidities such as substance abuse, the role of avoidance, and how childhood trauma represents a particular challenge for clients are all reviewed, alongside important tips for improving your understanding of ACT.
<> EPISODE 7 → ACT for PTSD: Session Overview
This episode describes the flexible protocol or session structure used in ACT for PTSD. Dr. Sonja V. Batten describes how therapists should use both adherence and competence when employing this or any other therapeutic approach. She also emphasizes the roles of flexibility and knowledge within the ACT therapeutic stance.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT for PTSD: Session Overview
<> EPISODE 8 → Values as a Tool for PTSD Clients
Dr. Sonja Batten explains how values can be used as a cornerstone for motivating clients to examine painful memories, and to go through all the difficulties and obstacles attached to improving their symptoms. Practical examples and the rationale are provided to allow clinicians to have a solid understanding of this tool.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Values Clarification for PTSD: Rationale and Key Concepts
<> EPISODE 9 → Moving From Control and Avoidance Towards Willingness With ACT
In this episode, Dr. Sonja Batten discusses practical strategies and relevant concepts to help increase a client’s willingness and reduce their avoidance behaviors. With PTSD clients, avoidance is at the center of their symptoms and is a crucial issue to work on in therapy.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Moving From Control and Avoidance Towards Willingness
<> EPISODE 10 → Creative Hopelessness and PTSD
This episode explains the practical value of creative hopelessness when working with PTSD clients. Dr. Sonja Batten provides practical tips on how to use creative hopelessness to enhance willingness, and employs the quicksand metaphor as a practical tool for explaining it.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Creative Hopelessness and PTSD: The Quicksand Metaphor
<> EPISODE 11 → Acceptance and Willingness in ACT for PTSD
This episode examines the ACT perspective on acceptance and willingness for treating trauma clients. They are seen as a functional alternative to control and avoidance, which are at the center of maintaining PTSD symptoms over time. Encouraging clients to engage in these new patterns requires therapists to help them understand the rationale behind acceptance and how it can improve quality of life.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Acceptance and Willingness in ACT for PTSD
<> EPISODE 12 → Willingness as a Therapeutic Tool for PTSD Clients: An ACT Perspective
In this episode our ACT expert, Dr. Sonja Batten, explains the role of mindfulness from an ACT perspective. Mindfulness is a core ACT component, and is understood as purposeful, nonjudgmental observation of whatever is occurring in the present. This episode also explores how mindfulness can be distinguished from similar practices such as meditation, and why it is located on the opposite pole from being on autopilot or disconnected from the here and now.
<> EPISODE 13 → Mindfulness in ACT for PTSD
In this episode our ACT expert, Dr. Sonja Batten, explains the role of mindfulness from the ACT perspective. Mindfulness is a core ACT component, and is understood as purposeful nonjudgmental observation of whatever is occurring in the present. This episode also explores how mindfulness is distinguished from similar practices such as meditation, and why it is located on the other pole from being on autopilot or disconnected from the here and now.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Mindfulness in ACT for PTSD