Harnessing the Transformative Power of Mindful ACT Therapy: How to Live Well When Life is Hard

Course overview

Life invites obstacles, problems, and pain. There is no escaping this simple truth. But for many, the pain of life is neither a teacher nor a friend, but instead the enemy and source of considerable suffering, hardship, and despair. Mental health professionals know this all too well. The pain may take psychological, emotional, or physical forms, but it's there and people are desperately seeking a way out and a way forward. But what if the pain of life could be had just as it is? What if there was a way to nurture the conditions for our own genuine happiness and peace of mind, even when life is (or was) hard? Suppose even, that we could empower those we serve to develop a new relationship with the difficulties they carry and move forward with those difficulties in ways that dignify the pain and support what truly matters. In this intensive workshop, we will learn about one particular approach and set of practices that aims to do just that. It's called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is an evidence-based approach that balances mindfulness and acceptance processes with commitment and behavior change in the service of living a more vital life. Acceptance and mindfulness-based practices, including ACT, are rapidly making their way into mental health care, medicine, and society. This body of work offers a fresh perspective on psychological suffering and powerful clinical strategies to cultivate transformative life changes. You will learn powerful strategies to help your clients: Gain freedom from suffering Let go of unhelpful struggles Cultivate peace of mind and self-compassion Show up to life as it is Get unstuck and moving Live a rich and meaningful life Led by a dynamic husband and wife team, this workshop will introduce ACT, both as a model and intervention technology, and illustrate its use across a broad set of problem areas that are commonly seen in mental health settings. This work can be challenging for both therapists and clients alike, for much of ACT work involves contacting difficult and painful psychological content without defense and for a purpose other than psychological relief. Thus, understanding the application and integration of the ACT model of psychological health and suffering is essential for effective ACT work. Through lectures, live and video demonstrations, and practical experiential exercises, we learn ways to help our clients live well, richly, and meaningfully, without first having to eliminate sources of emotional and psychological pain. We will also learn how ACT can be integrated effectively into your mental health practice. Clinical worksheets and other practical tools will be provided. Mental health professionals, including graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, are invited to attend. Familiarity with ACT is not required.