Acceptance & Commitment Therapy is a psychotherapy modality that can be used to both support meaningful growth in clients as well as to enhance provider wellbeing and reduce symptoms of burnout.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, like its predecessor Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), takes into account the relationship between thoughts (cognition) and behaviors. Acceptance & Commitment Therapy differs from traditional CBT in its approach to coping with challenging thoughts and activating preferred behaviors by its focus on values, mindfulness, and acceptance. 

The goal of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy is to increase “psychological flexibility” using six specific core processes: contact with the present moment, values, committed action, self-as-context, defusion, and acceptance. This training will include an introductory overview of the Acceptance & Commitment Therapy model (including core processes), opportunities for experiential learning, and resources for additional education. 

The target audience for this training are field-based intensive mental health services providers who work with individuals impacted by severe mental health disorders.