ACT BootCamp® – Portland

Up to 32
CE Hours available ( How do I get my CE? )
Steven C. Hayes, PhD Co-founder of ACT, leader of contextual behavioral science, and renowned author
Robyn D. Walser, PhD Renowned author, researcher, and master ACT trainer
Kelly G. Wilson, PhD Co-founder of ACT, professor, renowned author, and master ACT trainer

About This Workshop

If you mention you’re interested in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), the next question you’re likely to hear is, “Have you been to BootCamp®?”

Led by ACT’s cofounders, Steven C. Hayes, Kelly Wilson, and Robyn Walser, this essential workshop has been the foundation of ACT training for thousands of practitioners like you. Whether you’re hearing about ACT for the first time or already have formal training, this workshop can take your skills to the next level. The workshop will fully cover the basics of the ACT model and its delivery. You will learn the ins and outs of core ACT concepts such as:
  • Psychological flexibility
  • The six core processes
  • Skills for observing and moving the processes flexibly in session
The workshop will also work the model from the bottom up, presenting the philosophical and theoretical roots of ACT in a clear, fun, and practical way. ACT’s radical shift in thinking is directly relevant to the work you do every day, and it’s the main reason for ACT’s tremendous appeal as a psychotherapy.

At ACT BootCamp®, you’ll learn the foundations of the psychological flexibility model, and develop a beginning set of skills in ACT. You’ll engage with client-therapist role-plays, practice ACT techniques and tools, and get real-time feedback. Over four intensive days, you will get hands-on, guided practice recognizing psychological inflexibility in clients, and learn to fluidly respond from all points on the hexaflex. Come to ACT BootCamp® to learn how ACT can reinvigorate your therapeutic relationship with clients.

For total ACT immersion, attend evening sessions to learn from ACT experts to get your questions answered and build community.

Formal meals will not be provided at the event. Coffee/tea and light refreshments may be made available at various times.

Attendees can book a room at the discounted rate of $139/night at the Sheraton Portland Airport Hotel. Attendee parking is available at the venue at a rate of $5/day.

Prior to registering, please review speaker-planner conflict of interest disclosures and complete CE information.

Program

Day 1, Thursday | Introduction to ACT | Robyn Walser, PhD

Learn the basics of the model and establish a foundational understanding of relational frame theory (RFT—the theory of language that underlies ACT), functional contextualism (the philosophy of science that underlies ACT), and how psychological inflexibility is at the heart of human suffering. Enhancing psychological flexibility has been shown in hundreds of studies to improve therapeutic outcomes across many different conditions and in many different areas of human endeavor. By the end of the day you will have a basic set of skills in the psychological flexibility model and in the six core processes of ACT—flexible contact with the present moment, cognitive delusion, acceptance, self-as-context, values, and committed action.

General Session | 6.5 CE Hours:

7:00 am – 8:00 am: Check-in*

8:00 am – 9:45 am: Language and Psychological Flexibility

9:45 am – 10:00 am: Morning Break*

10:00 am – 12:00 pm: ACT Therapeutic Agreement and Case Conceptualization

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Lunch Break*

1:30 pm – 2:45 pm: Creative Hopelessness in Motivation and Change Over Time

2:45 pm – 3:00 pm: Afternoon Break*

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Open: Acceptance and Defusion

4:30 pm – 4:45 pm: Afternoon Break (for those staying for optional evening discussion)*

Optional Evening Session | 2 CE Hours:

4:45 pm – 6:45 pm: Evening Workshops and Discussion: Role Play Demonstration: Flexible Implementation of ACT Pt. 1 | Robyn Walser

Day 2, Friday | ACT Model & Methods | Robyn Walser, PhD

Use the skills you learned on day 1 in a practical way so you can integrate ACT into your practice more effectively when you go back to a therapy setting. Robyn will guide you through experiential exercises as well as give you key takeaways you can use to enhance your practice and your life.

General Session | 6.5 CE Hours:

7:30 am – 8:00 am: Check-in*

8:00 am – 9:45 am: Aware: Present Moment and Self as Context/Perspective Taking

9:45 am – 10:00 am: Morning Break*

10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Integrating the ACT Core Processes

12:00 pm – 1:30 am: Lunch Break*

1:30 am – 2:45 pm: Engaged: Values and Committed Action

2:45 pm – 3:00 pm: Afternoon Break*

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Essential Characteristics of the Therapeutic Relationship from an ACT Point of View

4:30 pm – 4:45 pm: Afternoon Break (for those staying for the optional evening discussion)*

Optional Evening Session | 2 CE Hours:

4:45 pm – 6:45 pm: Evening Workshops and Discussion: Role Play Demonstration: Flexible Implementation of ACT Pt. 2 | Robyn Walser & Kelly Wilson

Day 3, Saturday | The Therapeutic Relationship | Kelly Wilson, PhD

ACT is not a one-way street. Integrating the practice in your own life, modeling it in session with clients, and actively using the model has been shown to enhance the therapeutic relationship and increase therapeutic effectiveness. ACT Will come alive for you as you apply it to your own life in this moving and introspective training.

General Session | 6.5 CE Hours:

7:30 am – 8:00 am: Check-in*

8:00 am – 9:45 am: Suffering and Common Humanity

9:45 am – 10:00 am: Morning Break*

10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Word Prisons: Making Contact with what Obstructs Connection/Finding Connection in the Midst of Suffering

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Lunch Break*

1:30 pm – 2:45 pm: Values and Vulnerability at the Heart of Relationships

2:45 pm – 3:00 pm: Afternoon Break*

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm: Values, Commitment, and Deepening Relationships

4:30 pm – 4:45 pm: Afternoon Break (for those staying for optional evening discussions)*

Optional Evening Session | 2 CE Hours:

4:45 pm – 6:45 pm: Evening Workshops and Discussion: Role Play Demonstration: Flexible Implementation of ACT Pt. 3 | Kelly Wilson & Steven Hayes

Day 4, Sunday | Skills-Based Intensive | Steven Hayes, PhD

Now that you know the basics of the model, you are going to go deeper. This day will be highly experiential with round after round of clinical skills building exercises and feedback. It is designed to help enhance your fluidity with using the model and provide you a deeper understanding of ACT as well as specific tools and techniques you can use in your practice to enhance clinical outcomes.

General Session | 6.5 CE Hours:

7:30 am – 8:00 am: Check-in*

8:00 am – 9:45 am: From It, Toward It, and Within It: The Therapeutic Relationship in ACT

9:45 am – 10:00 am: Morning Break*

10:00 am – 12:00 pm: Reading the Flexibility Processes

12:00 pm – 1:30 pm: Lunch Break*

1:30 pm – 2:45 pm: Opening the Door to Any Flexibility Process

2:45 pm – 3:00 pm: Afternoon Break*

3:00 pm – 4:30 pm: ACT Done Dynamically

No evening session on last night.

*Not available for CE

Learning Objectives

Day 1 | Introduction to ACT | Robyn Walser
  • Describe the language-based processes (e.g., RFT) that create suffering.
  • Describe the six processes that underlie psychological flexibility/inflexibility.
  • Demonstrate the ability to formulate an ACT-consistent therapeutic agreement.
  • Describe how to use the six core processes in case conceptualization.
  • Explain how to use “creative hopelessness” to motivate a change in the control agenda.
  • Demonstrate the process of creative hopelessness and how it functions across time.
  • Describe and demonstrate how acceptance and defusion work together in supporting openness to experience.

References:

  • Luoma, J., Hayes, S. C., & Walser, R. D. (2007). Learning Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Skills Training Manual for Therapists. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
  • Luoma, J., Hayes, S. C., & Walser, R. (2017). Learning ACT (2nd edition). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
  • Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K., & Wilson, K. G. (2012). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd edition). New York: Guilford Press.
Day 2 | ACT Model and Methods | Robyn Walser
  • Describe the state of ACT as an evidence-based treatment.
  • Describe and demonstrate use of perspective-taking and its relationship to creating flexibility.
  • Describe and demonstrate how committed action and values clarification work together in creating meaning and behavioral goals.
  • Explain how ACT can address multiple clinical issues and presenting problems.
  • Define the essential characteristics of the therapeutic relationship from an ACT point of view, including intrapersonal and interpersonal processes.
  • Describe the ACT therapeutic stance.
  • Describe and demonstrate the ACT therapeutic relationship and its core competencies.

References:

  • Luoma, J., Hayes, S. C., & Walser, R. D. (2007). Learning Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A Skills Training Manual for Therapists. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
  • Luoma, J., Hayes, S. C., & Walser, R. (2017). Learning ACT (2nd edition). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
  • Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K., & Wilson, K. G. (2012). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd edition). New York: Guilford Press.
Day 3 | The Therapeutic Relationship | Kelly Wilson
  • Describe the role of acceptance and mindfulness processes in mindful interviewing.
  • Describe the role of values and committed action processes in mindful interviewing.
  • Facilitate mindful interviewing with values content.
  • Facilitate mindful interviewing with painful content.
  • Describe the role of perspective-taking in the mindful interview.
  • Use shifts in perspective-taking to facilitate mindful engagement in values work.
  • Use shifts in perspective-taking to facilitate self-compassion in the face of suffering.

References:

  • Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K., & Wilson, K. G. (2012). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd edition). New York: Guilford Press.
  • Wilson, K., & DuFrene, T. (2009). Mindfulness for Two. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
  • Wilson, K. & DuFrene, T. (2010). Things might go terribly, horribly wrong. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
Day 4 | Skills-Building Intensive | Steven C. Hayes
  • Describe how psychological flexibility processes apply to the therapeutic relationship.
  • Describe the three overall and essential functions of the ACT clinician regarding psychological flexibility in the therapy session.
  • Describe at least one way of reading each flexibility process as it shows up in session.
  • Demonstrate the ability to detect flexibility-relevant material in session.
  • Describe at least one generally useful method of opening the door to each of the flexibility processes in session.
  • Demonstrate the ability to shift the focus to any flexibility target.
  • Demonstrate the ability to respond to any client statement from any flexibility process.

References:

  • Luoma, J., Hayes, S. C., & Walser, R. (2017). Learning ACT (2nd edition). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.
  • Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K., & Wilson, K. G. (2012). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd edition). New York: Guilford Press.
  • Hayes, S. C., & Lillis, J. (2012) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Washington, DC: American Psychology Association.
Evening Session Pt. 1: Role Play Demonstrations-Flexible Implementation of ACT | Robyn Walser | 2 CE hours
  • Identify ways to use core psychological flexibility processes to focus on interpersonal connection and being bold in therapy
  • Identify ways to use core psychological flexibility processes to foster creative hopelessness
  • Demonstrate the flexible use of multiple core processes in a single episode of contact with a client

References:

  • Luoma, J., Hayes, S.C., & Walser, R. (2017). Learning ACT (2nd Ed.). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications
  • Harris, R. (2013). Getting unstuck in ACT: A Clinicians guide to overcoming common obstacles in acceptance and commitment therapy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.
  • Westrup, D., & Wright, M.J. (2017). Learning ACT for group treatment: An acceptance and commitment therapy skills training manual for therapists. Oakland, CA: Context Press
Evening Session Pt. 2: Role Play Demonstrations-Flexible Implementation of ACT | Robyn Walser & Kelly Wilson | 2 CE hours
  • Identify ways to use core psychological flexibility processes with challenging or stuck clients
  • Identify ways to use core psychological flexibility processes to focus on qualities of the interpersonal relationship
  • Explain how integrating ACT into your practice can positively impact your work with clients

References:

  • Harris, R. (2009). ACT made simple: An easy-to-read primer on acceptance and commitment therapy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications
  • Wilson, K.G., & DuFrene, T. (2009). Mindfulness for two: An acceptance and commitment therapy approach to mindfulness in psychotherapy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications
  • Torneke, N. (2017). Metaphor in Practice: A professional guide to using the science of language in psychotherapy. Oakland, CA: Context Press
Evening Session Pt. 3: Role Play Demonstrations-Flexible Implementation of ACT | Kelly Wilson & Steven Hayes | 2 CE hours
  • Identify ways to use multiple processes as part of a case conceptualization based on psychological flexibility
  • Identify ways to shift among core psychological flexibility processes quickly, flexibly, and effectively
  • Demonstrate the flexible use of selected core processes as individual processes

References:

  • Harris, R. (2009). ACT questions and answers: A practitioners guide to 150 common sticking points in acceptance and commitment therapy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications
  • Hayes, S.C., & Smith, S. (2005). Get out of your mind & into your life: The new acceptance and commitment therapy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications
  • Stoddard, J.A., & Afari, N. (2014). The big book of ACT metaphors: A practitioners guide to experiential exercises and metaphors in acceptance and commitment therapy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications

Continuing Education

Please review complete CE and conflict-of-interest disclosure information prior to registering. This course is jointly sponsored by Praxis CET and Institute for Better Health (IBH) and is approved for Up to 32 CE Hours by the following:

  • APA – Psychologists
  • BACB – Behavior Analysts
  • NBCC – National Counselors
  • NAADAC – Drug & Alcohol Counselors
  • NY State – Counselors and Social Workers
  • Other State Level Counselors, MFTs, and Social Workers
  • WESPSB – Educators
  • ACCME – Physicians
  • ANCC – Nurses
  • Social Work - The state of CA recognizes APA for Social Work approval
  • Social Work - The state of OR recognizes APA and NAADAC for Social Work approval

Prerequisites

None.

Audience

For mental health professionals, beginner to advanced.

Recommended Reading

Luoma, J., Hayes, S. C., & Walser, R. (2017). Learning ACT (2nd ed.). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.

Harris, R. (2009). ACT made simple: An easy-to-read primer on acceptance and commitment therapy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.

References

Luoma, J., Hayes, S. C., & Walser, R. (2017). Learning ACT (2nd ed.). Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.

Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K., & Wilson, K. G. (2012). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd edition). New York, NY: Guilford Press.

Walser, R. D. (20013). Love and the human condition. In T.B. Kashdan & J. Ciarrochi (Eds.) Mindfulness, acceptance, and positive psychology: The seven foundations of well-being. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.

Refund and Cancellation Policy

We understand, sometimes things come up!

Praxis will offer a full refund to registrants of both live and live-online trainings who cancel their registration up to 14 days before the course or workshop start date, minus an administrative processing fee of $30 for a 2-day workshop or online course, and a $50 fee for a 4-day workshop. If cancelled within 14 days, no refund will be issued, however, a credit for the same amount will be applied toward another learning product, which expires within 1 year. Please email us at events@praxiscet.zendesk.com to cancel a registration.

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February 20–23, 2020
11:00am–7:30pm

Available Discounts

  • Groups of 3 or more professionals receive 20% off at checkout
  • Register by January 9 to save $50 on professional registrations
  • Student registrations are not eligible for ANY discounts
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