Learning ACT from within with the ACT question

Description: This is an experiential workshop, in which our self-exploration will be guided by the ACT question. This question encapsulates the ACT model and offers us a compass for our therapeutic stance and interventions as well as a compass for living and interacting with others.

[The ACT question: Given a distinction between you and the experiences you are struggling with, are you willing to have these experiences, fully and without defense, as they are, and not as they say they are, and do what takes you in the direction, of your chosen values, at this time, in this situation?

Educational objectives:

1. Building a conceptual understanding of the different elements in the ACT question.

2. Building an Experiential understanding of the ACT question through self-exploration, guided by ACT question meditation. 

3. Practicing the use of the ACT question as a therapeutic compass in role/real plays.

Program outline:

1. Delivering a conceptual explanation of the different elements in the ACT question

2. Delivering an experiential taste of the ACT question through guided ACT question meditation

3. Demonstration of the use of the ACT question in a therapeutic dialog

Bibliography

1. Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2016). *Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change* (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.

2. Harris, R. (2009). *ACT Made Simple: An Easy-to-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy*. New Harbinger Publications.

3. Walser, R. D., & Westrup, D. (2007). *The Mindful Couple: How Acceptance and Mindfulness Can Lead You to the Love You Want*. New Harbinger Publications.

4. Carmody, J., & Baer, R. A. (2008). *Relationships Between Mindfulness Practice and Levels of Mindfulness, Medical and Psychological Symptoms and Well-Being in a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction Program*. Journal of Behavioral Medicine, 31(1), 23-33.

5. Baer, R. A. (2003). *Mindfulness Training as a Clinical Intervention: A Conceptual and Empirical Review*. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 10(2), 125-143.

Ran Almog

I am a clinical psychologist in private practice in Tel Aviv. I practice ACT for 15 years as my main psychotherapeutic orientation. My ACT teaching is informed by my theoretical knowledge, by my clinical experience and by my long-time spiritual practice in non-dual meditation.