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ACT for adolescents: beginners training

DNA-V: the innovative approach to helping young people aged 12-24 years

12 hours
12 CE credits
Introductory
Recording available for 6 months
Psychologists, therapists, youth workers, coaches, BCBAs, physicians, CBT therapists

ACT offers an impactful, creative and fun way to work with teenagers and young people to help them improve mental health, build resilience and flourish in life. Join Dr Louise Hayes, clinical psychologist and international expert as she takes you through an engaging and deeply practical introduction to DNA-V and ACT. DNA-V (discoverer, noticer, advisor and values) is a psychological framework created by Louise for young people that makes ACT developmental, neuroaffirming, and links to growth.

What you will learn

Developmental. Easy. Ground-breaking. That’s how past attendees describe this workshop, which presents a solid scientific approach to working with young people.   DNA-V has become a game-changer in how people implement ACT worldwide. In this workshop, you’ll learn a therapy that allows you to use ACT, polyvagal theory, positive psychology and more – all inside a solid foundation that can be readily applied with young people.

This approach is now being used in schools, clinics and everywhere that young people seek help, and Louise cannot wait to share it with you. DNA-V has initiated research trials and school curricula , becoming a leading treatment paradigm in many settings worldwide, such as CAMHS and school counselling services.

Learning objectives

You’ll learn the key behaviour change processes that help you engage teenagers and young people (ages 12-24) in counselling/therapy or well-being support.

Sessions 1 and 2 will give you the foundations:

  • Learn and apply each process to values, thoughts, feelings and actions
  • Understand context and function for young people
  • Conduct an assessment and treatment plan using DNA-V
  • Practice experiential exercises that you can use with young people

Sessions 3 and 4 will teach you how to work with self-identity and social issues:

  • Dive deeper into process and therapy for children, teenagers and young people
  • Learn how to work with the adolescent self
  • Learn how to work on youth self-criticism, self-compassion and achievement
  • Learn how to build stronger social connections.
  • Learn how to target specific issues with treatment plans (anxiety, bullying etc)

This live online workshop will be split into four sessions (spread over two weeks).

You’ll be able to enhance your learning and get time to practice in between. The course will have experiential techniques, breakouts into small group discussions, and of course, fun.

You will receive:

  • Electronic handouts
  • Access to the recording for 6 months
  • Bonus materials for use with young people

If you’re new to DNA-V, you can start learning right now:

Who would benefit from this workshop?

This workshop is suitable for all professionals who work with young people, including psychologists, BCBA’s, counsellors, social workers, teachers etc. You do not need any prior knowledge of ACT.

There is no pre-requisite training. There will be compulsory reading before attending to familiarise you with DNA-V.

Feedback from previous attendees

“I loved the exercises which brought the concepts and approach to life. Louise is so skilled and knowledgeable and so human. Thanks for this experience!”
Majella Cogan Accredited CBT Therapist UK

“Overall excellent introduction to the concepts and practical application”
Clinical Psychologist

“Engaging and extremely useful content. Brilliant and enjoyable learning experience.”
Sanja Taylor, Head of People

Your workshops are always excellent value for money, have a great balance of theory and practice, and feature some of the best speakers in the world on ACT related topics.”
Sarah Monk, Clinical and Coaching Psychologist

Group booking discounts

Contextual Consulting offer discounts for groups of people from the same organisation e.g. an NHS Trust that does not have a contract arrangement with us.

Please email us here  to arrange a group discount or find out more about our CPD contracts here.

At the end of the workshop you will be able to : 

  • Apply values, thoughts, feelings, and actions processes effectively with young people.
  • Conduct assessments and treatment plans using the DNA-V model.
  • Utilise experiential exercises for engaging with young individuals.
  • Enhance skills in working with self-identity and social issues in children and teenagers.
  • Develop strategies for addressing self-criticism, fostering self-compassion, and promoting achievement in young individuals.
  • Tailor treatment plans to target specific issues like anxiety and bullying in youth therapy.

If you have disability and require adjustments or accommodation, please email us at to discuss your needs and we will do our best to help you.

Booking cancellation 

The registration fee will be refunded minus a administration charge if cancellations are received at least two weeks before the workshop date.

Cancellations within two weeks of the event date are charged the full registration fee, other than in exceptional circumstances that can be verified.

Event cancellation 
In the event of cancellation of the course outside of our control we will not be held accountable for travel and/or accommodation costs incurred. However, the workshop fees will be refunded.

All workshops will be subject to minimum delegate numbers being met; in the event that a workshop should be cancelled delegates will be given no less than 2 months’ notice.

Replacing delegates

If a delegate is unable to attend and a replacement is nominated there may be a charge depending on the individual circumstances, this will be advised at the time. Please contact the us to request a replacement of delegates at least a week before the workshop date.

Contextual Consulting is committed to the identification and resolution of potential conflicts of interest in the planning, promotion, delivery, and evaluation of continuing education. Potential conflicts of interest occur when an individual assumes a professional role in the planning, promotion, delivery, or evaluation of continuing education where personal, professional, legal, financial, or other interests could reasonably be expected to impair their objectivity, competence, or effectiveness.

There was no commercial support for this event. None of the planners or presenters for this educational activity have relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients.

APA psychologists: This program is sponsored by Contextual Consulting and is approved for 12 CE credits for psychologists. 

Behaviour analysts: This workshop is available for 12 BACB Learning CEUs. Contextual Consulting is an approved BACB ACE Provider # OP-20-3415.

Nationally certified counselors: This Workshop is available for 12 credit hours. Contextual Consulting Ltd. has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7578. 

To find out more, including attendance requirements and how to access your certificate, go to our continuing education information page.

ACT for adolescents: beginners training
4 sessions: 8th - 16th Oct 2025
Starts: 8th Oct 2025: 4:30 AM (New York time)
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$312.00 (+ VAT if applicable). Early-bird rate valid until 27th Jun 2025 and then the normal price of US$390.00 + VAT will apply.
Student price US$195.00   Select:

FAQs

To find out more, including attendance requirements and how to access your certificate, go to our continuing education information page.

To access this workshop you will need a stable internet connection and a set of smart phone ear buds with built in microphone. Your internet speed should be a minimum of 1.5mbs  DOWNLOAD & UPLOAD. You can check that here at www.speedtest.net

We will have dedicated technicians on hand throughout the entire duration of the workshop. They will be there to help you manage any issues that may come up and get you back in to the workshop again. Also, if you think there may be a problem, be it with your work access or anything else, you can log in early to check if things are working for you, and be prepared. There may of course be technical issues that come up on your end, which will be your responsibility to look after. But these are rare and we have an extra handy troubleshooting guide that comes with tips and tricks to deal with any problems.

Yes! As long as you have access to a web browser and you’re connected to the internet, you will be able to attend. It’s that simple – all you need to do is go to the webpage link, login and you’re set to go. You can join the workshop on any device including your home computer or iPad. You can even join in using your smart phone.

Yes, we have a special portal in the system to allow you to connect with other participants joining via the workshop.

You just need a computer (PC or Mac), laptop or tablet that can access the internet. You need a good broadband speed that would allow you to comfortably stream a movie (such as a video on YouTube).

Yes, a video of the presentation will be available to you for up to 6 months after the workshop is finished.  You’ll be able to go back over any part of the workshop to review or check anything that you missed. You also don’t actually have to attend the live workshop – if you’re not able to make it on the actual date, you can still login afterwards and watch the recorded version.

Yes, you will receive a CPD certificate.

Absolutely. You will be able to ask the presenter questions, just as you would in any workshop. You’ll also have the extra benefit of being able to interact with other colleagues who have also joined the workshop.

It’s super simple. All you need to do is follow a link that you will be provided prior to the course, along with instructions.

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