ACT for adolescents: beginners training
DNA-V: the innovative approach to helping young people aged 12-24 years
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:
- Read how DNA-v has been helping care leavers in the UK (British Psychological Society article October 2020, “Forging brighter futures with young care leavers” by Duncan Gillard, Louise Hayes, Aoife McNally and Kate Wills)
- Read the first chapter of The Thriving Adolescent
- Read the first chapter of What Makes You Stronger
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 admin@contextualconsulting.co.uk 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.