The heart of acceptance and commitment therapy
Learn from one of the ACT world’s most renowned therapists
At the core of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) lies the fundamental truth that life includes suffering. But this is only the starting point. The true power of ACT lies in helping clients transcend this pain to lead richer, more meaningful lives. This intermediate-level workshop is designed to help you move beyond foundational techniques and deepen your ability to embody the “heart” of ACT. By focusing on process-based work and functional analysis, this workshop will guide you towards a more fluid, experiential therapeutic approach.
Taught by Robyn Walser, a globally renowned ACT therapist and trainer, this workshop offers a unique opportunity to learn directly from one of the field’s most skilled and compassionate practitioners.
Background to the workshop
ACT is often described as being done with “head, hands, and heart.” To engage the “head,” we draw on intellectual understanding and verbal knowledge. The “hands” represent behaviour, the physical actions essential to creating change. But for many practitioners, the “heart” of ACT—connecting with the deeper, experiential processes of therapy—can remain elusive.
ACT challenges us to engage in flexible, process-based interventions that are consistent, meaningful, and deeply connected to both the therapist’s and client’s humanity. However, attending to the multiple levels of process present in every therapeutic encounter requires skill, presence, and intention. This workshop addresses the need to move beyond basic techniques and into a heartfelt, transformative space as an ACT practitioner.
What you will gain from this workshop
By attending this workshop, you will:
- Develop expertise in the art and science of ongoing functional analysis within therapy.
- Learn to identify and connect the multiple levels of process present in ACT.
- Deepen your ability to create an experiential and heartfelt therapeutic relationship.
- Gain tools to enhance your flexibility and process-based approach in therapy.
- Observe and learn from live demonstrations by Robyn Walser, an expert ACT therapist.
These skills will help you refine your therapeutic practice and elevate your work to a more profound, process-driven level.
About this workshop
This intermediate-level workshop will be taught by Robyn Walser, a master ACT therapist and trainer whose work is globally recognised for its depth and authenticity. The workshop combines a range of teaching methods, including:
- Mini-lectures to provide theoretical context.
- Live role-plays to demonstrate concepts in action.
- Experiential exercises to engage you in heartfelt, practical learning.
Robyn’s unique teaching style emphasises authenticity, presence, and connection, making this workshop both inspiring and deeply practical.
Who will benefit from this workshop?
This workshop is designed for therapists and psychologists familiar with the ACT model who are looking to deepen their skills and move beyond basic techniques. It is suitable for those seeking to refine their process-based approach and enhance their ability to work experientially with clients.
Please note: Attendees are expected to have a basic working knowledge of ACT. For those seeking introductory ACT courses, explore available options here.
Feedback from previous attendees
“It was beautifully authentic, reflective, and captivating.” – Steve Wharmby
“Empowering and inspiring.” – NN
“The parts I found most useful were the role plays with Robyn and seeing her in action, seeing the power of slowing things down, the intrapersonal and tuning in to the thin slices. Excellent training.” – C. Lawrence
“This has probably been the best training I have ever been on.” – Terry McGuilles
APA psychologists: This program is sponsored by Contextual Consulting and is approved for 6 CE credits for psychologists. Contextual Consulting is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Contextual Consulting maintains responsibility for this program and its content.
Nationally certified counselors: This workshop is available for 6 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.
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.
Walser, R. D. (2019). The heart of ACT: Developing a flexible, process-based, and client-centered practice using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. New Harbinger Publications.
After this workshop, participants will be able to:
- Conduct nuanced and ongoing functional analyses within therapy to tailor interventions to the client's unique processes and context.
- Identify and skilfully work with multiple levels of process present in acceptance and commitment therapy, enhancing your ability to adapt interventions fluidly.
- Foster a deeply experiential and heartfelt therapeutic relationship that aligns with the principles of ACT and connects with clients’ humanity.
- Apply advanced tools and strategies to enhance your flexibility and process-based approach, creating more meaningful therapeutic outcomes.
- Integrate learning from live demonstrations into your practice, drawing on the expertise and techniques showcased by Robyn Walser.