ACTing it out: using chairwork to enliven your sessions

Chairwork represents a collection of experiential therapeutic methods and a medium for providing therapy. Used for over 100 years, many therapists regard it as one of the most powerful and exciting ways of working. This experiential, exploratory, and practice-focused workshop will introduce the four ‘pillars’ of chairwork and how they can be incorporated into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Attendees will have the opportunity to observe and practice methods for working with values, supporting cognitive defusion, working with self-narratives and self-multiplicity, and enacting ACT metaphors.

A common question people ask is can chairwork be used in an online therapy? The answer is absolutely yes! Matt and Tobyn have published research on just this topic and will cover key practical methods to successfully adapt chairwork to an online environment.

Attendees are expected to have a good working knowledge of ACT.

For those seeking an introductory ACT course, you’ll find an on-demand course  presented by Joe Oliver  here.

Learning points

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

-Use enactive methods to facilitate cognitive defusion and flexibility

-Bring ACT metaphors to life via dramatic means

-Work with self-narratives and self-multiplicity in novel ways

-Integrate chairwork into your ACT practice

Feedback from Matt and Tobyn’s previous workshop

This is a great training. It was incredibly useful for my practice, learned a lot. The real plays and opportunities for us to practice were invaluable! Will recommend this training!

Maria João Martins, Clinical psychologist

I really enjoyed it – it was so smooth, the demonstrations felt authentic and encouraged me to also be authentic in my roleplays in the practice parts – so I could really experience the power of this technique.

Sarah Huibregtse Van Loon – Psychological therapist

The online course “ACTing it out: Using Chairwork to Enliven Your Sessions” presents a great blend of theoretical depth and engaging practical exercises. The instructor’s expertise in chairwork and ACT can be noticed throughout the course, illuminating the subject matter with insightful commentary and a profound understanding the principles behind the practice. The course dynamics are thoughtfully crafted, promoting an active learning environment that is both stimulating and supportive. The course’s positive atmosphere, combined with the teacher’s expertise, makes for an enriching educational experience that can genuinely enhance the therapeutic practice of its attendees.

Paulo Gomes – Clinical psychologist and professor

Who would benefit from this workshop?

This workshop is for clinicians, including psychologists, psychotherapists, and BCBAs who would like to make their work more action-packed. it is aimed at practitioners with no prior training and/or experience using chairwork.

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.