From a client perspective, the terms “therapist” and “counsellor” are often used interchangeably, which can sometimes lead to confusion. While both roles involve supporting individuals in improving their mental health and emotional wellbeing, there are distinctions in their focus, training, and scope of practice. Understanding and explaining these differences can help ensure that our clients […]
In psychological practice, especially within an ACT framework, “end of life” refers to the period leading up to death, often involving terminal illness or limited life expectancy. People in this phase may experience fear, sadness, regret, isolation, or a search for meaning, and often seek therapy to process these emotions, strengthen relationships, and come to […]
Sometimes the simplest tools and techniques can help us uncover profound truths. One such tool is the non-dominant handwriting exercise, a powerful experiential practice designed to evoke raw, primal emotions and encourage deeper self-awareness. What is the exercise? At its core, this exercise is deceptively simple: participants are asked a series of questions and asked […]
At Contextual Consulting we are passionate about ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) as a unique and dynamic approach to creating meaningful change. Have you noticed though, that over time, we tend to develop some distinctive habits and sayings, plus own a collection of props and tools that reflect the approach too. Our team listed a […]
Highly skilled ACT practitioners bring creativity, nuance, and a deep understanding of psychological flexibility to their therapeutic work. Beyond the foundational ACT processes, advanced practitioners refine their skills to address complex and rigid client patterns, using subtle yet powerful techniques that help clients move toward meaningful, values-guided lives. These therapists artfully blend metaphors, mindfulness, values, […]
Living with a physical health condition comes with a unique set of challenges – not just the symptoms themselves, but also the unhelpful beliefs and myths surrounding what it means to live well with a health condition. These myths can keep people stuck, disconnected, or disheartened, making it harder for them to move forward in […]
The underlying themes everyone is talking about Adolescence as a part of the lifespan is a wild ride; messy, beautiful and often confusing. Netflix’s series Adolescence captures this pivotal life stage with raw honesty, showing the emotional lows of teenage years and the current context of being a teen, at least in the UK. But […]
Some papers that caught our eye! Women have made remarkable contributions to science, breaking barriers and challenging societal norms to advance knowledge and innovation. This is very true for the ACT community, and the contribution of women in ACT has been invaluable. In honour of International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11th) […]
Here’s Dr Joe Oliver’s take of Inside Out 2, from a clinical psychologist and ACT therapist perspective: As a fan of the first movie and its powerful message about embracing difficult emotions, I was keen to check out how this sequel might tackle adolescence and the challenges of puberty. As a reminder, in the first […]
Navigating difficult conversations is a reality we all face, whether in personal relationships, professional settings, or therapeutic environments. Having the right approach can make all the difference in how these conversations unfold. In this short video taken from our expert tips for ACT series, Dr Ray Owen shares a technique that he uses, particularly during […]
Psychological flexibility is a vital skill that allows our clients to adapt to changing circumstances and respond effectively to their internal experiences, thoughts and emotions. It is akin to being both strong and mentally supple; essential for navigating the complexities of modern life. Whether you’re looking to improve your own mental health, enhance your performance, […]
As schools in the UK begin returning to the classrooms and we all start getting back into those ‘normal’ routines we thought it would be a fun idea to challenge ourselves to create the A-Z of ACT, 26 key concepts and phrases that we can all use to enhance our therapy outcomes, using the core […]
One of the biggest problems facing healthcare today is the issue of chronic pain. Patients who have tried numerous interventions over the years, but have yet to find adequate pain relief, and they will often present to healthcare providers asking, “What’s next? What can you do for me now?“. Managing chronic pain often requires a […]
For elite athletes, coaches and managers participating in high-stakes tournaments, the pressure to perform is immense. Not only are they representing their teams and countries, but competitors, teammates and passionate fans watch their every move. In this environment, it’s obviously crucial that athletes have all been taught the mental fortitude and psychological skills to thrive […]
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