Exploring the history of ACBS UK/ROI: A journey of community, belonging, and purpose
For those who couldn’t attend the association of contextual behavioural science (ACBS) conference. Here is a brief summary of the presentation that our founder Dr Joe Oliver gave to attendees, exploring the past, present and future of ACT and the importance of the ACBS community.
Each of us are part of an unbreakable chain of people going back and forward in time. Back to our first ancestor at the beginning of time and into the future to the end of time. Each of us in this chain of people have our arms interlocked with those on either side us. We are unbreakable. Together, immortal.
Owen Eastwood, author of Belonging
The origins of ACT
ACT emerged in the late 20th century when behavioural therapies were facing significant competition from cognitive-behavioural approaches. Despite initial resistance—marked by territorial attitudes within the UK cognitive community and scepticism towards new methodologies—ACT began to gain traction. Here Joe highlighted key milestones, such as the first ACT manual and early randomised controlled trials, which laid the groundwork for its acceptance. Here you can view and save the timeline slides for your own records:
Download the ACT timeline
The present: ACT’s growing influence
Today, ACT has matured into a widely recognised therapy, with over 200,000 individuals trained annually and millions engaging with ACT literature every year. The WHOs most downloaded document is even an ACT self help book!
There is also significant research backing ACT, including 1155 randomized controlled trials, indicating its solid foundation in empirical evidence. However, challenges remain, such as measurement issues and ensuring that both scientists and practitioners have a voice in the ongoing development of the therapy.
Exploring our “Us” story
A transcendental qualitative framework was used to analyse the data, utilising phenomenological discourse synthesis and thematic resonance analysis. This process involved iterative reflexive feedback loops, creating a hermeneutic fusion interface that allowed diverse interpretations to converge, shedding light on the holistic interpretive synergy and enrich our understanding of the interviewees perspectives. Through interviews with community members, three core themes emerged:
- Belonging: Early practitioners spoke of a strong sense of community, where diverse voices were welcomed and collaboration flourished.
- Acceptance: The ethos of ACT promotes authenticity, encouraging individuals to embrace their true selves without fear of exclusion.
- Purpose: Many expressed a deep desire to understand and alleviate human suffering, driving their commitment to the principles of ACT.
The future: Building a stronger community
Joe outlined a vision for the future, emphasising the need to evolve past existing frameworks while remaining true to ACT’s foundational principles. Key strategies include nurturing inclusivity, enhancing connections with other disciplines, and overcoming language barriers.
We (psychological researchers) are just onto one of the hardest scientific problems ever. If anyone wants an easier field, I suggest quantum physics.
Steven Hayes (2022)
ACBS is dedicated to the alleviation of human suffering and the advancement of human well-being through research and practice grounded in contextual behavioural science. We hope that this presentation served as a powerful reminder that creating a culture of safety, vulnerability, and shared purpose is essential for the ongoing success of ACBS. Through prioritising these values, the community can continue to grow and make a meaningful impact on mental health globally. As we reflect on the journey of ACBS UK, it is clear that the commitment to belonging, acceptance, and purpose will guide us toward a brighter future in behavioural science.
