Accelerating your ACT training: Strategies for success

Anyone that already uses ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) will understand that it is a powerful approach, emphasising psychological flexibility and the ability to engage with the present moment. However, while many practitioners will know of, and start with these basics, the journey to mastering ACT can sometimes stagnate. For example, we might use the hexaflex and the core principles but find it difficult to move fluidly between the different sections to make appropriate interventions. Or we easily become fixated on the same tried and tested methods, missing the opportunity for new and transformational strategies to be employed.

If you’re looking to refresh and accelerate your ACT training, we’ve gathered some thoughts to help you decide where to start:

1: Identify your training needs

To truly advance in ACT, it’s essential to pinpoint what kind of training will benefit you the most. Are you looking to deepen your general ACT process skills, or do you want to apply these skills to specific challenges?

ACT is a multifaceted therapeutic approach that applies to many different mental health issues, so training typically fall into two categories:

• Skills development: These sessions focus on fundamental ACT processes like psychological flexibility, acceptance skills, and values clarification. They aim to equip you with a versatile toolkit applicable in diverse contexts.
• Specialised workshops: If you have a particular area you wish to focus on, such as ACT for anxiety or neurodivergence, these sessions dive deep into specific issues, ensuring a shared understanding among participants and exploring tailored applications of ACT principles.

A well-structured training session will stress the importance of customising ACT processes to fit individual needs. For instance, adapting mindfulness techniques for clients experiencing unique challenges, such as psychosis, is crucial for effective practice.

Another example might be, using values clarification exercises with clients who are struggling with depression. For these clients, identifying and connecting with their core values could be particularly challenging due to feelings of hopelessness and disconnection. A tailored approach might involve gentle, guided discussions that help clients explore what truly matters to them, even in small ways. By breaking down the process into manageable steps and using supportive techniques, you can empower clients to gradually reconnect with their values, subtly motivating and engaging them in their therapeutic journey.

2. Challenge yourself

If your current training isn’t pushing you, it’s time to shake things up. Here are two effective ways to do so:

1. Look for intermediate/advanced training sessions: Engage in more complex training sessions, like those focused on relational frame theory (RFT). These advanced topics will stretch your understanding and application of ACT principles.
2. Clinical supervision: Collaborating with an ACT expert who specialises in your target demographic can provide personalised guidance. This mentorship will help you navigate challenges and refine your skills. Learn more about Contextual Consulting supervision on our dedicated page.

3. Embrace the experiential

Immersive, experiential learning is a cornerstone of effective ACT training. It allows you to engage actively in exercises that embody ACT principles, reinforcing your understanding and application of the techniques. Here’s why we love them:

• Active engagement: Participating in hands-on activities promotes deeper integration of ACT concepts into your therapeutic repertoire, the more you engage, the more you learn.
• Dynamic learning environment: Experiential methods generate discussion, reflection, and collaboration, creating a richer learning atmosphere. This interactive approach enhances retention and practical application of ACT principles in real-life settings.

By actively participating in your learning process, you’ll create greater empathy and understanding of the potential of ACT techniques, giving you confidence when deploying them and ultimately elevating your practice.

4. Learn from different trainers

Most of us have been to a course, had a fantastic experience and then followed that speaker to every future event, liking and sharing all their content on social media. This is great for personal engagement and enjoyment but one of the ways to stretch yourself with ACT is by learning from a diverse array of trainers. Each trainer brings their unique experiences, insights, and techniques to the table. Here’s why this is beneficial:

• Varied perspectives: Different trainers may emphasise various aspects of ACT or apply the principles in differing and distinctive ways. This exposure allows you to see the versatility and adaptability of ACT, helping you find methods that resonate with your style but that you perhaps had missed previously.
• Innovative techniques: Learning from multiple trainers can introduce you to new strategies and tools that you might not encounter in a single training context. This breadth of knowledge enables you to expand your toolkit, making you a more versatile practitioner.
• Networking opportunities: Engaging with different trainers can also connect you with a broader community of practitioners. This network can be invaluable for sharing resources, discussing challenges, and offering support.
• Personal growth: Observing how different trainers handle similar issues can inspire you to refine your approach. You may discover new ways to engage clients or navigate complex therapeutic situations, building your own professional growth.

5. Reflect and adapt

It’s easy to finish a training session, close the laptop or notebook and think that is the job done. Instead, after each training session, try to take the time to reflect on what you’ve learned and how you can apply it in your practice. Consider keeping a journal to document your thoughts, experiences, and the techniques you want to try with clients.

Adapting ACT processes to the individual needs of your clients is crucial. Reflecting on your training can help you identify how to modify techniques for specific contexts, enhancing your effectiveness as a therapist.

 

Learn how to keep your work fresh, organic and deeply functional by applying ACT in a fluid and flexible way, with our upcoming session with Lou Lasprugato: ACT intermediate-level skills masterclass: Process-based functional analysis to shape psychological flexibility. Sharpen your ACT skills through grounding your approach in contextual behavioural principles and the latest cutting-edge developments in process-based therapy. Learn how to detect and code across the dimensions of psychological flexibility to maximise the impact of your therapy.

Mastering ACT is a journey that requires intention, challenge, and active engagement. As you embark on this journey, remember that growth often happens outside of your comfort zone. Embrace the challenges, and you will see your practice flourish.

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