Knowledge hub
Behaviour analysis and ACT
What is behaviour analysis? Behaviour analysis is a scientific approac ...
Read moreProSocial: supporting cooperative, values-led groups
The ‘ProSocial’ approach is an evidence-informed method designed t ...
Read moreMenopause and ACT
Supporting women through a complex life transition Menopause is a prof ...
Read moreSHAPE framework of contextual behavioural supervision
An overview of SHAPE The SHAPE framework of contextual behavioural sup ...
Read moreAcceptance and commitment training for counselling
Counsellors typically support clients in addressing life challenges th ...
Read moreEnd of life and ACT
What do we mean by end of life? In the context of acceptance and commi ...
Read moreNeurodivergence in young people and ACT
Neurodiversity is a term that recognises the natural variations in hum ...
Read moreUsing ACT with young children
Young children between the ages of 5 to 9 encounter unique challenges ...
Read moreACT for women in leadership
What are the challenges often faced by women in leadership? Despite si ...
Read morePerinatal mental health and ACT
What do we mean when we refer to perinatal mental health? Perinatal me ...
Read moreRejection sensitivity dysphoria and ACT
What is rejection sensitivity dysphoria? Rejection sensitivity dysphor ...
Read moreWorkability in ACT
What is workability? The concept of workability is an important aspect ...
Read moreFunctional analysis and the ABC model
What is functional analysis? Functional analysis refers to the process ...
Read moreMultiple selves, CFT and ACT
What are ‘multiple selves’? Used in compassion-focused therapy (CF ...
Read moreEmotional efficacy and ACT
What do we mean by emotional efficacy? Emotional efficacy refers to an ...
Read moreInternal family systems (IFS) and ACT
What do we mean by internal family systems (IFS)? Internal family syst ...
Read moreImposter syndrome and ACT
What is imposter syndrome? Imposter syndrome is a psychological phenom ...
Read morePsychological flexibility
Embracing change for a meaningful life What is psychological flexibili ...
Read moreSEED model of ACT supervision
An overview of SEED The SEED model of acceptance and commitment therap ...
Read moreSelf-harm and suicidality in young people
Helping with self-harm and suicidality in therapy with young people is ...
Read moreFocused ACT: a brief and effective behavioural intervention
Introduction In the field of psychology and healthcare, Focused Accept ...
Read moreProcess-based behaviour therapy: an introduction
Process-based Behaviour Therapy (PBBT®) is an exciting new scientific ...
Read moreACT in the workplace
Recent statistics reveal that a significant proportion of British work ...
Read moreThe power of metaphors in ACT: illuminating perspectives and facilitating change
Metaphors have a long-standing tradition in therapeutic interventions, ...
Read moreWhat is acceptance and commitment (ACT) therapy?
An overview of ACT Acceptance and commitment therapy (said as one wor ...
Read moreACT for children and young people
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy tha ...
Read moreAddiction and ACT
What is addiction? Addiction is a complex condition characterised by c ...
Read morePsychosis and ACT
What is psychosis? Psychosis is a complex mental health condition char ...
Read moreSelf-esteem and ACT
What is self-esteem? Self-esteem refers to the overall subjective eval ...
Read moreChronic pain and ACT
What is chronic pain? Chronic pain refers to persistent or long-lastin ...
Read moreCreative hopelessness and ACT
What is creative hopelessness? Creative hopelessness is a term used in ...
Read moreDepression and ACT
What is depression? Depression is a mental health condition characteri ...
Read moreMindfulness and ACT
What is mindfulness? Mindfulness is a practice that involves bringing ...
Read moreEating disorders and ACT
What is an eating disorder? An eating disorder is a serious mental hea ...
Read moreProcrastination and ACT
What is procrastination? Procrastination refers to the act of delaying ...
Read morePhysical health and ACT
What is physical health? Physical health refers to the overall well-be ...
Read moreSleep problems and ACT
What can be defined as a sleep problem? Sleep problems, also known as ...
Read moreSelf-harm, suicidality and ACT
What is self-harm and suicidality? While self-harm and suicidality can ...
Read morePerfectionism and ACT
What is perfectionism? Perfectionism is a personality trait characteri ...
Read moreNeurodiversity and ACT
What is neurodiversity? Neurodiversity is a concept that recognises an ...
Read moreDNA-V - the ACT model for children and adolescents
What is DNA-V? DNA-V is a combination of acceptance and commitment the ...
Read moreWhy ACT for coaching?
What is acceptance and commitment coaching? Acceptance and commitment ...
Read moreOn-demand training
ON-DEMAND
2.5 hours ( 2.5 CE credits)
Working compassionately with our multiple selves
Russell Kolts
Read moreON-DEMAND
2 hours/ 2 ساعت
Understanding cognitive defusion from an RFT perspective
Hossein Saeedi / حسین سعیدی
Read moreON-DEMAND
2 hours
ACT in focus: navigating processes, procedures, and future directions
Richard Bennett
Read moreON-DEMAND
2.5 hours
Developing psychologically flexible children and adolescents
Darin Cairns
Read moreON-DEMAND
2 hours
Having difficult conversations: How psychological flexibility can help
Ray Owen
Read moreBlog: Latest insights into ACT
Bringing chairwork to life in online ACT therapy: A guide for practitioners
Online therapy has become an indispensable resource for mental health ...
Read more3 essential leadership skills: how ACT can transform the workplace
Leadership in the modern workplace is fraught with challenges. Balanci ...
Read moreStuck clients, stuck patterns: what supervision needs to notice
There’s a pattern that shows up in supervision that I find quie ...
Read moreWhy do autistic people and ADHDers feel RSD so intensely?
Guest blog from Jennifer Kemp Rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) is a ...
Read moreCommon issues facing adolescents and using ACT and DNA-V to support them
Adolescence is a time of significant growth, challenge, and opportunit ...
Read more5 common ACT traps: What behaviour analysis reveals
Acceptance and commitment therapy is not simply described as a behavio ...
Read moreACT for OCD: a clinical illustration of values-based exposure
A focused review of Capel & Twohig’s case study Why this paper ...
Read moreWorld Book Day 2026 - Save on these ACT books!
We’ve partnered with Hachette/New Harbinger to offer our followe ...
Read moreStories of menopause: ACT in action
Menopause is not simply a collection of symptoms. It is a biopsychosoc ...
Read moreEmbracing neurodivergence: How therapists can support hypercuriosity in ADHD
We recently spotted an insightful article from Sujata Gupta entitled & ...
Read moreWhy good intentions don’t build great teams
Most organisations consist of skilled, values-driven individuals who c ...
Read more“I feel anxious for no reason.” Why “Let’s notice what’s showing up right now” is such a useful ACT move
We recently ran a poll on Instagram: “Your client says, ‘I feel an ...
Read moreCBT vs ACT – how do they work with thoughts?
Changing content vs changing impact When it comes to psychological the ...
Read moreWhere to start with ACT
Develop your therapy skills in 2026! When learning acceptance and comm ...
Read more6 ways ACT can support people at the end of life
In psychological practice, especially within an ACT framework, “ ...
Read moreReflecting on 2025: A note from Joe
As 2025 draws to a close, it feels fitting to pause and take stock of ...
Read moreHow I came to ACT
By Dr Kristy Potter, clinical and training director and clinical psych ...
Read moreNavigating grief in the lead up to Christmas
Practical suggestions from ACT to help with grief The festive season i ...
Read moreUnderstanding ACT and autistic burnout
For practitioners working with autistic clients, particularly those wh ...
Read moreAdapting ACT for children and young people
10 practical ways to meet young people where they are Acceptance and c ...
Read moreWhy ACT supervision is different
A process of presence, values, and growth A new way of seeing supervis ...
Read moreIntroducing ACT into workplaces - how to do it
A practical guide for practitioners, organisational consultants, HR pr ...
Read moreThe self-help paradox: why we keep reading (and why that is not always a bad thing)
written by Joe Oliver I have a soft spot for self-help. Like many ps ...
Read moreSupporting psychological adjustment to chronic health conditions: An ACT-informed approach
Living with a chronic health condition involves more than managing phy ...
Read moreThe differences between therapy and counselling (and why ACT can work in both settings)
From a client perspective, the terms “therapist” and “counsellor ...
Read moreA 3-step strategy for managing insomnia: practical tips to help clients get restful nights
As ACT therapists, we understand that insomnia is not just about the p ...
Read moreEnhancing exposure and response prevention with ACT: Supporting teens who have OCD
Written by Dr Ben Sedley Ahead of our ACT for teens with OCD workshop, ...
Read moreCompassion meets flexibility: a new study on CFACT and what it means for ACT practitioners
As ACT practitioners, we’re no strangers to helping clients turn tow ...
Read moreWhen clients apologise for their emotions: An ACT perspective
It’s a moment many therapists will recognise. A client takes a breat ...
Read morePokemon: an insight into popular culture phenomena and special interests
Why we think it resonates When it comes to popular culture phenomena, ...
Read moreUnlocking vulnerability through non-dominant handwriting: An exercise for functional analytic psychotherapy
Sometimes the simplest tools and techniques can help us uncover profou ...
Read more9 things all ACT therapists do, say, or own
At Contextual Consulting we are passionate about ACT (acceptance and c ...
Read moreACT for insomnia: what recent research says about an emerging alternative to CBT-I
Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) remains the first-l ...
Read moreUnlocking the path to healing: can ACT help with chronic physical health conditions?
What are physical health problems? When we discuss physical health pro ...
Read more5 rules for Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP)
with Mavis Tsai Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), founded by Ma ...
Read moreHands as thoughts: how a simple metaphor can help you overcome worry, rumination and obsessions
Worry, rumination,, and obsessive thinking are common experiences that ...
Read moreBuilding connection and reducing isolation: Using ACT for psychosis
With Eric Morris Psychosis can be a profoundly isolating experience. F ...
Read more4 reasons why ACT is great for women in leadership
Leadership can be a rewarding but challenging journey, especially for ...
Read more7 ways group supervision is invaluable for ACT therapists
As ACT therapists, we ask our clients to do something brave: to sit wi ...
Read moreToddler mind: a mindful approach in ACT for perinatal mental health
When we think about mindfulness, it often conjures up images of serene ...
Read moreHow we, as men, can advocate for women in leadership: The role of ACT
Written by Joe Oliver As men, we have an important role to play in adv ...
Read moreA - Z of ACT metaphors
Metaphors help our clients understand and apply ACT principles like ac ...
Read moreEvery birth has a story: reflections from our team
Real experiences of the perinatal period Birth is one of the most prof ...
Read more6 things the best ACT therapists do differently
Highly skilled ACT practitioners bring creativity, nuance, and a deep ...
Read moreMaking metaphors matter: increasing their precision and impact
Metaphors are a cornerstone of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) ...
Read moreThe balance of connection and challenge in functional analytic psychotherapy
In the therapeutic space, the relationship between therapist and clien ...
Read moreKey myths about physical health – and how to bust them
Living with a physical health condition comes with a unique set of cha ...
Read moreUnderstanding rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) in ADHD, and the role of ACT
Rejection sensitivity dysphoria (RSD) is a term that has gained tracti ...
Read moreThe critical importance of early support and access to services for neurodivergent adolescents
Neurodivergence, which includes autism spectrum condition, attention d ...
Read moreWhat Netflix’s Adolescence gets right about teen psychology – through the lens of ACT
The underlying themes everyone is talking about Adolescence as a part ...
Read moreAccelerating your ACT training: Strategies for success
Anyone that already uses ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) will ...
Read moreBridging the gap: applying grief models to practical therapy techniques
Written by Dr Ray Owen You might have heard the saying, “There’s n ...
Read moreInternational Women’s Day 2025: Accelerating action
In the workplace, women often face unique challenges. While men and wo ...
Read moreWhy you need to know about emotion efficacy therapy to do ACT
You don’t necessarily need to know emotional efficacy therapy (EET) ...
Read morePromoting self-compassion for people with long-term health conditions using the ‘soothing hand’ exercise
Living with long-term physical health conditions can be challenging, o ...
Read moreCelebrating women in science within the ACT community
Some papers that caught our eye! Women have made remarkable contributi ...
Read moreTrainer profile: Yvonne Barnes-Holmes
Yvonne Barnes-Holmes is a highly accomplished academic and clinician w ...
Read more5 mindfulness myths and realities: Debunking common stereotypes
Mindfulness has become a buzzword in recent years, but it’s not ...
Read moreUsing Internal Family Systems (IFS) to complement ACT: addressing avoidance
Addressing experiential avoidance is a key aspect of ACT intervention, ...
Read moreEmbracing discomfort: The wrinkly sock metaphor in sports psychology
In the world of sports, anxiety is a familiar companion. Whether you&# ...
Read moreEnhancing your practice with the acceptance and commitment therapy - fidelity measure (ACT-FM)
It is key when learning and later applying ACT to ensure that there is ...
Read moreWorking with 'common' mental health disorders
Ahead of our intermediary workshop ACT for anxiety and depression with ...
Read moreUnderstanding clinical procrastination: insights from a social media poll
Towards the end of last year, we reached out to our social media follo ...
Read moreTaking the steps to becoming a more advanced ACT practitioner
When learning acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), many practition ...
Read moreTraining, supervision and therapy: A look back at 2024
As we build towards the end of another calendar year it’s a great ti ...
Read moreUnderstanding self-forgiveness: insights from an ACT therapy poll
Clients often bring struggles surrounding self-forgiveness into the th ...
Read moreUnderstanding the loop: a powerful analogy in PBBT
The loop is a simple yet profound analogy in process based behavioural ...
Read moreBeyond the stereotypes: A compassionate approach to working with anger in therapy
Written by Joe Oliver If I’m completely honest, I often feel dis ...
Read moreInside Out 2 from an ACT psychologist perspective
Here’s Dr Joe Oliver’s take of Inside Out 2, from a clinical p ...
Read moreACBS UK and Republic of Ireland chapter conference: keynote speaker summary
Exploring the history of ACBS UK/ROI: A journey of community, belongin ...
Read moreCelebrating world kindness day: embracing loving kindness meditation
As we celebrate World Kindness Day (observed annually on November 13th ...
Read moreHarnessing the power of chairwork in online ACT therapy
As the psychology world embraces online therapy as a convenient and ac ...
Read moreRFT: what is it good for? Absolutely everything.
by Joe Oliver, Clinical psychologist, founder of Contextual Consulting ...
Read moreMental health in the workplace: Tackling burnout with ACT
World Mental Health Day was created with the aim of raising awareness ...
Read moreUsing the science of procrastination to understand behaviours
Procrastination – the act of delaying tasks despite knowing the ...
Read moreFour steps to arrive at a difficult conversation – with Dr Ray Owen
Navigating difficult conversations is a reality we all face, whether i ...
Read moreIntegrating ACT approaches into CBT practice: finding the balance
In the field of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and ...
Read more4 tips to increase psychological flexibility
Psychological flexibility is a vital skill that allows our clients to ...
Read moreAn A-Z of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
As schools in the UK begin returning to the classrooms and we all star ...
Read moreFREE prize draw - Now closed
THIS PRIZE DRAW IS NOW CLOSED. WE WILL BE CONTACTING THE WINNER SHORTL ...
Read moreThe 5 love languages of neurodivergent people and how ACT can support well-being
For people with neurodivergence, ACT promotes the acceptance of one ...
Read morePsychological therapy for chronic pain
One of the biggest problems facing healthcare today is the issue of ch ...
Read moreThriving under pressure: Three ways ACT can support sports professionals
For elite athletes, coaches and managers participating in high-stakes ...
Read moreACT for the climate crisis – a climate change coaching perspective
Climate change presents the biggest behaviour change challenge the wor ...
Read moreThe impact of low emotional efficacy on wellbeing and performance
Emotional efficacy plays a crucial role in our overall wellbeing and p ...
Read moreHow to get the most out of your ACT training
I saw a comment recently in an online forum saying that most ACT train ...
Read moreThe four big myths about love and how ACT can help
We’ve all grown up surrounded by idealised depictions of love ...
Read moreRe-frame, re-train and re-connect with Hazel Anderson-Turner
Ahead of her upcoming course “ACTivate your coaching for beginne ...
Read moreSupporting children and young people's mental health – a necessity not a luxury
While the emotional well-being of our youth is acknowledged as a key c ...
Read moreMental health awareness week - Free introduction to ACT
Free introduction to ACT We’re supporting the Mental health foun ...
Read moreMastering the moves: What chess can teach us about therapy
Can chess teach us how to master therapy? During therapy sessions, the ...
Read moreACT for chronic pain - systematic review
Key findings 25 randomised controlled trials of ACT for chronic pain ...
Read moreACT in the workplace randomised controlled trial study
Background to the study Mindfulness interventions in the workplace hav ...
Read moreNeurodiversity celebration week - Supporting the mental health of people with neurodivergence
Neurodiversity celebration week is a global initiative that seeks to c ...
Read moreExploring the dual nature of perfectionism and how ACT therapy can support
Superpower or supervillain? Perfectionism, often seen as a hallmark of ...
Read moreExploring the effectiveness of ACT in easing stress among adolescents – a meta analytic review
The power of acceptance In today’s fast-paced world, stress has ...
Read moreACT as a workplace intervention: A path to employee well-being and performance
The importance of well-being at work At long last, many organisations ...
Read moreThe challenge of implementing ACT as a brief therapy: Navigating complexity when time is limited.
Finding an approach to therapy that suits both therapists and clients ...
Read moreSupervision: Meet the speaker (and an introduction to SEED)
At Contextual Consulting we’re proud to offer a full service for acc ...
Read moreReflections on an enriching year: Contextual Consulting 2023 highlights
As we begin to wind down 2023 and eagerly embrace the new year, we tho ...
Read moreACT and its impact on sleeplessness, especially in the winter months
What is sleeplessness? Sleeplessness is the inability to fall asleep, ...
Read moreACT for adolescent anxiety: a systematic research review
Anxiety in young people is both incredibly common and can be incredibl ...
Read moreMeet our speaker: Tobyn Bell
Chairwork has been used for over 100 years, with many therapists regar ...
Read moreProcesses, procedures and outcomes in therapy
When it comes to delivering therapy, precision is key. We strive to be ...
Read moreAn overview review of the systematic reviews of ACT for chronic pain
Martinez-Calderon, J., García-Muñoz, C., Rufo-Barbero, C., Matias-So ...
Read moreSystematic review and meta-analysis of ACT in working with chronic health conditions
Brief summary of the paper: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ...
Read moreEffective strategies for managing ADHD in adults
How does ADHD present in adults? Whilst we all know the classic presen ...
Read moreSelf-harming and suicidality - red flags and effective responses
The stark reality: understanding the prevalence of suicide and self-ha ...
Read moreMeet our speaker: Louise Hayes
For many of you, Louise is another of the giants in the global ACT com ...
Read moreMeet our speaker: Ray Owen
Ray Owen has been a familiar face as a presenter with us for many year ...
Read morePerfectionism: dangerous obsession or harmless competition?
Your opinion of perfectionism may well depend on your age, sex and eco ...
Read moreA systematic review of the use of ACT to treat adult Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Brief summary of the paper: This review evaluates literature on the ...
Read moreMeet our speaker: Russell Kolts
Russell Kolts public persona is that of a perpetually chill, zen, supe ...
Read moreContextual Consulting event success supports ACBS Developing Nations Training Fund
Dr Joe Oliver and Dr Ray Owen are thrilled with the success of their c ...
Read moreAmerican Psychological Association recognition for Contextual Consulting training
We have great news for members and associate members of the American ...
Read moreParent, child, and family outcomes following ACT for parents of autistic children: A randomized controlled trial
The study aimed to test the efficacy of a brief, group-based ACT inter ...
Read moreDNA-V: scientific publications around DNA-V and ACT for youth and adults
About the DNA-V Model DNA-V is an evidence-based model that fosters p ...
Read moreMeet our speaker: Russ Harris
Many of you will know Russ Harris because he’s giant in the world of ...
Read morePsychological flexibility of parents of children with disabilities: a systematic literature review
Gur, A. & Reich, A. (2023). Psychological flexibility of parents o ...
Read moreWhy levelling up in ACT requires deliberate practice
My graduate school training at Lesley University was rooted in the phi ...
Read moreHow to make difficult decisions in a crisis
We are making decisions the whole time. Tea or coffee? Netflix or news ...
Read moreDoes practice really make perfect for therapists?
Does practice really make perfect for therapists? The impact ...
Read moreContextual Consulting support people facing major life crises in aid of ACBS Developing Nations Training Fund
We are supporting the Developing Nations Training Fund by running a we ...
Read moreMental health and neurodiversity in young people: what can we do?
The picture currently painted by NHS Digital1 in England is clear; sad ...
Read moreCo-operation, language and the compassionate perspective
While co-operation, as a set of behaviours, is not unique to humans, ...
Read morePsychological therapist burnout, ACT and psychological flexibility
For a psychological therapist, burnout is a very real possibility. A r ...
Read moreFlexibility@ work - curated podcast episodes
with Annie Gascoyne & Ross McIntosh Here’s our curated selection ...
Read moreNot lost in values by Helena Colodro
Not lost in Values – On lifelong skills training and compariso ...
Read moreLost in conferences (Lost in translation, part 2) by Helena Colodro
I was lost in translation (well, I still am) – what I didnR ...
Read moreLost in translation: Who am I without my language
Impressions of a Spanish ACT psychologist in London I am Helena Colodr ...
Read moreACT for coaching - download presentation
Recently City University London hosted an ACT in the workplace day wor ...
Read moreFree ACT resources from Russ Harris
Russ Harris has released a bunch of very cool free resources. In case ...
Read moreACT training workshops in Kampala, Uganda
By Joe Oliver – I recently travelled to Kampala, Uganda to carr ...
Read moreACTivate your coaching practice!
by Jon Hill – Corporate Trainer and Executive Coach Blueprint Co ...
Read moreGet unstuck - open forwards podcast interview
I was recently interviewed by Jim Lucas, director of Open Forwards on ...
Read moreOpen, aware and active worksheet
Use this worksheet, taken from our book, ACTivate Your Life to map out ...
Read moreACT bootcamp with Russ Harris - a personal account
I recently attended Russ Harris’ advanced ACT workshop in July. I fo ...
Read moreCBS wars - ACBS Conference follies 2015
Will the evil ACT empire take over and reticulate with the Rebel Force ...
Read moreBeing a zombie, finding Nemo & urge-surfing: it's all ACT made simple
by Jon Hill, Blueprint Coaching I am 90% certain that Russ Harris did ...
Read moreACT for psychosis on the radio
Contextual Consulting’s very own Dr Joe Oliver is appearing this ...
Read moreThe psychologically flexible parent
Parenting with mindfulness & acceptance – Chris McCurry, PhD ...
Read moreResource hub
Ken's dilemma: A short introduction to chairwork
This short film looks at chairwork and its applications in counselling ...
Read moreCase studies: Using ACT and DNA-V to support adolescents
Psychological flexibility models, such as ACT and the DNA-V model (dev ...
Read moreAcceptance and commitment therapy tape rating scale (ACT-TRS)
The acceptance and commitment therapy tape rating scale (ACT-TRS) is a ...
Read moreA cross-cultural incremental effects meta-analysis of ACT for depression: does targeting depression even matter?
Brief summary This meta-analysis explores the effectiveness of accepta ...
Read moreTrauma and PTSD - Similarities and differences
From a psychological flexibility perspective, both trauma responses an ...
Read moreA longitudinal pilot evaluation of valued living: An ACT-based digital mental health intervention for autistic adults
Brief summary This study evaluates a digital mental health interventio ...
Read moreHormones in motion: Understanding women’s transitions across the lifespan
Menopause is often described as an endpoint, a singular biological mil ...
Read moreSeven types of rejection
This download is taken from a blog written by Jennifer Kemp, entitled ...
Read moreFour tips for working with clients who are stuck in the pain of rejection - Jennifer Kemp
In this short video Jennifer Kemp shares four tips for working with cl ...
Read moreEMDR and ACT - Similarities and distinctions
While eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing (EMDR) and accepta ...
Read moreUnderstanding rejection sensitive dysphoria (RSD) - Jennifer Kemp
In this short clip Dr Jennifer Kemp explains rejection sensitive dysph ...
Read moreMastering Therapy S4 E1 - 6 things the best ACT therapists do differently - Dr Joe Oliver
In this episode of Mastering Therapy, host Natalie Stott interviews ou ...
Read moreClient case studies: Menopause and ACT
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) does not seek to eliminate men ...
Read moreA-Z of ACT metaphors
Following our A-Z of ACT, we challenged ourselves to come up with an ...
Read moreIntroducing ACT into workplaces: 4 useful skills - Ross McIntosh
In this short clip, Ross McIntosh talks through four key skills that c ...
Read moreQuestions to consider when working with a client approaching the end of life.
When working with clients who are nearing the end of their lives, it c ...
Read moreOvercoming the bootstrap mentality: why accepting help isn’t weakness - Jennifer Kemp
In this expert tip video, Jennifer Kemp discusses the harmful effects ...
Read morePeople Soup S6 E42 - Navigating life transitions - Dr Joe Oliver
In this episode of the People Soup podcast, Contextual Consulting foun ...
Read moreHow Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps anxiety during exposure work - Michael Twohig
In this video, Michael Twohig explains how he approaches exposure work ...
Read moreCBT vs ACT – how do they work with thoughts?
One of the key differences between CBT and ACT lies in how they aim to ...
Read moreThe effectiveness of ACT-based parenting training on mood and anxiety in children and self-compassion in parents: Research paper
Brief summary This study examined the impact of acceptance and commitm ...
Read moreAdapting ACT for children and young people ebook
While ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) was originally designed ...
Read moreLife's dirty little secrets - #65: The self-help paradox - Dr Joe Oliver
In this episode of Life’s dirty little secrets Joe joins hosts E ...
Read moreNavigating the unfixable: ACT strategies for end-of-life care - Toni Lindsay
This video with Toni Lindsay explores the challenges and profound rewa ...
Read moreMeasuring applied ACT knowledge: development of the first ACT situational judgement test
Brief summary A new study published in the Journal of Contextual Behav ...
Read moreWhat is acceptance and commitment (ACT) therapy ebook
An introductory guide to ACT This guide has been designed for practiti ...
Read more3-step ACT strategy for managing insomnia ebook
A guide for practitioners Created by Contextual Consulting with Dr Maj ...
Read moreEfficacy of ACT for self-injurious thoughts and behaviours: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Brief summary This study systematically evaluates the effectiveness o ...
Read more3 essential leadership skills supported by ACT
ACT offers practical and transformational tools for workplaces and lea ...
Read more3 essential leadership skills: ACT in the workplace - Ross McIntosh
This video with Ross McIntosh explores the challenges leaders face and ...
Read moreSleep and self-care: an ACT-based approach to better rest
Sleep problems can be very common, with most people experiencing sleep ...
Read moreThe SHAPE model for ACT supervision
The SHAPE model by Linda Nicholson & Eric Morris is a helpful fram ...
Read moreHelping young people understand their emotions: Inside outside vision - Louise Hayes
In this video, Dr Louise Hayes explores the concept of “Inside o ...
Read moreIFS and ACT – What’s the difference? handout
While internal family systems (IFS) and acceptance and commitment ther ...
Read moreThe "Itch you don’t scratch" script - A metaphor for insomnia
Struggling to sleep can feel like having an itch you can’t scratch. ...
Read moreAcceptance and commitment therapy: 100 key points and techniques
Acceptance and commitment therapy: 100 key points and techniques Provi ...
Read moreACTivate your life: An ACT Workbook
ACTivate Your Life: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for ...
Read moreACT for early psychosis: a narrative systematic review
Brief summary This systematic review explores the application of accep ...
Read moreACT values cards: How to use them during therapy sessions - Dr Joe Oliver
In this short video taken from our ‘Expert tips for ACT‘ s ...
Read moreCBT and ACT - What's the difference? handout
While cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitmen ...
Read moreACT-based online programme for caregivers of autistic children: Lancet-published RCT insights from the REACH-ASD trial
Clinical effectiveness of an online psychoeducational and psychotherap ...
Read moreEffects of workplace ACT programs on psychological flexibility's subprocesses: A systematic review
This systematic review explores the impact of workplace acceptance and ...
Read moreThe Thinking Mind Podcast E132 - Does acceptance lead to change? - Dr Joe Oliver
In this episode of The Thinking Mind Podcast, Contextual Consulting f ...
Read moreTerapi Londra - Staying with the emotions of summer through ACT - Dr Joe Oliver interview
In this article from Terapi Londra, Psychologists Damla Aras and Özge ...
Read moreACT for sleep - 3 steps to help with insomnia - Maja Schaedel
When clients struggle with insomnia, they often become entangled in se ...
Read moreThe dragon and armour metaphor: A useful tool in ACT for teen OCD - Ben Sedley
OCD can take up a lot of time and energy. For teens this might mean it ...
Read moreCFT and ACT - What's the difference?
While compassion-focused therapy (CFT) and acceptance and commitment t ...
Read more3 emotional systems, as used in compassion-focused therapy (CFT)
On this page, we have compiled a range of free resources that present ...
Read moreACT for psychosis: Building connection and reducing isolation - Eric Morris
Psychosis can often feel isolating, leaving individuals disconnected a ...
Read moreFive rules for FAP (Functional analytic psychotherapy) - Mavis Tsai
Functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP) is a therapeutic approach that ...
Read moreAn experiential demonstration from FAP - Mavis Tsai with Joe Oliver
A non-dominant hand writing exercise demonstrating functional analytic ...
Read moreApplying the ACT Hexaflex to end-of-life care
The acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) framework including the us ...
Read moreACT for ADHD: Avoid problem hopping, start focusing - Russ Harris
Quite often therapists will need to manage “problem hopping̶ ...
Read moreAcceptance and commitment therapy for psychosis: a review of the evidence
Brief summary This paper examines the current status, challenges, and ...
Read morePhysical health/chronic pain case study - Jeremy's story
This fictional case study explores “Jeremy’s story” ...
Read more"Toddler mind" An ACT strategy for engaging with parents during the perinatal period - Jennifer Berrett
Toddlers naturally embody mindfulness through their curiosity, opennes ...
Read moreACT for leadership: The magnificent castle metaphor - Alison Maitland
The magnificent castle metaphor is an inspiring and powerful tool to u ...
Read moreName it to tame it - Worksheet for working with children's emotions
The “name it to tame it” exercise is a simple yet powerful ...
Read moreModel, evoke, reinforce ebook
An ACT practitioner’s guide to shaping psychological flexibility ...
Read moreACT for perinatal mood and anxiety disorders: A feasibility and proof of concept study
Brief summary This study evaluates the feasibility, safety, and effect ...
Read moreSupporting students through exam stress ebook
An ACT-informed guide for teachers & parents Our short guide offer ...
Read moreValues as a compass metaphor
This metaphor explains that values are like a compass, guiding us towa ...
Read moreMentally Flexible podcast - Dr Joe Oliver, ACTivate your life
In this episode of the mentally flexible podcast, host Tom Parkes, ...
Read moreBringing the inside out and the outside in: The therapeutic relationship in compassion focused therapy chairwork
Brief summary This research focuses on the role of the therapeutic rel ...
Read moreMeaningful change through shaping: reinforce, evoke, and model - Lou Lasprugato expert tip
Shaping behaviour is an essential component of ACT (acceptance and com ...
Read moreTug of war with a monster metaphor
The Tug of War with the Monster metaphor is a powerful way to illustra ...
Read moreACT for anxiety disorders review paper
Key summary Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) has emerged as an ...
Read moreEffectiveness of ACT on reducing depression and anxiety in older adults: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This article focuses on the effectiveness of using Acceptance and comm ...
Read moreA guide to functional analytic psychotherapy
Awareness, Courage, Love, and Behaviorism This book presents a clinica ...
Read moreMechanisms of change in an online acceptance and commitment therapy intervention for insomnia
This study explores the mechanisms of change in a six-week online acc ...
Read moreThe Psychology Podcast - The Happiness Trap with Russ Harris
The Psychology Podcast – The Happiness Trap with Russ Harris In ...
Read moreWomen in leadership: A conversation with Liz Walker for International Women’s Day 2025
This short interview, conducted for International Women’s Day 2025 f ...
Read moreThe impact of mindfulness training on athletes: a meta analysis
In the high-pressure world of elite sports, maintaining peak psycholog ...
Read moreThe understanding and managing adult ADHD programme: A qualitative evaluation of online psychoeducation with ACT for adults with ADHD
Brief summary This study evaluates the Understanding and Managing Adul ...
Read more3 types of emotional messages with Dr Aprilia West
In this video Dr. Aprillia West talks through 3 types of emotional mes ...
Read moreCoaching Revealed podcast - Psychological flexibility with Dr Aprilia West
Coaching Revealed: an Institute of Coaching podcast – Psychologi ...
Read moreMeta analysis on mindfulness and acceptance-based programs for OCD
This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluates the effectiveness ...
Read morePull up a chair: Matthew Pugh on the use and potential of chairwork
The Psychologist: June 2017, with a 2024 update This BPS article from ...
Read moreThe ACT fidelity measure (ACT-FM)
The ACT fidelity measure (ACT-FM) is designed for clinicians experienc ...
Read moreACT made simple - Russ Harris
This book, by Dr Russ Harris, aims to take the theory and practice of ...
Read moreCaptain of the ship metaphor
The captain of the ship metaphor explores the concept of multiple selv ...
Read moreThe flexibility of language metaphor
The focus of this video is on the remarkable generativity and creativi ...
Read moreACT in perspective - PBBT with Dr Yvonne Barnes-Holmes
Process-based Behaviour Therapy with Dr Yvonne Barnes-Holmes In this e ...
Read moreWatering your garden. A self-compassion metaphor
In this video, the challenge of embracing self-compassion is explored. ...
Read more5 ways anger can appear
It’s crucial to possess honed clinical skills in assessment and inte ...
Read more5 subtle ways anger shows in therapy
Anger is a complex emotion that doesn’t always manifest as loud out ...
Read moreEffectiveness of ACT for addictive behaviours: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Executive summary Addictive behaviours can have a devastating impact o ...
Read more6 different ways of relating
This infographic gives a simple description of 6 different ways we ca ...
Read moreThe loop analogy - Yvonne Barnes-Holmes expert tip
“The loop” is a powerful analogy to help client’s recogn ...
Read moreThe power of acceptance metaphor
The focus of this metaphor is to demonstrate the importance of accepti ...
Read moreACT for sport: The wrinkly sock metaphor - making room for discomfort - Alison Maitland
In this video taken from our “Expert Tips for ACT” playlis ...
Read moreDisobey on purpose: A defusion exercise - Jenna Ashford
In this video from our YouTube “Expert tips” playlist, spo ...
Read moreEffects of ACT on trauma-related symptoms: a systematic review and meta-analysis
This article examines the effectiveness of ACT for reducing trauma-re ...
Read moreEffectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy for people with advanced cancer: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials
This study looked at the effectiveness of ACT (acceptance and commitme ...
Read moreThe sky and the weather - a metaphor - Dr M Joann Wright
In this short clip Joann discusses a simple but powerful metaphor R ...
Read more4 steps to arrive at a difficult conversation
Having the right approach to difficult conversations can make all the ...
Read moreDevelop your therapist's sixth sense - Robyn Walser
In this clip taken from our YouTube channel, acceptance and commitment ...
Read moreThe Sport Psych Show: Episode #257
Achieving your potential in sport and life – Dr Alison Maitland ...
Read moreDifficult conversations: 4 simple steps you can take to arrive - Dr Ray Owen
Navigating difficult conversations is a reality we all face, whether i ...
Read moreUsing values to tackle burnout in the NHS - Hazel Anderson-Turner
In this video from our Expert tips for ACT YouTube series, Business Ps ...
Read moreA simple way to explain Relational Frame Theory (RFT) - Dr M Joann Wright
In this expert tips for ACT video Dr. M. Joann Wright demonstrates a s ...
Read morePsychological Flexibility with Dr Joe Oliver
In this video, Dr Joe Oliver talks through the concept of psychologica ...
Read moreWhat is Creative Hopelessness? with Dr Joe Oliver
In this video taken from our YouTube channel, Dr Joe Oliver introduces ...
Read moreACT basics - The six core processes of acceptance and commitment therapy
This set of videos is taken from our ACT basics series on our YouTube ...
Read moreABC model of functional analysis
Here we have created and collated a range of images that will be usefu ...
Read more4 tips to improve psychological flexibility
Psychological flexibility is a vital principle of acceptance and commi ...
Read moreA-Z of ACT - acceptance and commitment therapy
Head ‘back to school’ with our A-Z of acceptance and commi ...
Read moreMy bus - A passengers on the bus metaphor poem
This poem, kindly shared by Angela Clover, talks through the passenger ...
Read moreAn overview of the ACT model with Dr Joe Oliver
In this video Dr Joe Oliver talks through an overview of acceptance an ...
Read moreWhat to say when your client thinks compassion is a sign of weakness - Russell Kolts
In this clip, taken from our ‘Expert tips for ACT’ series, ...
Read moreBeginning conversations about values - Hazel Anderson-Turner
In this video clip taken from our ‘Expert tips for ACT‘ se ...
Read moreACT for chronic pain, setting targets - Kevin E Vowles
In this video clip taken from our ‘Expert tips for ACT‘ series on ...
Read more5 love languages for working with neurodivergent clients - Jennifer Kemp
In this video clip taken from our ‘Expert tips for ACT‘ se ...
Read moreACT as an adjunct or alternative to CBT-I review article
Summary This narrative review compares components of ACT and CBT-I alo ...
Read moreThe relationship between psychosis and psychological flexibility: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Executive summary A systematic review and meta-analysis examined the r ...
Read moreBoosting workforce resilience: How organisation-wide training in psychological flexibility can tackle job burnout
Executive summary This field study investigated the impact of deliveri ...
Read moreThe power of letting go - script
In this script we look at the experience of Sam, a fictional client. S ...
Read moreTop technique to try with young people in ACT therapy - Dr Ben Sedley
In this short clip from Dr Ben Sedley, taken from our ‘Expert ti ...
Read moreThree tips to be happier at work - Ross McIntosh
Ross McIntosh shares three simple tips to be happier in the workplace ...
Read moreHow to introduce the 'Dropping the anchor' exercise when clients can't communicate - Russ Harris
In this short clip taken from our ‘Expert tips for ACT’ se ...
Read more2 key ingredients to becoming a great therapist
In this short video taken from our ‘Expert tips for ACT’ s ...
Read moreEmotion efficacy therapy (EET)- reading list
Emotion efficacy training (EET) is an approach that aims to help indiv ...
Read moreACT for anxiety and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders: A research review
In a research review of ACT for anxiety, Twohig, Capel and Levin (2024 ...
Read moreComparison of ACT and CBT for chronic insomnia: A pilot randomised controlled trial
This pilot randomised controlled trial compared the efficacy of accept ...
Read moreACT in the workplace randomised controlled trial study
Comparison of mindfulness training and ACT in a workplace setting This ...
Read moreParent, child, and family outcomes following ACT for parents of autistic children: A randomised controlled trial
The study aimed to test the efficacy of a brief, group-based ACT inter ...
Read moreSystematic review and meta-analysis of ACT in working with chronic health conditions
This systematic review and meta-analysis offers some valuable insight ...
Read moreExploring the effectiveness of ACT in easing stress among adolescents – a meta analytic review
In today’s fast-paced world, stress has become increasingly prev ...
Read moreThe mindfulness and acceptance workbook for self-esteem
Grounded in evidence-based acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), th ...
Read moreACT for psychosis recovery
A practical manual for group-based interventions using acceptance and ...
Read moreAcceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness for psychosis
Acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness for psychosis is a v ...
Read moreMotivational chairwork: An experiential approach to resolving ambivalence - review paper
Ambivalence towards change is a common challenge for psychotherapists. ...
Read more‘Hands as thoughts and feelings’ exercise - Dr Joe Oliver
The “hands as thoughts” metaphor is a powerful tool for un ...
Read moreIdentify the DRAIN in your relationship - worksheet
This worksheet is taken from Dr Russ Harris’ book – “AC ...
Read moreOn coaching with Zoltán Csigás: On values and authenticity podcast
This episode of On coaching with Zoltán Csigás is titled “On V ...
Read moreNew generation psychological treatments in chronic pain - clinical review
This clinical review offers valuable insights into the application of ...
Read moreCoaching and climate crisis - webinar
Purpose and Possibility – the role of coaching in the climate cr ...
Read moreWider Roots: Episode #6 Climate Change Coaching (w/ Charly Cox)
Ep. 6 – Climate Change Coaching (w/ Charly Cox) This podcast dis ...
Read moreThe Coaching UnpACT Podcast
The Coaching UnpACT Podcast was created to help coaches and leaders a ...
Read moreThe AC Podcast - Unlocking the Power of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Coaching with Dr Joe Oliver
This episode of the Association for Coaching (AC) Podcast is entitled ...
Read moreSEED: An ACT supervision model - e-book
This guide introduces the SEED model of acceptance and commitment ther ...
Read moreThe Insight Podcast: Episode #100
Anxiety dinosaurs, confronting our shame, the fraud story & more T ...
Read moreACT for ADHD - useful links
The following list comprises publications and online articles that exp ...
Read moreThe Journey Home: Dr Joe Oliver - podcast
This episode of The Journey Home podcast features an interview with Co ...
Read moreMultiple emotions, multiple selves: compassion focused therapy chairwork
This article examines the use of compassion-focused therapy (CFT) for ...
Read moreStop playing-it-safe and start living - Patricia Zurita TEDx Talk
Many people spend a lot of time obsessing over past, present, or poten ...
Read moreACT therapist guide to self-care e-book
We are very excited to have produced this and we hope you find it inte ...
Read moreAcceptance and commitment coaching: distinctive features
Acceptance and Commitment Coaching: Distinctive Features is essential ...
Read moreThe secret ingredients to crack the parenting-teen code e-book
The secret ingredients to crack the parenting-teen code Our free downl ...
Read moreThe five facets of mindfulness e-book
“The Five Facet Model of Mindfulness Interventions” descri ...
Read moreSweet spot exercise
This script, shared by Dr Kristy Potter, of an exercise developed by W ...
Read moreSoothing hand script
This script, shared by Dr Kristy Potter is a well-known exercise that ...
Read morePrincess and the pea (expansion) script
This script from Dr Kristy Potter uses the well-known fairy-tale ̵ ...
Read moreWorking with help rejecting clients - book chapter
This resource is a bonus chapter – Angry Patients and Soft Eyes: ...
Read moreChairwork - Interviewing the inner critic
This guide provides a semi-structured interview schedule for working w ...
Read moreUsing chairwork to resolve ambivalence and enhance motivation - book chapter
This book chapter is taken from – “Cognitive behavioural c ...
Read moreThe passengers on the bus metaphor and ACT in the workplace
In this audio, Dr Joe Oliver discusses with Ross McIntosh the passenge ...
Read moreACT in the workplace - useful resources
ACT in the workplace offers a range of interventions aimed at promotin ...
Read moreThe Insight Podcast: Episode #51
How you can build healthy resilience with Dr Joe Oliver This episode o ...
Read moreInternal family systems (IFS) - Dr. Richard Schwartz explains
Pioneered by Dr. Richard Schwartz in the 1980s, Internal family system ...
Read moreInternal family systems (IFS) - reading list
Internal family systems (IFS) is a revolutionary form of psychotherapy ...
Read more7 attitudes of mindfulness
Mindfulness is a practice rooted in acceptance and the present moment ...
Read moreHolding your values lightly metaphor
Values are the qualities and characteristics that we consider signific ...
Read moreLeaves on the stream exercise
The “Leaves on the stream” exercise is a mindfulness techn ...
Read moreImposter syndrome metaphor
Imposter syndrome refers to the belief that one’s accomplishment ...
Read moreSymptoms of trauma
The impact of trauma varies from person to person, and individuals may ...
Read moreWorkplace psychological health ACT - City, University of London
This short video from City, University of London was used to introduce ...
Read moreValues conflicts metaphor
When we talk about values an important part is remembering there will ...
Read moreThe gift of forgiveness metaphor
Forgiveness is an important concept. In ACT, forgiveness is not about ...
Read moreThe ACT fruit bowl metaphor
This metaphor is a simple, practical way to describe the “self&# ...
Read moreT-Rex self esteem metaphor
Self esteem is deeply connected to our sense of self and who we see ou ...
Read morePsychological flexibility of parents of children with disabilities: a systematic literature review
Background The World Health Organization estimates that over 1 billi ...
Read moreActive acceptance metaphor
Active acceptance is a psychological concept that combines elements of ...
Read morePassengers on the bus metaphor
The passengers on the bus metaphor suggests that we are not solely def ...
Read moreConquering the anxiety monster (with love) metaphor
This metaphor is extremely useful for both children and adults. It wor ...
Read moreThe finger trap metaphor - Joe Oliver expert tip
The finger trap metaphor is a powerful illustration used in acceptance ...
Read moreACT for autism and related disorders - useful links
This list of publications, books and videos explores the benefits of A ...
Read moreThe space between self-esteem and self compassion - Kristin Neff TEDx talk
Self-compassion fosters resilience, well-being, and a healthy sense of ...
Read moreThe power of vulnerability - Brené Brown TEDx talk
Brené Brown dedicates her research to exploring the profound realm of ...
Read moreListening to shame - Brené Brown TEDx talk
Shame, a deeply ingrained emotional state, corrodes self-worth and hin ...
Read moreAnger, compassion, and what it means to be strong - Russell Kolts TEDx talk
Although anger can elicit a sense of strength within us, it is common ...
Read morePsychological flexibility: How love turns pain into purpose - Steven Hayes TEDx talk
What strategies can we employ to thrive in the face of pain and suffer ...
Read moreFeeding the dinosaur metaphor
This metaphor is a variation on ‘feeding the tiger’. It is ...
Read morePassengers on the bus metaphor
The “passengers on the bus” metaphor is a concept used to ...
Read moreValues in action - The unsung hero
A short video showing values in action. Living according to your value ...
Read moreThe demons on the boat metaphor
This metaphor highlights the importance of accepting and making room f ...
Read moreThe unwelcome party guest metaphor
In this metaphor, the unwelcome party guest represents unpleasant or d ...
Read moreThe Happiness Trap - Russ Harris
The Happiness Trap, written by Dr Russ Harris, is the best-selling ac ...
Read moreACT for autism and related disorders: meta-analyses and reviews
ACT can be a useful therapy for autistic young people as it can help t ...
Read moreDropping anchor audio exercises
The aim of the ‘dropping anchor’ exercise is not to get ri ...
Read moreThe mindfulness and acceptance workbook for depression
Taken from the book “The mindfulness and acceptance workbook for ...
Read moreTalk yourself better: A confused person's guide to therapy, counselling and self-help - Ariane Sherine
This book aims to help anyone who is finding it difficult when choosin ...
Read moreMeaningful work - Counselling at Work, the quarterly journal of BACP Workplace
A team of counsellors and psychologists in the NHS wanted to improve p ...
Read moreACT for adolescent anxiety: a systematic research review
Anxiety in young people is both incredibly common and can be incredibl ...
Read moreTrue strength: a Compassion-Focused Therapy approach for working with anger - workshop manual
This free manual, True Strength: A Compassion-Focused Therapy Approac ...
Read moreAn overview review of the systematic reviews of ACT for chronic pain
This summary of systematic reviews aims to provide an overview and cri ...
Read moreA systematic review of the use of ACT to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
This review evaluates literature on the use of acceptance and c ...
Read moreACT for autism and related disorders - JCBS special issue articles
The Journal of Contextual Behavioural Science (JCBS), published by the ...
Read morePromising findings: ACT for physical activity - a systematic review
Physical activity is crucial for maintaining good health and preventin ...
Read moreACT/ MBSR workplace intervention for sleep – ACBS Berlin 2015 Conference
The effectiveness of a workplace ACT intervention compared to MBSR tra ...
Read more