Articles that explore approaches and modalities around acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and also complementary/alternative therapies and models that can work in collaboration with ACT.
The loop is a simple yet profound analogy in process based behavioural therapy (PBBT) that helps us navigate complex emotional landscapes and can be transformative for clients in therapy. What is the loop? The loop is an analogy that illustrates how our feelings and situations can often trap us in a repetitive cycle. When someone […]
Written by Joe Oliver If I’m completely honest, I often feel disheartened when I receive a referral for problematic anger. The stereotype usually involves working with someone deeply entrenched in their anger, viewing themselves as a victim, and attending therapy only because they’ve been mandated or pressured by others, such as a partner, to address […]
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 […]
As the psychology world embraces online therapy as a convenient and accessible mental health resource, therapists are continually required to adapt their therapeutic approaches. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a widely recognised and effective form of therapy that can be seamlessly integrated into online sessions but at Contextual Consulting we love to understand how […]
by Joe Oliver, Clinical psychologist, founder of Contextual Consulting. If you ask me whether you need to know relational frame theory, I almost always say yes. Understanding and unpacking this theory can significantly enhance and develop your clinical practice. That said, it’s akin to learning to read sheet music – is it necessary to be […]
World Mental Health Day was created with the aim of raising awareness across the world about critical mental health agendas. As World Mental Health Day 2024 approaches, we were pleased to hear that this year’s theme is: “It is time to prioritise mental health in the workplace” Recent statistics reveal that 20% of UK employees […]
In the field of psychotherapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) are two prominent approaches that have gained recognition for their effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions. While CBT focuses on changing negative thought patterns and behaviours to improve emotional well-being, ACT emphasises acceptance of thoughts and feelings while committing […]
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 […]
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 […]
Climate change presents the biggest behaviour change challenge the world has ever seen. It’s not just a scientific problem to be solved; it is a complex systemic problem with human behaviours at its heart. To discuss this in some more detail we’ve partnered with the Climate Change Coaches for a guest blog, read on to […]
Emotional efficacy plays a crucial role in our overall wellbeing and performance. When individuals struggle with low levels of emotional efficacy, it can have significant negative consequences on various aspects of their lives. In this blog post, we will explore the relevance of emotional efficacy today, the detrimental effects low emotional efficacy can have and […]
I saw a comment recently in an online forum saying that most ACT training doesn’t add value once you know the basics and it made me think of a couple of issues. This is certainly something I experienced in my development as an ACT therapist and required me to step out of my comfort zone […]
Ahead of her upcoming course “ACTivate your coaching for beginners: A practical introduction to using ACT in your coaching sessions” we’re pleased to share Hazel’s story, talking about why re-framing, re-training and re-connecting is so important. Hazel’s story I’ve always been fascinated by the relationship we have with our minds. Because I understand that relationship, through […]
Free introduction to ACT We’re supporting the Mental health foundation on mental health awareness week by sharing our FREE introduction to ACT course. Acceptance and commitment therapy, (ACT) is an exciting and powerful approach for understanding and working with human behaviour and as champions of the ACT model we wanted to share this short course […]
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