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.
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 […]
with Mavis Tsai Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), founded by Mavis Tsai, alongside the late Robert Kohlenberg, PhD, ABPP. is a transformative approach that fosters deep, meaningful relationships between therapists and clients. What makes FAP truly unique is its focus on understanding and addressing the client’s real-life struggles as they manifest during therapy. In this blog, […]
Worry, rumination,, and obsessive thinking are common experiences that can consume us without us even realising it. We get caught up in our thoughts so quickly and automatically that we don’t notice what’s happening until we’ve spent hours lost in thought, trying to solve problems, deal with emotions, predict the future, and make ourselves feel […]
Leadership can be a rewarding but challenging journey, especially for women navigating societal, organisational, and personal obstacles. From combating gender bias to overcoming impostor syndrome, women in leadership often face unique hurdles that require resilience, confidence, and clarity. This is where acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can make a profound difference. ACT is a mindfulness-based […]
As ACT therapists, we ask our clients to do something brave: to sit with discomfort, move towards what matters, and open up to uncertainty. But in the often isolating and demanding role of therapist, we rarely afford ourselves the same invitation. Group supervision offers a space where we get to be held in the process; […]
Written by Joe Oliver As men, we have an important role to play in advocating for women in leadership. Women face unique challenges in the workplace, often due to systemic inequalities, unconscious biases, and cultural stereotypes that have persisted for far too long. Overcoming these barriers isn’t just about “fixing the system” or “fixing women,” […]
Metaphors help our clients understand and apply ACT principles like acceptance, defusion, values, and committed action within their daily lives. While the best metaphors are created with the individual in mind, to be both relevant and personal, there are so many useful ones that already exist. We therefore thought it would be helpful to share […]
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, […]
Metaphors are a cornerstone of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), offering a way to help clients connect with their experiences in a meaningful and transformative way. However, a well-used metaphor is more than just a creative expression or a clever analogy—it requires precision and purpose. For metaphors to be truly effective, the clinician must have […]
In the therapeutic space, the relationship between therapist and client is central to healing and growth. Functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP) emphasises this relationship, offering a powerful behavioural framework built on awareness, courage, and love. Crucially, FAP recognises the dual responsibility of the therapist: to provide a safe and nurturing connection while also challenging and disrupting […]
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 […]
You don’t necessarily need to know emotional efficacy therapy (EET) to do ACT, but understanding EET can enhance your application of ACT, especially when working with clients who struggle with emotional regulation. Here’s why: 1. ACT addresses emotions broadly; EET addresses emotions in a specific, detailed and structured manner ACT helps clients change their relationship […]
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) […]
Yvonne Barnes-Holmes is a highly accomplished academic and clinician who has made significant contributions to the field of psychology. She has over 20 years of experience in teaching, training, publishing, and presenting. Before co-founding Perspectives Ireland, she was an Associate Professor in Behaviour Analysis and a Senior Research Fellow at Ghent University. In this article […]
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