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.
Mindfulness has become a buzzword in recent years, but it’s not immune to its fair share of stereotypes and misconceptions. These stereotypes can cloud the understanding of what mindfulness truly is and hinder clients from fully experiencing its benefits. We wanted to take the opportunity to debunk some of the common myths about mindfulness, reminding […]
Addressing experiential avoidance is a key aspect of ACT intervention, and such behaviours can significantly hinder personal growth and emotional well-being. We wanted to consider how internal family systems (IFS) offers a complementary approach that can effectively tackle avoidance by fostering internal dialogue and self-awareness. Here’s some of our ideas on how IFS can help […]
In the world of sports, anxiety is a familiar companion. Whether you’re an athlete facing the pressure of competition or someone navigating challenges in leadership, managing discomfort is crucial. Alison Maitland, a sports psychologist who will be hosting a training session for us in March – ‘Thriving in Sport’ alongside Jenna Ashford, recently joined us […]
It is key when learning and later applying ACT to ensure that there is good fidelity to the model. For those newer to ACT, by fidelity we mean the degree to which the intervention is ACT consistent. This can encompass both the techniques, as well as any underlying philosophy of science. The ability to deliver […]
Ahead of our intermediary workshop ACT for anxiety and depression with Russ Harris, we are looking at these so called ‘common disorders’. We might call them our bread and butter, as therapists. Whether we label them diagnostically or view them as symptoms of anxiety or low mood, we frequently engage with individuals facing these issues. […]
When learning acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), many practitioners begin with the key concept of promoting psychological flexibility, which is the ability to adapt to life’s challenges while staying connected to what matters most. A natural starting point for beginners is to learn each of the six core ACT processes individually and then apply them […]
As we build towards the end of another calendar year it’s a great time to look back, appreciate and reflect upon our journey over the last 12 months. With over 140 hours of new live CE accredited training, 250+ supervision sessions, 600+ therapy sessions and a plethora of free resource and advice provided, we hope […]
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, […]
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