A guide to the ACT pathway

If you are drawn to the ideas of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) but haven’t been sure where to begin or go next, this FREE online session is here to help. It will inspire and inform you while providing an orientation to our ACT training pathway, a 4 part-series that was specifically created to support professionals on their journey from beginner to intermediate ACT practitioner. You will also leave with a reflective framework to support your learning and decision making beyond the session plus a FREE My ACT training journey ebook.

Background to this session

Often, people starting their ACT journey might feel that their learning is fragmented or unclear, without a clear defined pathway to move along. We often hear questions like: 

• How do I know what to focus on next, rather than constantly second guessing myself? 

• How do I develop confidence in ACT without feeling like I am doing it alone? 

Developing confidence and competence in ACT can be difficult when learning is piecemeal, unpaced, or disconnected from supervision and reflection. Many practitioners attend workshops, read widely, or experiment in practice, yet still feel unsure about progression, readiness, or what really matters to focus on. 

The ACT training pathway is our solution to this. It offers a clear, well-structured route that intentionally integrates theory, skills practice, experiential learning, professional development and reflection over time. The pathway is designed not only to support learning, but to strengthen fidelity to the ACT model, helping practitioners develop a coherent and grounded way of working rather than a collection of techniques. By scaffolding learning and supporting reflection in practice, the pathway aims to build genuine confidence and clinical competence, enabling practitioners to work more effectively and maximise their impact with clients. 

This session offers a chance to understand that structure, and to reflect on whether it would be supportive for you at this stage of your career. 

What you will gain from this session

By the end of the session, you will:

• Have a clearer sense of where you are on your ACT training journey, and what might be most workable to focus on next 
• Understand how the ACT training pathway is structured, and why it is designed the way it is 
• Be clearer about who the pathway is for, and when it may or may not be the right fit 
• Leave with a reflective framework, and a free ebook, My ACT Training Journey, to support your learning and decision making beyond the session 

You will also meet our trainers, Dr Joe Oliver, Dr Kristy Potter, Dr Elisabeth Baker, and Dr Ray Owen. They share their real ACT journeys, including doubts, missteps, and how they continue to work with uncertainty in their own practice.  

About the session

This one-hour session is designed to be engaging and experiential. It is structured around the head, hands, and heart model, offering a balance of reflection and practical exercises. You’ll meet our trainers, and gain hands-on experience of ACT principles in action. If you have questions after watching, email us. Whether you’re considering formal training via the ACT pathway or simply curious about what ACT has to offer, this session will provide you with a solid foundation and a clear sense of direction. 

Who this session is for

This session is for psychologists, therapists, counsellors, and other mental health professionals who are curious about ACT, already using ACT ideas, or feeling unsure about how to progress with training in a clearer and more supported way. 

You do not need prior ACT training to attend. Whether you decide to pursue formal training now, later, or not at all, the aim is that you leave with more clarity and less confusion.

Feedback from last years event

“The most useful part of the session was the clear and structured explanation of the ACT pathway, particularly the breakdown of requirements, key stages, and available options. This section helped me gain a better understanding of the overall process and how to plan my next steps more effectively and confidently.”
—  Mahdi Goli, Psychotherapist and University Lecturer

“It was all useful but I found the descriptions of Joe, Ray And Kristy’s own journeys helpful and highlighting what elements they have incorporated into the pathway and why.”
— Sarah Monk Clinical and Coaching Psychologist

“This workshop is worth attending, it gave clarity to my concepts regarding ACT.”
— Sehrish Khan, PhD Scholar

“The webinar clarified for me that I definitely want to incorporate ACT as part of my offering when the time comes.”
— Joanne, Trainee Coach

Feedback from the 2026 pathway participants

“The humility, flexibility, and lightheartedness of the trainers is so refreshing.”
— Alejandra Lindan, Registered Psychotherapist

“Very good training, excellent teacher and outstanding quality of materials!”
— Coline, Assistant Psychologist

“I think I found the case demonstrations brilliant, as well as bringing everything together in the end, as I felt it really helped me reflect on how to bring my knowledge to practice.”
— Fotini Brinia, CBT Therapist