Training level: intermediate

5 rules for Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP)

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, […]

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6 things the best ACT therapists do differently

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, […]

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The balance of connection and challenge in functional analytic psychotherapy

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 […]

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Accelerating your ACT training: Strategies for success

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 […]

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Why you need to know about emotion efficacy therapy to do ACT

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 […]

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Embracing discomfort: The wrinkly sock metaphor in sports psychology

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 […]

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Working with ‘common’ mental health disorders

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. […]

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Taking the steps to becoming a more advanced ACT practitioner 

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 […]

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Understanding the loop: a powerful analogy in PBBT 

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 […]

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Beyond the stereotypes: A compassionate approach to working with anger in therapy

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 […]

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ACBS UK and Republic of Ireland chapter conference: keynote speaker summary

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 […]

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