Develop your therapy skills in 2026! When learning acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), one of the most common questions everyone asks us is, “Where do I start?”. ACT is a rich, dynamic, and flexible model, and with a vast number of books, models and experts it can certainly feel overwhelming at first. However, we really […]
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 […]
In the workplace, women often face unique challenges. While men and women are equally capable, societal expectations, organisational experiences, and life events such as menopause, fertility, and family responsibilities can create different outcomes for women. In honour of International Women’s Day 2025 (8th March 2025) and the theme for this year being ‘accelerate action’ we […]
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 […]
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 […]
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. […]
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 […]
Here’s Dr Joe Oliver’s take of Inside Out 2, from a clinical psychologist and ACT therapist perspective: As a fan of the first movie and its powerful message about embracing difficult emotions, I was keen to check out how this sequel might tackle adolescence and the challenges of puberty. As a reminder, in the first […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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