ACT for adolescents for beginners
DNA-V: the innovative approach to helping young people aged 12-24 years
Course Description
The ACT model offers an impactful, creative and fun way to work with young people to help them improve mental health, build resilience and flourish in life. Join Dr Louise Hayes, clinical psychologist and international expert as she takes you through an engaging and deeply practical introduction to her DNA-V (discoverer, noticer, advisor and values) psychological model for young people.
Developmental. Easy. Ground-breaking. That’s how past attendees describe this workshop which presents a solid scientific approach to working with young people. The DNA-V has become a game-changer in how people implement ACT across the world. In this workshop, you’ll learn a framework that allows you to use ACT, polyvagal theory, positive psychology and more – all inside a solid foundation that can be readily applied with young people. This approach is now being used in schools, clinics and everywhere that young people seek help, and Louise cannot wait to share it with you.
This work has initiated research trials and school curricula and has become a treatment paradigm in many settings worldwide, such as CAMHS and school counselling services.
Who would benefit from this workshop?
This workshop is suitable for all professionals who work with young people, including psychologists, BCBA’s, counsellors, social workers, teachers etc. You do not need any prior knowledge of ACT.
There is no pre-requisite training. There will be compulsory reading before attending so that you are familiar with DNA-V.
“I loved the exercises which brought the concepts and approach to life. Louise is so skilled and knowledgeable and so human. Thanks for this experience!” Majella Cogan Accredited CBT Therapist UK
“Overall excellent introduction to the concepts and practical application” Clinical Psychologist
“Engaging and extremely useful content. Brilliant and enjoyable learning experience.” Sanja Taylor, Head of People
“Your workshops are always excellent value for money, have a great balance of theory and practice, and feature some of the best speakers in the world on ACT related topics.”Sarah Monk, Clinical and Coaching Psychologist
If you’re new to DNA-V, you can start learning right now:
- Read how DNA-v has been helping care leavers in the UK (British Psychological Society article October 2020, “Forging brighter futures with young care leavers” by Duncan Gillard, Louise Hayes, Aoife McNally and Kate Wills)
- Read the first chapter of The Thriving adolescent
- Read the first chapter of What Makes You Stronger
Learning objectives
You’ll learn the key behaviour change processes that help you engage young people 12-24 in counselling/therapy or well-being support.
Sessions 1 and 2 will give you the foundations:
- Learn and apply each process to values, thoughts, feelings and actions
- Understand context and function for young people
- Conduct an assessment and treatment plan using DNA-V
- Practice experiential exercises that you can use with young people
Sessions 3 and 4 will teach you how to work with self-identity and social issues:
- Learn how to work with the adolescent self
- Learn how to work on youth self-criticism, self-compassion and achievement
- Learn how to build stronger social connections.
- Learn how to target specific issues with treatment plans (anxiety, bullying etc)
This live online workshop will be split across four sessions (spread over two weeks).
You’ll be able to enhance your learning and get time to practice in between. The course will have experiential techniques, breakouts into small group discussions, and of course, fun.
You will receive:
- Electronic handouts
- Access to the recording for 6 months
- Bonus materials for use with young people
Please note that Contextual Consulting are fortunate to have Louise speaking at several workshops. You may be interested to join us for her short ACT with parents and teachers workshop in March 2024
Group booking discounts
Contextual Consulting offer discounts for groups of people from the same organisation e.g. an NHS Trust that does not have a contract arrangement with us.
Please email us here to arrange a group discount or find out more about our CPD contracts here.
If you have disability and require adjustments or accommodation, please email us at admin@contextualconsulting.co.uk to discuss your needs and we will do our best to help you.
Booking cancellation
The registration fee will be refunded minus a administration charge if cancellations are received at least two weeks before the workshop date.
Cancellations within two weeks of the event date are charged the full registration fee, other than in exceptional circumstances that can be verified.
Event cancellation
In the event of cancellation of the course outside of our control we will not be held accountable for travel and/or accommodation costs incurred. However, the workshop fees will be refunded.
All workshops will be subject to minimum delegate numbers being met; in the event that a workshop should be cancelled delegates will be given no less than 2 months’ notice.
Replacing delegates
If a delegate is unable to attend and a replacement is nominated there may be a charge depending on the individual circumstances, this will be advised at the time. Please contact the us to request a replacement of delegates at least a week before the workshop date.
In this workshop you will:
- Learn and apply each process to values, thoughts, feelings and actions
- Understand context and function for young people
- Conduct an assessment and treatment plan using DNA-V
- Practice experiential exercises that you can use with young people
- Learn how to work with the adolescent self
- Learn how to work on youth self-criticism, self-compassion and achievement
- Learn how to build stronger social connections.
- Learn how to target specific issues with treatment plans (anxiety, bullying etc)
This program is sponsored by Contextual Consulting and is approved for 12 CE credits for psychologists. To find out more, including attendance requirements and how to access your certificate, go to our continuing education information page.