The Compassionate Use of Exposure Strategies in ACT
A 1-day Masterclass with John Forsyth, Ph.D. MA

APS-endorsed: 6 Hours - CCLIN,CCOM, & CCOUN.

NB: you must have attended at least a 2-day introductory ACT workshop (ACT Training Part 1) with a recognised ACT trainer.

Workshop Overview

In terms of its effect sizes, 'exposure' is the single most powerful intervention in the whole of psychology. And a solid understanding of how to apply it is essential for the effective treatment of anxiety disorders. Yet many therapists and coaches have little or no idea of what exposure is; many others are familiar with the concept but have had little or no training in how to do it effectively. Therefore, this 1-day Masterclass with John Forsyth, the world's leading expert in the use of ACT with anxiety disorders, shows you how to use exposure effectively, efficiently and compassionately, within an ACT framework. So if you work with anxiety disorders, then whatever you do, don't miss this workshop!

ACT teaches clients how to be with their hurts and do what works-to live well, richly, and meaningfully, without first having to defeat or eliminate sources of emotional and psychological pain. This is often challenging for both therapists and clients alike, and without a solid grounding in the compassionate use of exposure, these efforts can easily fail or backfire.

This 1-day workshop is for health professionals who are already familiar with the basics of ACT and wish to further enhance their knowledge, skill, and clinical sensibilities using exposure-based strategies within the ACT model. The main focus will be on anxiety and fear, but additional attention will be devoted to other sources of pain (e.g., anger).

The workshop will cover traditional cognitive-behavioral (CBT) interoceptive and exteroceptive exposure strategies, and then show how they are modified, framed and applied within ACT. Thus, this workshop will go more deeply into the nuanced application of exposure-based interventions within ACT, and its use in helping those suffering from anxiety, depression, and other related clinical concerns.

This workshop will use a combination of didactic and experiential activities. The exercises will highlight a gentle and compassionate stance when using exposure strategies in the context of mindfulness, acceptance, and values work. Participants will be encouraged (but never forced or coerced) to engage the material at a personal level, as it applies to their own lives, and then also in the context of their clinical work. Worksheets and other practical tools will be provided.

You Will Learn How To:

• Conceptualize and apply exposure-based strategies in a traditional sense (CBT), and then in the context of ACT;
• Frame exposure exercises within ACT
• Address and overcome client resistance
• Help clients move from a stance of unwillingness to one of willingness
• Infuse acceptance, mindfulness, and defusion strategies with loving-kindness and self-compassion
• Create a healthy space for exposure work while moving clients in the direction of their chosen values and life goals.

Duration: workshops run from 9am - 4.30pm

Fee: $265 (lunch is not provided, but there are cafes nearby)

About the Presenter

John P. Forsyth, Ph.D. is a Professor of Psychology and Director of the Anxiety Disorders Research Program at the University at Albany, SUNY in Upstate New York. He infuses his trainings with energy, humility and compassion, and his down-to earth workshops are consistently praised for their clarity, depth and utility.

For over 20 years, his work has focused on advancing the science and practical application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). John maintains an active research program focused on ACT and the anxiety disorders, and increasingly the utility and transportability of ACT in tele-health and self-help contexts. He has numerous publications, spanning basic experimental and applied work in ACT and behaviour therapy, and has received several awards for his research and teaching.

John is also an internationally recognized ACT trainer and a senior editor of the ACT book series with New Harbinger. He has written several popular ACT books, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anxiety Disorders, The Mindfulness & Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety, and ACT on Life, Not on Anger. His latest ACT infused book, Your Life on Purpose, is written for a general audience (these books will be on sale at low-cost in his workshops.)

John also regularly gives talks and ACT workshops to the public and professionals, and offers regular trainings at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, NY, where he serves as a member of the teaching faculty. Collectively, his work has helped foster growing interest in acceptance and mindfulness in psychology, mental health, medicine, and society.