Introduction to Acceptance Commitment Therapy

DMH UCLA Public Mental Health Partnership

Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a psychotherapy modality that can be used to both support meaningful growth in clients as well as to enhance provider wellbeing and reduce symptoms of burnout.

ACT, like its predecessor Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), takes into account the relationship between thoughts (cognition) and behaviors. ACT differs from traditional CBT in its approach to coping with challenging thoughts and activating preferred behaviors by its focus on values, mindfulness, and acceptance.

The goal of ACT is to increase “psychological flexibility” using six specific core processes: contact with the present moment, values, committed action, self-as-context, defusion, and acceptance. This training will include an introductory overview of the ACT model (including core processes), opportunities for experiential learning, and resources for additional education.

The target audience for this training are field-based intensive mental health services providers who work with individuals impacted by severe mental health disorders.