Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a cutting-edge, evidence-based approach grounded in the principles of modern cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT). Blending powerful behaviour change strategies with practices that foster mindfulness, acceptance and value-based living, ACT offers a compassionate, flexible framework for working with a wide range of mental health challenges.
Rooted in functional contextualism and informed by relational frame theory – a dynamic model for understanding how language and cognition influence human behaviour – ACT invites both therapist and client to approach difficult internal experiences with openness and curiosity. Rather than aiming to eliminate distress, ACT empowers individuals to change their relationship with suffering, living a life that is meaningful and value-driven.
This certificate program is designed for clinicians who want to bring more presence, purpose and emotional agility to their work. With ACT's transdiagnostic, experiential approach, you'll learn to move beyond rigid protocols and diagnostic categories, connecting more deeply with what matters – to your clients and to yourself.
Through this training, you'll gain practical skills and conceptual grounding in:
- The philosophical and theoretical foundations ACT – and how to build creative, personalized interventions using those foundations.
- The six core therapeutic processes that promote psychological flexibility.
- The ACT Matrix -- a simple, powerful tool for assessment, intervention and shared understanding.
- Applying ACT effectively in brief interventions and group settings.
- Using ACT in treatment of trauma.
- Integrating ACT with self-compassion practices.
- The principles of positive psychology for both personal and professional growth.
- How to apply ACT processes responsibly and effectively within the context of racial trauma and systemic inequity.
Prerequisite
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Model, the Application, the Practice, or an approved equivalent, is a prerequisite to all other courses*. These courses are advanced-level trainings that build upon the foundational knowledge introduced in the introductory course. For information about approved equivalent courses, please email fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca.
* There is no prerequisite for Positive Psychology: The Science of Well-Being, Resilience and Flourishing.
Completion Requirements
To earn the ACT certificate, you must complete at least seven courses. The program is flexible – you can finish in as little as one year or take up to seven years. You do not have to be working toward the ACT certificate to take any of these courses.
Participation and Attendance
Full attendance and participation are required to complete these courses. You are required, as much as possible, to have your camera on. We know there are situations where this is not possible, so please send a message to your instructor or the Professional Development host to let them know that you are unable to turn on your camera. Our courses are interactive and include breakout rooms, role play, group discussions and other activities. Participation is required.
Four + Discount
Register for four or more courses at the same time to receive a 10% discount on each course. To qualify, you must complete registration and payment for all courses in a single transaction. The discount is non-cumulative and cannot be applied retroactively. If discount is not applied at time of registration, contact fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca for assistance before payment. Discounts cannot be applied after registration has been completed.
Becoming a Therapist
This ACT certificate does not qualify you for registration with any regulatory body (e.g. Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario) or to practice as a licensed therapist. To become a regulated therapist, please visit the website for the appropriate regulatory body in your province.
Delivery Options
The ACT certificate courses are available remotely through Zoom.
Registration
No application required. To register, choose a course and section to view the dates and cost. Add the course to your cart and complete payment. Please review the prerequisites above.
Contact Information
For more information about this certificate contact the Faculty of Social Work Professional Development office:
Email: fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca
Phone: 548-889-4967
See our website and Frequently Asked Questions for more information.