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.
Prerequisite
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Model, the Application, the Practice, or an approved equivalent, is a prerequisite to all other courses*, which are advanced level trainings that build on the knowledge in the introduction course. For information on approved equivalents, email fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca.
* There is no prerequisite for Positive Psychology: The Science of Well-Being, Resilience, Meaning and More.
Completion Requirements
To complete the ACT certificate, you must complete all seven courses. Courses can be taken in any order. You can complete this certificate 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. For the remote courses, participants are requested, as much as possible, to have their cameras 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 once to apply a 10% discount in your cart on the cost of each course. You must register and pay for all courses at the same time; discount is not cumulative or retroactive. If discount is not being applied at time of registration, contact fswprofessionaldevelopment@wlu.ca for assistance. Discount cannot be applied after registration is complete.
Becoming a Therapist
Completing the ACT certificate will not qualify you to register with any college or association, including the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers or the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. Please visit those websites for information on becoming a therapist in Ontario, or your provincial regulatory college.
Delivery Options
The ACT certificate courses are available remotely through Zoom.
Registration
No application is required. To register, select a course from the menu on the right, then a course section to view the dates and cost or add the course to your cart. Complete your registration with payment.
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.