0318 - ACT and Self-Compassion

Delivery Options Workshop Remote

Course Description

Hours: 12

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and compassion-focused approaches in psychotherapy have both been gaining interest and traction in recent years, as has the relationship between them. There is a clear compatibility between the ACT model of psychological flexibility and the experience of self-compassion. Both involve mindfulness, flexible perspective-taking, and a somewhat counterintuitive acknowledgment of, and opening of, space to hold pain and suffering.

While compassion is implicit in the whole ACT model, ACT researchers and practitioners have increasingly been exploring the role of self-compassion in psychotherapy, and self-compassion work is becoming increasingly explicit in the ACT approach. Even ACT originator, Steven C. Hayes, has noted that compassion is now understood as being integral to psychological flexibility, and compassion work as central to ACT practice. ACT also offers powerful strategies for training and increasing self-compassion. Compassion is increasingly understood to be a key element in therapeutic change, not only in the therapeutic relationship, but also as a powerful skill and orientation to the self for both client and practitioner.

This two-day workshop will:
•   Discuss self-compassion – what it is and why it matters.
•   Discuss the relationship between ACT processes/psychological flexibility and the experience of self-compassion.
•   Explore the use of ACT processes to address barriers to self-compassion.
•   Share tools, strategies and practices for the assessment and training of self-compassion in ACT (for both clients and practitioners).

As ACT is a highly experiential and interactive model, the workshop will emphasize direct experience, skill-building and practice of ACT strategies for fostering self-compassion.