Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Course with Dr Jess Collins

Many people who have experienced trauma face ongoing difficulties with their emotions, often feeling overwhelmed by distress that affects their daily functioning and wellbeing.

In an effort to support their recovery and manage distress, individuals may understandably find themselves in a ‘battle’ with difficult thoughts and emotions, attempting to control, avoid, or suppress them. However, this struggle can unintentionally perpetuate the problem, as efforts to resist emotional pain often draw greater attention to it and increase the intensity of negative thoughts and feelings. Over time, this can lead to growing discouragement, hopelessness, and a sense of being stuck.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a third-wave CBT approach that reframes emotional distress as a valid part of the human experience. Rather than aiming to eliminate difficult emotions, ACT helps people develop a different relationship with them, learning to step out of the ‘tug-of-war’ and respond with greater openness and flexibility. ACT offers practical, evidence-based strategies to support people in moving towards their values, even in the presence of pain or adversity.

This one-day course will introduce the core principles and theory of the ACT model, with a strong emphasis on practical application. Through experiential exercises, delegates will have the opportunity to try out ACT skills for themselves, gaining firsthand insight into the power of responding differently to thoughts and emotions. Participants will leave the day equipped with simple, effective tools to use immediately in their work with clients, helping them to build psychological flexibility and foster wellbeing.