As helping professionals, we often aim to reduce human pain, but pain and suffering often cannot be removed or prevented. Accepting that pain and suffering are a normal part of living is a key component to psychological flexibility. Increasing psychological flexibility, “the ability to contact the present moment more fully as a conscious human being, and to either change or persist when doing so serves valued ends” (Hayes, Strosahl, Bunting, Twohig, & Wilson, 2004, p. 5), is the primary goal of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Practicing ACT with clients uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies to help guide them to act in ways that bring them closer to their personal values. This workshop will provide a practical introduction to ACT and how this cognitive behavior therapy can be used with other evidence-based models used by social workers. We will explore ways for clinicians to use ACT processes both for themselves and their clients and will practice techniques through a variety of experiential activities. There will be handouts and references for additional resources available.
Presenter: Mary Schrier
Date: 6/2/26
Time: 8:00 am-3:00 pm
Location: Magnus Center Gladwin Room
Social Work CEUs pending