Chronic Illness: The Foundations of an Acceptance-Based Approach

March 8th, 2024 -10am-1:15pm EST | Virtual

3 CEs

AMANDA RHODES, PsyD

Licensed Psychologist

Founder, The ACT Academy

Abstract: This workshop offers professionals a foundational exploration of therapeutic approaches for individuals facing long-term health challenges. Participants will gain a nuanced understanding of the impact of chronic illness on mental health and learn to apply the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to enhance client well-being. The workshop delves into mindfulness and acceptance techniques, equipping attendees with practical tools to foster psychological flexibility in their clients. Emphasis is placed on values exploration by guiding professionals in helping clients align their actions with core values to promote a sense of purpose. The execution of defusion strategies and commitment to behavior change are addressed, offering practical interventions for meaningful action. The workshop also explores the role of community support in the therapeutic process, fostering a collaborative environment for professionals to share insights and enhance their proficiency in applying ACT to the unique challenges of chronic illness. Participants will leave with practical skills and a deeper understanding of how ACT can be tailored effectively to support individuals on their journey towards holistic well-being in the context of chronic illness. This is a perfect place to start on your journey for competency in working with this population.

Target Audience: The workshop is ideal for practitioners already equipped with a basic or comprehensive understanding of the ACT. This workshop is not appropriate for practitioners completely new to the ACT model and will not cover introductory definitions of psychological flexibility. It is appropriate for all behavioral health professionals, including Psychologists, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Psychiatrists, Social Workers, and Psychiatric Nurse-Practitioners.

Check out details below!

System Requirements: This course will be presented via Zoom teleconferencing software. Participants will not have to install any additional programs on their computer to take part. However, a web browser is necessary. (Mac users are recommended to use the Chrome or Firefox browsers to minimize tech issues). Participants can test their computer's capabilities by clicking here (or visiting http://zoom.us/test).

We recommend all participants test their ability to load Zoom in advance of the event to ensure there are no technical difficulties. All participants must log in via an individual connection, rather than as a group using one machine. A headset/headphones are recommended. A functioning microphone is also MANDATORY to attend this training, to allow for participation in role-play sessions.

Continuing Education Details: Participants are required to attend the entire training. Partial credits cannot be issued. For psychology CE credits, completion of the evaluation is strongly encouraged. If you do not wish to complete the evaluation but desire to receive psychology CEs please contact info@theACTacademy.com after the training event.

There is a 30-day time limit post-training to complete all CE requirements. CE Credit Certificates will be emailed to all completers of the training within 30 days after all course requirements have been completed. CEs are awarded contingent on timely post-event paperwork submission by event organizers.

CEs for Psychologists: The program is Approved for CEs for Psychologists. The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science maintains responsibility for this program and its content. CEs for Psychologists are awarded contingent on timely post-event paperwork submission by event organizers.

CEs for Counselors: Chronic Illness: Foundations of an Acceptance-Based Approach has been Approved by NBCC for NBCC credit. The ACT Academy is solely responsible for all aspects of the program. NBCC Approval No. SP-4451.

CEs for Social Workers: This program is Approved by the National Association of Social Workers (Approval # 886914667-8755) for 3 continuing education contact hours.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Define how individuals with chronic health conditions use avoidance and fusion in the context of their illness.

  2. Describe how self-as-context techniques can help broaden the identity and behavioral repertoires of people with medical conditions.

  3. Employ at least two ACT interventions for clients with chronic pain.

About the Presenter: Amanda Rhodes, Psy.D a licensed clinical psychologist in Maryland, USA. She spent her early career as Research Psychologist at the NIH. Her research focused on contextual behavioral science and clinical health psychology in cancer and chronic illness populations. She has been researching, applying, and training others in ACT for the past 10 years. She currently directs an ACT-based clinical practice, is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychology at GWU, Founder of The ACT Academy, and a Research Consultant on international ACT-based research protocols. She currently serves on the Board of Directors for several international scientific organizations including President for both the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) Mid-Atlantic Chapter and ACBS Cancer Special Interest Group. She also currently serves on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science (JCBS).

Disclosures: Dr. Rhodes receives a speaking fee from The ACT Academy for this presentation and has no other relevant financial relationships to disclose. No commercial support was obtained for this CE program that could be construed as a conflict of interest.

Cancellation and Refund Policy: A $25 processing fee will be charged for registration refunds requested more than 15 days prior to the workshop. We regret that within 15 days of the workshop, refunds cannot be made, but you may request credit toward a future ACT Academy program. If you need a refund, please contact us via email at info@theACTacademy.com.

ADA Accommodations: This workshop will be closed captioned in English. If there are additional ADA accommodations that you require, please contact us at info@theACTacademy.com or +1 (240) 542-8503. Mail can also be sent to 2 Wisconsin Circle, Suite 915, Chevy Chase MD, 20815

9:45-10:00am EST Sign In

10-10:30 Overview of Chronic Pain & Health Conditions

Emotional Functioning

Social Relationships

Identity

Treatment Concerns

10:30-11:30 The Context of Pain & Illness

Medical Model of Chronic Illness & Pain

Biopsychosocial Model of Chronic Illness & Pain | Non-Pharmacological Approaches (CBT-CP)

ACT Model for Chronic Pain

Definitions & Empirical Clinical Outcomes

11:30-11:45 Break

11:45-1:15 Conceptualizing Pain Behavior

Functional Analysis

Psychological Flexibility & Pain

Case Conceptualization Tools

ACT Interventions for Pain & Illness