At The Eaves we hold regular training events and workshops for our practitioners, as part of their Continuing Professional Development (CPD).
With the social distancing measures in place over the past year we have been unable to provide face to face training. We were pleased to be able to organise our first event of 2021 for a limited number of Eaves therapists in a socially distanced venue last week.
The Eaves affiliate Dr John O’Connor held the training on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Dr O’Connor is a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years post qualification experience working with children, families and adults.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT is a behavioural therapy which is used to help people learn strategies to live life more in the present and less focussed on difficult thoughts, feelings and experiences. The therapist will work with the client to focus their thoughts on important values and goals, and how to engage with painful thoughts and feelings through acceptance and mindfulness techniques.
Much suffering can come from trying to fight or overcome painful emotions and experiences, so ACT encourages the client to accept and feel their emotions, whether painful or positive. This acceptance can allow people to develop more self-compassion and flexibility, and to live a life based on what matters most to them.
The client will think about what values they hold most important, and make a commitment to live their life according to these values.
ACT is an evidence based therapy which continues to be researched and has been shown to be effective in treating people dealing with issues such as:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD
- Substance abuse
- Chronic pain
- Eating problems
https://contextualscience.org/act_for_the_public
Our next CPD event
Our next CPD event is planned for September and will be presented by Ali Merrett, a Counsellor and End Of Life Doula.
At The Eaves we have professionals that can offer ACT therapy. They see individuals of all ages, families, couples and young people 12 hours a day, Monday to Saturday between 9am and 9pm. Please call 01483 917000 if you would like any assistance in sourcing a suitable therapist. You can also send us an enquiry via our website. Click here to find out more.