What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

This course is available 24/7, allowing you to read or listen at your convenience. Complete the course and take a short quiz to receive your certificate immediately. Enjoy one full year of access to the materials.

  • 3 CE hours
  • NBCC Approved
  • NAADAC Approved
  • ASWB ACE Approved
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Mental Health CE Approved by ASWB, NBCC, NAADAC & More

Accepted by most state boards and reportable through CEBroker. Check Board Approvals for details.

NBCC approved CEUs
ASWB CEUs
NAADAC CEUs
CE Broker by Propelus

Course curriculum

    1. About the Course

    2. Copyright Notice for Therapy Trainings™

    1. Overview of ACT

    2. Core Principles of ACT

    3. References

    1. Relational Frame Theory

    2. The Hexaflex Model

    3. References

    1. Acceptance

    2. Cognitive Defusion

    3. Mindfulness

    4. Self-as-Context

    5. Values

    6. Committed Action

    7. References

    1. Implementing ACT Techniques in Clinical Practice

    2. Tailoring ACT for Different Populations

    3. References

    1. Common Challenges in Using ACT

    2. Ethical Considerations

    3. References

About this course

  • $45.00
  • 38 lessons
  • 0 hours of video content

Therapy Trainings™ Presents

3 CE Hours of What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Training

This text-based course was developed in 2024 for mental health professionals. This course introduces mental health professionals to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), covering its theory, core processes, and practical applications, and teaching how to integrate ACT techniques into clinical practice.


Target audience: Mental Health Professionals

Content Level: beginning to expert


Course Overview:

This comprehensive course provides an in-depth introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a cutting-edge therapeutic approach that combines mindfulness and behavioral change strategies to enhance psychological flexibility. Participants will explore the theoretical foundations, core processes, and practical applications of ACT, learning how to implement its techniques in diverse clinical settings. Through this course, healthcare professionals will gain the skills and knowledge needed to effectively integrate ACT into their practice and improve patient outcomes.


Course Objectives: 

At the end of the course, you will learn to: 

  • describe the historical development, key figures, and foundational principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy;
  • articulate the principles of Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and the Hexaflex model, and how they inform ACT practices;
  • apply techniques for fostering acceptance, cognitive defusion, mindfulness, self-as-context, values identification, and committed action in therapeutic settings;
  • utilize case studies and role-playing scenarios to practice implementing ACT strategies and integrating them with other therapeutic approaches;
  • adapt ACT techniques for various age groups, clinical conditions, and cultural backgrounds to ensure effective and personalized treatment;
  • use appropriate tools and methods to assess psychological flexibility and evaluate the effectiveness of ACT interventions, and
  • maintain ethical practice standards, manage common challenges, and promote self-care among practitioners to prevent burnout and enhance professional well-being.


About the author

Matt Grammer, LPCC-S is the founder of Therapy Trainings™, Kentucky Counseling Center®, and Counseling Now®. He has over a decade of experience as a clinician, private practice operator, and consultant. He holds dual Masters degrees in Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling. KY LPCC-S #164069


Consulting Team

Social Work Consultant is Alicia Trager, LCSW

Marriage and Family Therapy Consultant is Matt White, MFT

Psychology consultant is Brett Donnelly, Psy D. 


Course completion & CE info

Course completion requirements: To earn CE credit, professionals must purchase the course, read/listen to the presentation, and complete the posttest (with a passing score of 80%) and course evaluation. Posttests may be retaken as many times as you need. Certificates of completion will be emailed immediately after course completion and can be accessed from your account anytime. 



This course has been approved by Therapy Trainings™, as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for 3 CE hours. NAADAC provider #270493. Therapy Trainings™ is responsible for all aspects of its programming.


Therapy Trainings™ has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7439. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. Therapy Trainings™ is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.


Therapy Trainings™, #1945, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 12/6/2024-12/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 3 continuing education credits.


State Specific Board Approvals:


Thanks to our national and state accreditations, all of our CE courses are approved by the boards listed below—provided the content is relevant to your profession or unless otherwise noted in the course description.

We regularly monitor state board requirements, but for the most up-to-date and accurate information, please refer to your licensing board’s official website.

The list below reflects the boards that currently recognize our CE credits based on existing state regulations.


Alabama

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System Requirements

Computer or mobile device with an internet connection.


For questions, concerns, or to request special accommodations, please email [email protected]


Frequently Asked Questions
You'll access all courses from your student dashboard in the menu after purchasing the unlimited subscription.
We have state and national approvals from NBCC, ASWB ACE, NAADAC, KY LPC, MFT, and SW Boards.
All on-demand CE courses are text-based and you can progress at your own pace. Once you've read the material, you'll complete a quiz and will receive a certificate of completion immediately.
Find your course and follow a few simple steps. Credit cards and Paypal payments are accepted. You'll gain access immediately.
All on-demand courses. Live CE is excluded.
All trainings published by Therapy Trainings™ are on-demand and available 24/7. You have access to all courses as soon as you enroll.
We're here for you by email and look forward to helping you. Please contact us at [email protected]. Therapy Trainings™ takes pride in making students happy.

Master Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) | Comprehensive Online Course

3 CE Hours of What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Training

Transform your therapy practice with our in-depth Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) online course. Learn to apply this powerful, evidence-based approach and help your clients lead more fulfilling lives.

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, commonly known as ACT, is a cutting-edge psychotherapeutic approach that combines mindfulness skills with the practice of self-acceptance. Developed within a scientific framework, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is an empirically-based psychological intervention that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies, together with commitment and behavior change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility.

Why Choose Our Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Course?

- Expert-Led Instruction: Learn Acceptance and Commitment Therapy from experienced ACT practitioners

- Comprehensive ACT Curriculum: Cover all six core processes of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in depth

- Practical ACT Skills: Gain hands-on experience with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques

- Flexible Learning: Access Acceptance and Commitment Therapy course materials 24/7

- CEU Credits: Earn continuing education units while mastering Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

What You'll Learn in Our Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Course:

1. The theoretical foundations of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

2. How to apply mindfulness in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy sessions

3. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques for helping clients clarify their values

4. Strategies for increasing psychological flexibility using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

5. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy methods for reducing experiential avoidance

6. Ways to integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with other therapeutic approaches

Who Should Take This Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Course?

- Licensed therapists and counselors seeking to incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy into their practice

- Psychology students and interns interested in learning Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

- Mental health professionals looking to expand their skills with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

- Life coaches wanting to understand Acceptance and Commitment Therapy principles

- Anyone interested in personal growth through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy concepts

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Course Outline

- Module 1: Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

- Module 2: Mindfulness and Present Moment Awareness in ACT

- Module 3: Cognitive Defusion Techniques in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

- Module 4: Acceptance and Willingness in ACT

- Module 5: Self-as-Context and Perspective Taking in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

- Module 6: Values Clarification and Committed Action in ACT

- Module 7: Putting It All Together: Integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Your Practice

What Our Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Students Say

"This Acceptance and Commitment Therapy course has revolutionized my therapy practice. I now have a powerful set of ACT tools to help my clients live more authentic and meaningful lives." - Sarah K., Licensed Clinical Psychologist

"The instructors' expertise in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and the practical exercises made complex ACT concepts easy to understand and apply. Highly recommended for anyone interested in ACT!" - Michael R., Marriage and Family Therapist

Enroll Now and Transform Your Practice with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy!

Don't miss this opportunity to add Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to your therapeutic toolkit. Enroll today and start your journey towards becoming an expert ACT practitioner!

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) | Online ACT Training | Evidence-Based ACT Practice | ACT Mindfulness Techniques | ACT Values-Based Therapy | ACT Psychological Flexibility | Mental Health Professional Development


Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): A Revolutionary Approach to Mental Health Treatment

Transform your therapeutic practice with one of psychology's most innovative and evidence-based approaches to mental health treatment. Discover why thousands of therapists worldwide are embracing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Table of Contents

  • What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

  • The Core Principles of ACT

  • How ACT Differs from Traditional CBT

  • The Six Core Processes of ACT

  • Real-World Applications and Case Studies

  • Evidence-Based Research

  • Why Get Certified in ACT

  • Advanced Training Opportunities

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT, pronounced as "act") represents a groundbreaking evolution in cognitive behavioral therapy that combines mindfulness strategies with commitment and behavior-change techniques. Developed by Dr. Steven Hayes in the 1980s, ACT has grown to become one of the most well-researched and effective therapeutic approaches for treating a wide range of psychological conditions.

Unlike traditional cognitive behavioral therapy approaches that focus primarily on changing thoughts and behaviors, ACT emphasizes psychological flexibility and value-aligned living. The therapy helps clients develop a new relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings while moving toward what matters most in their lives.

The Core Principles of ACT

1. Psychological Flexibility

At the heart of ACT lies the concept of psychological flexibility – the ability to stay present, open up to experiences, and take action guided by your values. This fundamental principle helps clients navigate life's challenges with greater resilience and purpose.

2. Experiential Acceptance

Rather than fighting against uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, ACT teaches clients to embrace their experiences – both positive and negative. This radical acceptance approach helps reduce the struggle with painful emotions and creates space for more effective responses to life's challenges.

3. Cognitive Defusion

ACT introduces powerful techniques to help clients step back from overwhelming thoughts. Instead of getting caught up in the content of thoughts, clients learn to observe them as mental events, reducing their impact on behavior and well-being.

How ACT Differs from Traditional CBT

While both ACT and traditional Cognitive Behavioral Therapy share common roots, their approaches differ significantly:

Traditional CBT

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Focuses on changing thought content

Emphasizes changing relationship with thoughts

Goals center on symptom reduction

Aims for increased psychological flexibility

Challenges negative thoughts

Accepts thoughts while changing behaviors

Emphasizes rational thinking

Emphasizes mindful awareness

The Six Core Processes of ACT

1. Present Moment Awareness

  • Developing mindfulness skills

  • Enhancing conscious connection to the here and now

  • Building moment-to-moment awareness

2. Defusion

  • Learning to observe thoughts without attachment

  • Reducing the power of negative self-talk

  • Creating psychological distance from unhelpful thoughts

3. Acceptance

  • Embracing experiences without resistance

  • Reducing struggle with difficult emotions

  • Creating space for growth and change

4. Self-as-Context

  • Developing an observer perspective

  • Building psychological flexibility

  • Strengthening resilience

5. Values Clarification

  • Identifying what matters most

  • Creating meaningful life directions

  • Establishing personal priorities

6. Committed Action

  • Taking steps aligned with values

  • Building patterns of effective behavior

  • Creating sustainable change

Real-World Applications and Case Studies

Case Study 1: Anxiety Management

Sarah, a 32-year-old marketing executive, struggled with severe social anxiety. Through ACT, she learned to:

  • Accept anxiety sensations without fighting them

  • Identify work relationships as a core value

  • Take small steps toward meaningful social engagement

  • Result: Significant improvement in work performance and satisfaction

Case Study 2: Chronic Pain Management

James, a 45-year-old construction worker with chronic back pain, used ACT to:

  • Develop a new relationship with pain

  • Focus on valued activities despite discomfort

  • Maintain family connections and modified work activities

  • Result: Improved quality of life despite ongoing pain

Evidence-Based Research

Numerous studies support the effectiveness of ACT across various conditions:

A 2022 meta-analysis showed ACT's superior effectiveness for anxiety disorders compared to traditional treatments

Research demonstrates significant positive outcomes for:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Chronic pain
  • Substance abuse
  • Work-related stress
  • PTSD

Why Get Certified in ACT through TherapyTrainings

Transform your practice and enhance your therapeutic toolkit with our comprehensive ACT certification program. Our course offers:

Unparalleled Training Experience

  • Expert-led instruction from certified ACT practitioners

  • Hands-on practice with core techniques

  • Real-time feedback and supervision

  • Interactive learning environment

Professional Development Benefits

  • Earn continuing education credits

  • Join a community of ACT practitioners

  • Access to exclusive resources and materials

  • Ongoing support and consultation opportunities

Course Highlights

1. Comprehensive Core Training

  • Foundation in ACT principles
  • Practical application techniques
  • Case conceptualization skills
  • Integration with existing practices

2. Advanced Clinical Skills

  • Specialized intervention strategies
  • Complex case management
  • Group therapy applications
  • Treatment planning expertise

3. Professional Growth

  • Marketing support for your practice
  • Networking opportunities
  • Access to supervision groups
  • Continuing education pathways

Advanced Training Opportunities

Level 1: ACT Foundations

  • Core principles and processes

  • Basic intervention strategies

  • Practice essentials

  • Duration: 20 hours

Level 2: Clinical Applications

  • Advanced techniques

  • Specialized populations

  • Treatment planning

  • Duration: 30 hours

Level 3: Mastery Program

  • Supervision and consultation

  • Complex case management

  • Training and presentation skills

  • Duration: 40 hours

The Impact of ACT Training on Your Practice

Investing in ACT certification through TherapyTrainings can transform your practice in multiple ways:

Enhanced Client Outcomes

  • Better treatment results

  • Increased client satisfaction

  • Broader range of treatable conditions

  • Improved client retention

Professional Growth

  • Expanded service offerings

  • Higher earning potential

  • Recognition as an ACT specialist

  • Increased referral opportunities

Practice Development

  • Marketing advantages

  • Competitive differentiation

  • Professional credibility

  • Network expansion

Conclusion

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy represents a powerful evolution in cognitive behavioral therapy, offering both practitioners and clients a robust framework for creating meaningful change. By combining mindfulness, acceptance, and behavior change strategies, ACT provides a comprehensive approach to mental health treatment that addresses both symptom reduction and quality of life enhancement.

Take the next step in your professional development by enrolling in our ACT certification program at TherapyTrainings. Visit Therapy Trainings today to explore our cognitive behavioral therapy courses and other mental health courses so you can start your journey toward becoming a more effective, neuroscience-informed practitioner. Join thousands of successful practitioners who have transformed their practices and enhanced their therapeutic effectiveness through ACT training.