Focus on Self and Identity: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Perspective

Two Day In Person All Levels Training with Dr. Kelly Wilson in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada Stories can be a terrible trap. When they are traps, they isolate, and so the trap tightens. Understanding and working with self and identity can be the key to flexibility and creativity. About this workshop: In this workshop, Dr Kelly Wilson, acknowledged master of experiential teaching for therapists, psychologist and co-founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, will create a learning context for professionals to explore self and identity primarily from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy perspective. Dr. Wilson will also draw from existential and phenomenological sensibilities and will offer an examination of the ACT model through the lens of self work. In Kelly’s own words: From a behavioral view, self and identity are born in a crucible of questions—self is shaped in a social context. Depending on the depth, richness, and integrity of that crucible of questions, patterns are set into motion that are often repeated over a lifetime. As clinicians the crucible of questions we make for our clients can turn the key that springs the trap. It is equally true that, as therapists, we are provoked in therapy. Our own patterns are set in motion. We will examine these provocations, will slow enough to recognize them, and to see how that recognition can allow us to use what arises rather than have it derail the therapy. ACT processes are often taught using examples and exercises that explicitly highlight individual ACT processes. In practice, the linking of these processes can create synergies that amplify the impact of an intervention. I will describe a behavioural view of self and identity and of simple actionable means of unlocking flexibility, creativity, and stories of meaning, purpose, and connection. Although this workshop will not be an introduction to ACT, it will be delivered in plain language that will be understandable to participants with no background in ACT. No jargon. For those with an ACT background, the workshop will deepen your understanding of ACT principles and your ability to use those principles flexibly to create and enhance therapeutic connection. The workshop will be appropriate for therapy beginners to veteran ACT therapists. The skill sets and sensitivities targeted in this workshop are broadly relevant to human services including all aspects of physical and mental health care, but also to management and education. Researchers are welcome to participate. Deep immersion in ACT processes has the potential to improve our research questions. The workshop will be densely experiential. Principles will be described briefly, and we will focus our time and attention on practice. We will practice exercises and interviews that can change your interactions with your very next client. Dr. Wilson will offer multiple live demonstrations to illuminate interviewing method, pace, and targets. Workshop Sponsors: This event is supported and sponsored by *The Ontario Chapter of Contextual Behavioural Science, ACT Ontario. *Ottawa River Integrative Mental Health Inc. *Academy of Mindfulness and Contemplative Practice at the University of Ottawa Planning Committee: The planning committee for this event are volunteers and members from the Ontario Chapter of Contextual Behavioural Science and Ottawa River Psychology/Ottawa River Integrative Mental Health Inc. We are grateful to Dr Kelly Wilson for his commitment to building the CBS community in Canada. We would be delighted to have you join us in this learning adventure with Kelly Wilson. Register via Eventbrite

Winter 2023 Mindful Self Compassion INTENSIVE course

December 3, 2023, 6:00 pm

If you struggle with self criticism, perfectionism and control, learn the skills to befriend your own heart with the Mindful Self CompassionRead More »

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