“Acceptance and Responsibility Therapy” - course RUB 90,000. from MSU, training 32 weeks. (8 months), Date: December 3, 2023.

Module 1. Basic principles, concepts and methods of ACT

Within the framework of the basic block, the fundamental principles of ACT, the theoretical and empirical foundations of the approach, and the history of the method will be discussed in detail. Students will become familiar with the theoretical principles of functional contextualism, relational frame theory, and clinical behavior analysis. And also with the transdiagnostic model of psychological flexibility, basic techniques and methods in accordance with each aspect of psychological flexibility (six core ACT processes: acceptance, choice of values, presence in the moment, motivated behavior, self-as-context, cognitive unraveling).

Module 1.1. Using Metaphors in ACT

The use of metaphors is a critical tool in ANT. The “Metaphors” block will examine the theory of what metaphors are, how they are related to the theory of relational frames, and how exactly they work. Specific examples of metaphors for various mental processes that are described in ANT will also be considered, and the creation of your own therapeutic metaphors will be practiced.

Module 1.2. Creative hopelessness (CB)

KB is the main “entry point” into the process of collaboration with the client. Without the implementation of the Design Bureau, further work is virtually impossible. Therefore, within the framework of this block, creative hopelessness will be carefully examined and worked out as part of practical training.

Module 1.3. Case formulation in ACT (hexaflex, Matrix, “choice point”)

Within the framework of this block, the goals, objectives and main models for conceptualizing a case in ACT (hexaflex, Matrix, “choice point”) will be considered. Particular attention will be paid to the use of the AST matrix and its elements. The advantages of the Matrix as a tool for a therapist to work with a client during a one-time meeting will be considered. There will also be an analysis of the application of the AST matrix to various client requests. Analysis of the main therapeutic difficulties in working with the ACT matrix.

Module 2. Mindfulness in the context of ACT

Mindfulness, or mindfulness, is one of the key elements in the ACT model. Four of the six processes of psychological flexibility belong to the group of processes of awareness and acceptance and provide the foundation for working towards change and building a life that aligns with values person.

Module 3. ACT Modifications (FACT, FAP, Compassionate Techniques)

During this module there will be a frustrated short-term version of ACT (FACT (Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)), and also Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), a contextual behavioral approach focused on therapeutic relationship.

Module 3.1. Functional Analytical Psychotherapy (FAP)

Contextual - behavioral psychotherapeutic approach based on radical behaviorism and focusing on the therapeutic relationship as one of the key factors facilitating change in client's life. After completing the block, students will more clearly understand their role in therapy and become familiar with the concepts of behavioral shorthand assessment functions of behavior, explore their own patterns of emotional avoidance, and also form an understanding of the targets of their own behavioral changes.

Module 3.2. Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

This unit will examine the FACT model as well as case conceptualization methods (flexibility profile, quadrangle case analysis method). Participants will learn how to conduct 2 types of interviews in FACT and rethink the client's story (demonstration interview with a change orientation), study the CARE algorithm for determining sequences of clinical actions during one session, will master methods that help rethink problems and formulate rules for self-learning, as well as subsequent training skills.

Module 3.3. Compassion Techniques in the Context of ACT

This block will examine the concept of the process of compassion, its neurophysiological foundations, and its relationship with the main processes developed within the framework of ANT. Also within the framework of the block, work with resistance to the development of compassion and self-compassion will be considered, and practical development of this skill will be carried out.

Module 4. ACT Emotional Disorders

In this block, participants will gain a modern understanding of depressive and anxiety disorders from the perspective AST, the main manifestations, mechanisms of development and maintenance, and corresponding therapeutic targets, and tasks. ANT practices will also be developed in relation to specific manifestations of disorders of this spectrum: work with anhedonia, feelings of hopelessness, apathy, protective and avoidant behavior. Participants will master the skills of creating conceptualizations, working with motivation, and applying exposure techniques through the prism of TVET.

Module 5. ACT PTSD

In this block, participants will gain an understanding of the modern classification of post-traumatic disorders, the neurobiological basis of trauma, and the position of ACT. They will also master the skills of conceptualizing these disorders and working with specific tasks: dissociative phenomena, traumatic “amnesia”, “witness trauma”, working with exposure, awareness and values ​​in context of trauma.

Module 6.ACTwhen working with clinical manifestations

Module 6.1. ACT in working with grief and loss

This block will examine the concept of grief, its main models, useful metaphors and basic ANT interventions. Special therapeutic targets will be formed and the features of case conceptualization will be analyzed.

Module 6.2. ACT for working with anger

This unit will examine common misconceptions about anger and irritability and deconstruct anger within ACT and assess its costs. Listeners will also learn an evolutionary view of the "mind" that creates anger and cognitive unraveling techniques as an alternative. The practice of adopting assertive behavior in working with anger will be worked out, and aspects of working with values ​​in the context of anger will also be considered.

Module 6.3. ACT in working with alcohol dependence syndrome

In this block, the concept of alcoholism will be considered both in itself (epidemiology, some classifications, features of the course) and within the framework of the transdiagnostic ACT model. The general approach to the treatment of alcoholism in TVET will be considered, as well as some nuances of working specifically with such a disorder that may require a team approach in contact with specialists from another profile.