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| Training, Supervision, and Adherence and Competence in ACT, a Functional Therapy |
| Saturday, May 29, 2004 |
| 2:30 PM–3:50 PM |
| Conference Room 2 |
| Area: CBM/TPC; Domain: Applied Research |
| Chair: Heather M. Pierson (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Abstract: . |
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| What is ACT? Core Processes, Skills, and Competencies |
| STEVEN C. HAYES (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Abstract: In the present talk, the functional core of ACT is described in terms of behavior analysis and Relational Frame Theory. It is argued that the core components of ACT all bear on psychological flexibility or inflexibility. Each of the major ACT component processes is discussed in relation to this concept, and the skills needed in each of these areas are outlined. The implications of this analysis for research and training in ACT are developed. |
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| Process-Oriented Supervision and Research Training |
| KELLY G. WILSON (University of Mississippi) |
| Abstract: The ACT model has considerably more breadth than is seen in its application to conventionally conceived psychological problems. Many of the barriers to becoming an effective clinician or researcher are also experiential in nature. Even when significant skills deficits exist, experiential barriers may inhibit the positive effects of training for those skills. This talk will focus on the application of the ACT model to training contexts. Two specific training contexts will be examined: clinical and research supervision. An ACT model, as it applies to the organization of a supervision group and to a lab group will be outlined. We will show the ways that these groups can be organized to facilitate an openness to experience that allows for increased behavioral flexibility. Finally, we will look at the ways this openness can leverage intensive engagement in training experiences. |
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| A Functional Approach to Measuring Therapists’ Adherence and Competence in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| HEATHER M. PIERSON (University of Nevada, Reno), Kara Bunting (University of Nevada, Reno), Alethea Smith (University of Nevada, Reno), Elizabeth V. Gifford (Center for Health Care Evaluation, Palo Alto), Steven C. Hayes (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Abstract: In treatment outcome studies adherence and competence are typically measured through topographical means. However ACT consists of functional components that are not always easily identified by examining topography. Therapy may contain elements that adhere to ACT topographically, such as metaphors, but which do not function to support an ACT process. The present paper will outline a functional adherence and competence scale and will discuss the difficulties of using such a scale. |
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| Towards a More Functional Approach to Training and Dissemination of Psychotherapies |
| JASON BRIAN LUOMA (University of Nevada, Reno) |
| Abstract: The current model of psychotherapy development follows an FDA stage model originally designed for pharmacotherapy trials. Within this mechanistic framework, the "active ingredients" of the therapy in question are distilled into therapy manuals. This model leads to increasingly complex and detailed manuals that are difficult to learn and implement and which may result in undesired side-effects. This presentation will highlight the drawbacks of this model and offer alternatives. More research is needed that examines therapist behavior as a dependent variable and, using experimental methods, attempts to show how therapist behavior can be made more effective, leading to better client outcomes. A model for disseminating and training ACT will be outlined that overcomes some of the difficulties of the current approach. The limited data that appear consistent with this conceptual model will be briefly reviewed. |
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