Association for Behavior Analysis International

Contemporary approaches to anxiety and fear in children and adolescents employ exposure-based treatments and experiential learning. New research on how exposure works has suggested specific guidelines we can use to enhance these approaches. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a behavioral evidence-based intervention that can be used to support inhibitory learning in exposure-based treatment. Thus, this talk will discuss how applied behavior analysts may incorporate ACT into exposure-based treatment; namely, through shaping curiosity, willingness, and flexibility in the presence of fear and anxiety. Specifically, the speaker will discuss data on inhibitory learning processes in exposure, and how to incorporate specific ACT interventions into exposure to strengthen and contextualize this type of learning.

Target Audience: Board certified behavior analysts; licensed psychologists; graduate students

Learning Objectives: At the conclusion of the presentation, participants will be able to: (1) explain fear, anxiety, and exposure-based treatment in behavioral terms, including inhibitory learning processes; (2) describe the ACT model, in particular, the mindfulness and acceptance processes and the commitment and behavior change processes; (3) discuss applications of exposure-based treatment that incorporates ACT to enhance inhibitory learning through supporting curiosity, willingness, and flexibility.

Disclaimer: This presentation contains videos that were removed to maintain confidentiality.