A Practical Guide to Applying ACT-Informed Exposure
April 28, 2023 | 2:30-4:00pm PST
w/ Brian Thompson, PhD and Brian Pilecki, PhD
About The Workshop
Since the early success of exposure, many theories have been created to understand and explain its mechanism. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has emerged as a useful framework to understand how to use exposure effectively including how to overcome barriers to engagement with exposure. Within the past 10 years, research has demonstrated the effectiveness of exposure therapy within the context of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Bluett et al., 2014). This is a beginner workshop for therapists who are interested in learning more about integrating the ACT model with traditional exposure methods. It will offer concrete and practical tips for orienting clients to and engaging in ACT-informed exposure, including discussing a rationale with clients, conducting exposures, and trouble-shooting problems during treatment. This workshop coincides with the release of our book, ACT-informed Exposure for Anxiety Disorders: Creating Effective, Innovative, & Values-based Exposures Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. The workshop is intended to stand alone, and it is not required attendees have read this book.
Meet Your Instructors
Brian Thompson, PhD
Dr. Brian Thompson is a licensed psychologist and director for the anxiety clinic at Portland Psychotherapy. Brian completed his doctorate at the University of Montana, his pre-doctoral internship at the Portland VA Medical Center, and a post-doctoral fellowship focused on acceptance and commitment therapy under the supervision of Jason Luoma, PhD, (e.g., Learning ACT) and Jenna Lejeune , PhD, (e.g., Values in Therapy). Passionate about evidence-based treatment, he specializes in working with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCRD). In addition to working full-time as a clinician, Brian has published in peer-reviewed journals on Third Wave approaches to anxiety and OCRD, organized and contributed to professional trainings (e.g., workshops, symposia, panel discussion) on related topics, and offers consultation to professionals on integrating ACT and newer models of exposure in clinical work. He has held leadership positions, most recently as Past-President for the Oregon Chapter of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, and he was a consultant and therapist for a telehealth program focused on health anxiety through Regence.
Brian Pilecki, Ph.D.
Dr. Brian Pilecki is a clinical psychologist who specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders (OCD, generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder), trauma and PTSD, and matters related to the use of psychedelics. He completed a post-doctoral fellowship at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and practices from an orientation based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Brian also has extensive experience in the areas of mindfulness and meditation, and incorporates them into his therapy with clients. He is an active researcher and has published on topics such as anxiety disorders, mindfulness, psychedelics, and the relationship between theory and practice in psychotherapy. At Portland Psychotherapy, Brian is also involved in research in the use of psychedelics for the treatment of mental health problems.
AUDIENCE
Therapists who would like to learn more about integrating exposure therapy with the ACT model of psychological flexibility, especially therapists new to ACT-informed exposure. Additionally, clients who are struggling to incorporate ACT into exposure work.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After attending this training, participants will be able to:
- Orient clients to ACT-informed exposure
- Design exposure exercises to maximize client success in practicing psychological flexibility
- Design exposure exercises that strengthen ACT processes
REGISTRATION
Registration is online. Presentations will be recorded and sent to anyone who registers for the event.
SCHOLARSHIPS
We reserve a number of partial scholarships for potential attendees who could not otherwise afford to come. We give particular priority given to those who would add diverse and under represented voices to our field. To submit an application, please click here.
CE CREDITS
Portland Psychology Clinic, Research & Training Center is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Portland Psychotherapy, Clinic, Research & Training Center maintains responsibility for all programs and content.
This workshop grants 1.5 CE credits for therapists with the purchase of Professionals with CE Certificate ticket and live attendance of the entire workshop. Credit will not be given for only watching the recording.
REFUNDS/CANCELLATIONS: We charge a $15 administration fee for cancellations made by participants more than two weeks before the training event. For cancellations within two weeks of the training event, we will refund 50% of the tuition. Alternately, participants may elect to apply 100% of their tuition to a future training event. No refunds will be given after training events.
SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS: Please contact us if you need accommodations to enable you to fully participate in the workshop. We will work with you and do our best to find a way to ensure your participation.
