ACTUAL WORKSHOP TIME: Five 90 minute meetings on Mondays from 12-1:30pm. Dates are: March 10, March 17, March 31, April 14, April 28, 2025 

AUDIENCE  

Therapists with some understanding of exposure who would like to bring more ACT into what they do. This may include therapists who are experienced in traditional exposure who would like to bring more of an ACT focus. For clinicians who work with child/adolescents, this workshop will mainly focus on working with adult clients. 

INSTRUCTIONAL LEVEL

People with some grasp of ACT and a basic understanding of exposure who want to develop an ACT-informed exposure practice. May also include therapists experienced in traditional exposure who want to bring ACT into their work. 

LEARNING OBJECTIVES

Class 1 

1.   Explain current research on ACT-informed exposure  
2.   Describe what is unique about ACT-informed exposure compared to traditional exposure focused on habituation 

 Class 2 

1.   Explain ACT-informed exposure to clients by using clear and concise language and providing relevant examples   
2.   Create an ACT-consistent rationale for exposure  

Class 3 

1.   Identify processes and client experiences to track during exposure 
2.   Create worksheets to guide their ACT-informed exposure practice  

Class 4 

1.   Troubleshoot common difficulties implementing ACT-informed exposure  
2.   Address potential concerns or questions raise by the client about ACT-informed exposure  

Class 5 

1.   Address common client barriers to ACT-informed exposure 
2.   Plan next steps to further apply their learning of ACT-informed exposure in their clinical practice beyond the scope of this workshop   

SCHOLARSHIPS

We reserve a number of partial scholarships for potential attendees who could not otherwise afford to come. We give particular priority to those who would add diverse and underrepresented 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.

Each group meeting will be worth 1.5 CE credit for a total of 7.5 possible CEs. CEs will only be given for live meetings attended. 

Refund/cancellation policy:

We charge a $15 administration fee for cancellations made more than one week before the training event. For cancellations within one week of the training event, we will refund 50% of the tuition. No refunds will be given after the first meeting.

 Special Accommodations :

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.

Brian Thompson, PhD

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. Brian is an author of ACT-Informed Exposure for Anxiety: Creating Effective, Innovative, and Values-Based Exposures Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

Brian Pilecki, PhD

Brian Pilecki, PhD: Dr. Brian Pilecki is a clinical psychologist at the Portland Psychotherapy Clinic that 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.  Brian completed his doctorate at Fordham University in Bronx, NY and completed his pre-doctoral internship at the Weill-Cornell Medical center at New York Presbyterian Hospital.  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, and the relationship between theory and practice in psychotherapy.  Brian has also held numerous leadership positions, including his current service as a committee chairperson for the Association for Contextual and Behavioral Science.  At Portland Psychotherapy, Brian is also involved in research in his specialty areas.