What is Acceptance & Commitment Therapy?

Dr. Russ Harris defines ACT as “a revolutionary new mindfulness-based model, developed from cutting-edge research in behavioral psychology. The aim of ACT is to maximize human potential for a rich, full and meaningful life; to cultivate health, vitality and well-being through mindful values-based living.”  

ACT is a unique empirically based psychological intervention that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies, together with commitment and behavior change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility.  Psychological flexibility means contacting the present moment fully as a conscious human being, and based on what the situation affords, changing or persisting in behavior in the service of chosen values.

As of October 2018, there have been 252 randomized controlled trials of ACT.  It can be used with individuals, couples, families and groups.  ACT can be used to effectively address the most common issues in behavioral health:

• Anger Management
• Anxiety Disorders
• Eating Disorders
• Mood Disorders
• Personality Disorders
• PTSD
• Relationship Issues
• Substance Use Disorders
• Trauma

What is the ACT Matrix?

The Matrix is a seamless fusion of the six core processes of ACT into a simplified, easy-to-apply approach.  Steven Hayes, co-developer of ACT, has recently stated:

“The Matrix is a profoundly useful approach for teaching psychological flexibility. Simple and direct, it focuses on the most important dimensions in a way that cuts through the conceptual clutter—for ACT therapists and clients alike. Let me say it this way: if you care about ACT, you have to know the Matrix. It's not optional.”

What are the benefits of learning ACT?

ACT teaches clients how to open up, be present with and accept the inevitable pain in life, all while learning how to move toward the people and things that are important to them.

Using ACT, clients can learn to:

• Identify and move away from unworkable change strategies
• Make healthy contact with thoughts, feelings, and other private reactions they have feared and avoided
• Accept unwanted private experiences which are out of personal control
• Re-connect with who and what is important to them in order to set a direction for change and to motivate change
• Increase their ability to be more psychologically present
• Commit to take action toward living a values-based life

What will this training cover?

The ACT training will cover:

• The ACT Matrix - what is it and how to use it
• The traditional ACT Hexaflex
• The six ACT core therapeutic processes
• The ACT model of psychopathology
• ACT techniques/exercises to immediately use with your clients

What are the learning objectives?

At the conclusion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Define Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Recall the core concepts and history of ACT
• Explain the six core examples of psychological inflexibility
• Discuss the impact of psychological inflexibility on common clinical disorders
• Understand the six core processes of psychological flexibility in ACT
• Explain the benefits of using the Matrix when doing ACT
• Apply the six core ACT processes with clients experiencing common clinical disorders
• Determine appropriate ACT metaphors to use with clients
• Use the ACT Matrix with clients

What is included in the cost of the training?

There are three options:

1.  Training Only

2.  Training + Coaching

3.  Training + Coaching + Individual Consultation

Please click on the REGISTER button to learn more about what is included in each option.

Are group or student discounts available?

Yes.  Please contact Eric Comstock at 317-643-9909 or eric@comstockcounseling.com for details.

What happens in the optional monthly group coaching?

Research has demonstrated that training plus monthly practice is the best way to learn a new model of therapy.  During our monthly coaching we will continue to practice ACT strategies, the ACT Matrix, advanced ACT techniques and ACT case conceptualization.

The coaching will be done using Zoom conferencing.

Two of the ticket options include monthly coaching.  Please click on the REGISTER button for more information.

Who is the trainer?

Eric Comstock, M.A., LMFT, LCAC

Eric was trained as a trainer in ACT by Dr. Kevin Polk, the co-developer of the ACT Matrix.  Dr. Polk is the co-author of The Essential Guide to the ACT Matrix: A Step-by-Step Approach to Using the ACT Matrix Model in Clinical Practice. Eric has over 100 hours of training in ACT with the some of the top ACT trainers in the US and Australia. He is a member of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS).

Eric is one of the core ACT trainers for Community Health Network and also provides ACT training to other agencies in Central Indiana. He is frequently invited to guest lecture on the topic of ACT to students in the MSW programs at IUPUI and University of Indianapolis.  

Eric is member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT) and was trained as a trainer in 2004 by Dr. William Miller and Dr. Stephen Rollnick, the co-developers of MI.  He has provided training in MI for the last 14 years to agencies all over Indiana.

Eric is Director of Clinical Services, Adult Mental Health and Addictions, for Behavioral Health Services at Community Health Network. He is a Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist (LMFT) and Licensed Clinical Addiction Counselor (LCAC) and with over 16 years of experience working with individuals, couples and families. He has a private practice in Indianapolis and specializes in helping individuals, couples and families struggling with relationship problems, parenting challenges, addictions, anger, anxiety and work conflicts.

Will there be Continuing Education Credits?

Yes.  Please click on the REGISTER button to learn about the options.

CEUs (Category 1) will be issued by Continuing the Care, LLC, which is a recognized provider of continuing education by the Indiana Professional Licensing Agency (IPLA) for social workers, mental health counselors, marriage and family therapists and addiction counselors.

Can I pay by check?

Yes. Please contact Eric Comstock at 317-643-9909 or eric@comstockcounseling.com for details.

Can I bring food and/or beverages?

Yes. Vending machines are also conveniently located near the training room that offer a variety of beverage and snack options.

What restaurants are close for lunch?

Nearby restaurants include Arni's, Stacked Pickel, Steak 'n Shake, Bob Evans, Chipolte Mexican Grill and Naked Tchopstix.  There are also various options in the food court at the Fashion Mall and several restaurants around the mall property.

What are the hotel options for this event?

Nearby hotels include Hyatt Place Indianapolis Keystone, Indianapolis Marriott North, Hamptom Inn & Suites and Sheraton Indianapolis Hotel at Keystone.