In-Person Training (Nashville)

6 CE Hours

Issues in Therapy

Focus on Self and Identity: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Perspective

Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D.

Stories can be a terrible trap. When they are traps, they isolate, and so the trap tightens. Understanding and working with self and identity can be the key to flexibility and creativity.

In this workshop, I will speak about self and identity primarily from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy perspective, though I will draw from existential and phenomenological sensibilities. I will offer an examination of the ACT model through the lens of self work.

From a behavioral view, self and identity are born in a crucible of questions—self is shaped in a social context. Depending on the depth, richness, and integrity of that crucible of questions, patterns are set into motion that are often repeated over a lifetime. As clinicians the crucible of questions we make for our clients can turn the key that opens the door to creativity and possibility.

It is equally true that, as therapists, we are provoked in therapy. Our own patterns are set in motion. We will examine these provocations, will slow enough to recognize them, and to see how that recognition can allow us to use what arises rather than have it derail the therapy.

ACT processes are often taught using examples and exercises that explicitly highlight individual ACT processes. In practice, the linking of these processes can create synergies that amplify the impact of an intervention. I will describe a behavioral view of self and identity and of simple actionable means of unlocking flexibility, creativity, and stories of meaning, purpose, and connection.

Although this workshop will not be an introduction to ACT, it will be delivered in plain language that will be understandable to participants with no background in ACT. No jargon. For those with an ACT background, the workshop will deepen your understanding of ACT principles and your ability to use those principles flexibly to create and enhance therapeutic connection. The workshop will be appropriate for therapy beginners to veteran ACT therapists. The skill sets and sensitivities targeted in this workshop are broadly relevant to human services including all aspects of physical and mental health care, but also to management and education. Researchers are welcome to participate. Deep immersion in ACT processes has the potential to improve our research questions.

The workshop will be densely experiential. Principles will be described briefly, and we will focus our time and attention on practice. We will practice exercises and interviews that can change your interactions with your very next client.

About the Speaker

Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D.

Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D., is Professor Emeritus of Psychology at the University of Mississippi and a co-founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He is the author of over 100 articles and chapters and numerous books, including Mindfulness for Two, Things Might Go Terribly, Horribly Wrong, and The Wisdom to Know the Difference. Dr. Wilson is known for his deeply human, story-infused teaching style and his emphasis on the emotional and relational core of ACT. He has led workshops in over 36 countries, training clinicians in contextual behavioral science and the art of therapeutic presence. His work integrates behavioral science, mindfulness, compassion, and an abiding appreciation for lived human experience.

TLPCA Contact

If you any questions, please contact Robin Lee.