Every effort to improve our lives starts with one small step—and sometimes a small step or shift opens the door to a big change! What is the difference between a well-intended small step to make life better and one that starts us on a new path in life? This is one of the most important questions for healthcare providers today, as it is increasingly clear that human behavior plays a central role in human well-being.

Scientists have made progress in identifying contextual elements associated with radical change, which have been packaged into a mid-level term: psychological flexibility. The use of mid-level terms enables rapid dissemination of skills and knowledge to healthcare workers. Practices and principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy spread rapidly around the world in recent decades, and today, over 100 countries have large groups of people studying ACT and promoting its application to reduce human suffering.

Unfortunately, most people worldwide (particularly in developing nations) remain unable to access ACT for various reasons. Many of these reasons, such as access to trained healthcare workers, are not easily modified. Therefore, the methods of ACT need to be adapted so that their potential for improving the human condition is more attainable.

Fortunately, several scientists have worked in parallel with the developers of ACT and practiced in settings that require brevity. Brief, or focused ACT, began in the 1990’s in the context of delivering ACT-informed services to people struggling with depression. Several randomized controlled trials have suggested significant promise for this brief, accessible approach. Specifically, findings included high rates of patient engagement, improved clinical outcomes, and improved use of specific skills that contribute to psychological flexibility. The mid-level package informing brief ACT practices is known as Focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (FACT). The course, “Small Shifts, Big Changes”, provides an introduction to FACT that is likely to open doors for clinicians wanting to help more people make small shifts that have a big impact on their lives, whatever the challenges they face.

At the conclusion of this course, healthcare workers will have confidence in using FACT methods to inform their daily practices. Additionally, they will have developed a plan to protect and promote their resilience as healthcare workers. Towards the end of the course, they will read a chapter on Mastery of FACT and use the FACT Core Competency Tool to self-assess their skills and knowledge in 17 areas. Dr. Robinson will provide assistance as needed with development of individual Learning Plans to support continued progress. Most assuredly, graduates will be able to assist more people with making more small shifts that lead to big change. AND they will be able to do their work with more day-to-day joy!

• 7 immersive Zoom sessions, delivered every week over 2 months. Each session is 2 hours and 40 minutes.
• 16.0 CEUs are available for the course

This course will take place from 4 - 6:40 PM ET // 1 - 3:40 PM PT on the following Wednesdays.

• March 18
• March 25
• April 1
• April 8
• April 15
• April 22
• April 29

Who Should Enroll in this course?
Social workers, psychologists, marriage and family therapists, medical family therapists, psychiatrists, primarycare providers, nurses, and other healthcare providers.

Limited Spots Available! Cohort with a maximum of 20 participants. 

Cost: $499. Payment is non-refundable.