Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for people working with adults with communication differences: Affirming practice

This course invites each participant to take a deep dive into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to meet the needs of adults with communication differences, where there is a communication and emotional interplay. This diverse group includes, but is not limited to, adults who present with:

• a stammer
• functional voice disorder
• selective mutism
• communication differences within a neurodivergent profile
• communication differences within a forensic context
• communication differences as a result of an acquired neurological condition

What you will learn:

You will develop skills in delivering evidence-based assessment and intervention in ACT. An experiential approach is taken from the self-study module right through to the live sessions, which emphasises the need for the effective practitioner to embody ACT. Living out values and committed action within a mindful context enables a richer and elevated therapeutic relationship. This strong alliance results in practice that meets the emotional and psychological needs of adults with communication differences. Completing this course will allow each participant to employ evidence-based ACT strategies, and this, in turn, will increase confidence in delivering affirming and individualised practice.

The course adopts an ‘inside out’ approach to learning Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), enabling Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs) to fully embody the approach. The course builds on this embodied learning to equip practitioners to incorporate ACT into their interventions with adults with communication differences.

There are three modules:

• Module 1: A self-study module (half-day equivalent) accessed online, presenting the fundamental principles of ACT.  Delegates are enrolled on this content 4 weeks before the first virtual-live session.
• Modules 2 & 3: Two virtual-live ½ day sessions delivered on Zoom. These modules focus on the application of ACT with adults with communication differences.

Attend this course if:

You work with adults with communication differences and are keen to learn how to blend ACT with speech and language therapy to equip them with the knowledge, awareness, and skills to lead a vital and meaningful life, no matter what challenges they face.

You are keen to learn from a dual-qualified Speech and Language Therapist (SLT) and a Clinical Behaviour Analyst (Board-Certified Behaviour Analyst-BCBA) who has direct experience working effectively with adults with communication differences.

Please book your place here or alternatively, you can contact us if you are you would like to:

• Book four or more courses (we can offer you a discount)
• Make a block booking for a group
• Book a closed course

Learning objectives

1. Understand the fundamentals of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) relating to speech and language therapy management of communication differences
2. Develop knowledge and understanding of the current ACT research base related to communication differences
3. Build knowledge and skills working across all 6 constructs of the ACT Hexaflex within the assessment and intervention process
4. Notice the role of ‘rupture and repair’ (Walser and O Connell, 2021) in the therapeutic journey
5. Enable a powerful therapeutic alliance with people through an ‘inside out’ approach
6. Set realistic goals within an ACT context
7. Develop skills to measure and track psychological flexibility changes in communication differences
8. Work through case conceptualisation to strengthen the SLT’s ability to apply ACT to their interventions

This course is suitable for: Speech and Language Therapists (SLTs), Speech and Language Therapy returners to practice, Speech and Language Therapy Students

This course is available on various dates throughout the year. To view available course dates, select your preferred date and book your place, please click here.

During the booking process, you can select to reserve a place instead (while you confirm you can attend or to organise payment through your employer for example). We can hold your place for up to four weeks, if we have not heard from you after this time, we may need to cancel your reservation so other people can attend the training.

Course Beetle is an approved supplier for NHS Trusts, Local Authorities and Schools.