bay area acbs conference · the therapeutic stance of act emphasizes common humanity and encourages...

BAY AREA ACBS CONFERENCE With keynote presentations by Matthew Skinta, PhD, ABPP, and Robyn Walser, PhD

The Bay Area ACBS Conference will bring together clinicians and researchers to present cutting-edge research in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Contextual Behavioral Science, and Relational Frame Theory (RFT), as well as seasoned trainers who will lead experiential workshops so that you can learn how to better serve your clients. Anyone working in a mental health related field is welcome to attend, including, but not limited to psychologists, social workers, professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, physicians, drug counselors, health researchers, behavior analysts, teachers, organizational psychologists.

Bay Area ACBS Conference Schedule at a Glance

Session #1 Keynote – 1 CE hour Saturday, May 2 9:30 am - 10:30 am

Feeling the Love in a Polarized World: The Role of CBS in Responding to Bias

Presenter: Matthew Skinta, PhD, ABPP

The past few years have brought shocking images of bias and the abuse of power into the awareness of the general public. From #blacklivesmatter to #metoo, from conservative movements rallying around systemic violence toward transgender people to images of children in cages in border states, many providers feel called to help. Contextual behavioral scientists have developed a number of tools for healing wounds of anti-LGBTQ+ bias and racism, though we should not forget that the causes of such suffering are societal in nature, with a need for better strategies to counter bias among majority populations. This talk will explore the flourishing of strategies within CBS that promote thriving and movement in a valued direction for those who have experienced bias, as well as the challenges of intervening at levels that will promote true societal change.

Target Audience:

Mental health professionals, beginner to advanced

References:

1. Skinta, M. D., Curtin, A., & Pachankis, J. (2016). Mindfulness & acceptance for gender & sexual minorities: a clinicians guide to fostering compassion, connection & equality using contextual strategies. Oakland, CA: Context Press.

2. Skinta, M. D., Hoeflein, B.T.R., Muñoz-Martínez, A.M., & Rincón, C.L. (2018). Responding to Gender and Sexual Minority Stress with Functional Analytic Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, 55(1), 63-72.

3. Rosen, D. C., Kanter, J. W., Villatte, M., Skinta, M. D., & Plummer Louden, M. (2019). Becoming an Antiracist White Clinician. In Williams, M. T., Rosen, D. C., & Kanter, J. W. (Eds.), Eliminating Race-Based Mental Health Disparities: Promoting Equity and Culturally Responsive Care across Settings. New Harbinger: Oakland.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe advances in treating minority group clients from a CBS perspective

2. List methodological limitations to understanding CBS interventions impact with minority clients

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS PICK ONE OF THE SESSIONS BELOW.

Session #2 Workshop – 2 CE hours Saturday, May 2 10:45 am – 11:45 am AND 1:15 pm – 2:15 pm

Deepening Emotional and Relational Experiencing in ACT

Presenter: Victoria Lemle Beckner, Kelly Werner and Viveka Ramel

ACT as a behavioral approach privileges effective, value-driven behavior. If difficult emotions arise, clients are encouraged to mindfully “let them on the bus” rather than resist, avoid or act them out. But interventions that target acceptance of feelings have the potential to do far more than simply address experiential avoidance. As ACT practitioners who also draw on emotion-focused and attachment approaches, we find that these traditions see emotion as signaling something important to be explored, distilled and experienced together. This workshop will discuss and demonstrate how a “deeper dive” into affective experiencing can help clients be even more present to their experience, vitality, and a felt-sense of their values.

Target Audience:


References:

Lee, D. A., & James, S. (2013). The compassionate-mind guide to recovering from trauma and Ptsd: using compassion-focused therapy to overcome flashbacks, shame, guilt, and fear. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.

Harris, R. (2019). Act Made Simple: an easy-to-read primer on acceptance and commitment therapy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.

Bach, P. A., & Moran, D. J. (2012). Act in practice: case conceptualization in acceptance & commitment therapy. Oakland: New Harbinger.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify several interventions for deepening emotional experience, distilling primary from secondary affects, and exploring values experientially in the present moment.

2. Identify one obstacle within him or herself that may interfere with facilitating emotional work, and which values he or she can mobilize to overcome avoidance.


ACT in Action: Applying ACT to OCD and Anxiety

Presenter: Marisa Mazza and Lisa Coyne

In this experiential workshop, therapists will learn how to connect to their own values and guide their client's treatment from lived experience. Mindfulness skills will be practiced to increase self, client and relationship awareness. By identifying your therapeutic values you can be more present and connected in session. You will learn how to target uncertainty and discomfort using ACT-based exposures and cognitive defusion exercises. Dr. Coyne will discuss some of her latest OCD research and you will get to practice interventions from Dr. Mazza's new book, The ACT Workbook for OCD. Target Audience:


References:

Arch, J. J., C. Davies, G. H. Eifert, J. C. Plumb Vilardaga, R. D. Rose, and M. G. Craske. 2012. “Randomized Clinical Trial of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Versus Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Mixed Anxiety Disorders.” Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology 80 (5): 750–65. Craske, M. G., M. Treanor, C. Conway, T. Zbozinek, and B. Vervliet. 2014. “Maximizing Exposure Therapy: An Inhibitory Learning Approach.” Behaviour Research and Therapy 58: 10–23. Twohig, M. P., J. S. Abramowitz, E. J. Bluett, L. E. Fabricant, R. J. Jacoby, K. L. Morrison, L. Reuman, and B. M. Smith. 2015. “Exposure Therapy for OCD from an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Framework.” Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders 6: 167–73. Twohig, M. P., J. S. Abramowitz, B. M. Smith, L. E. Fabricant, R. J. Jacoby, K. L. Morrison, E. J. Bluett, L. Reuman, S. M. Blakey, and T. Ledermann. 2018. “Adding Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Exposure and Response Prevention for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Trial.” Behaviour Research and Therapy 108: 1–9.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify and explain how to use 2 cognitive defusion techniques/exercises discussed in this workshop.

2. Identify 2 ways in which you can help clients connect better with their values.


Introduction to ACT: Psychological Flexibility Through the 6 Processes

Presenter: Michael Vurek

Some participants in this conference might come with little experience with ACT, which might leave them struggling to integrate the offerings of other workshops. This workshop will give participants an understanding of and experience with the six processes of the hexaflex. I will use the model presented by Steven Hayes in A Liberated Mind where “yearnings” and “pivots” provide the opportunity for mental health professionals to work with compassion and practicality as they help clients move toward psychological flexibility. Experiential exercises will be offered for each process. More experienced professionals might also benefit from engagement with this processed-based orientation to using the ACT model.

Target Audience:


References:

Luoma, J. B., Hayes, S. C., & Walser, R. D. (2018). Learning Act: an acceptance and commitment therapy skills training manual for therapists. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.

Hayes, Steven. (2020). Liberated Mind: how to pivot toward what matters. S.l.: Avery Publishing Group.

Thompson, B. L., et al. Creating a peer-led acceptance and commitment therapy consultation group: The Portland model. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science (2015)

Learning Objectives

1. Identify the 6 core processes of the ACT Hexaflex

2. Identify 1 strategy that can be used to pivot each process toward psychological flexibility

Session #5 Workshop – 1 CE hour Saturday, May 2 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Cancer and Palliative Care: Models and Outcomes of ACT-Based Interventions

Presenter: Dianne Shumay, Neha Goyal, Jamie Cohen, Julie Godley and Saumya Umashankar

Increasingly ACT and RFT-based interventions are being designed and tested in cancer and palliative care. ACT stands to offer significant benefit to reduce suffering and maximize engagement with a life worth living. This symposium will consist of 4 presentations describing models and outcomes of novel ACT-based interventions offered in clinical settings: first, interventions designed to address fear of cancer recurrence in patients and survivors; second, a model of a pilot intervention for cancer caregivers; third, the use of ACT in palliative care and finally, the use of ACT-inspired approaches in a health behavior change and goal setting intervention for survivors.

Target Audience:


References:

Feros, DL, Lane, L, Ciarrochi, J, et al. (2013) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for improving the lives of cancer patients: A preliminary study. Psycho-Oncology 22: 459–464.

N.J. Hulbert‐Williams, L. Storey and K.G. Wilson, Psychological interventions for patients with cancer: psychological flexibility and the potential utility of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, European Journal of Cancer Care, 24, 1, (15-27), (2014).

Joseph Low, Marc Serfaty, Sarah Davis, Victoria Vickerstaff, Anna Gola, Rumana Z. Omar, Michael King, Adrian Tookman, Janet St John Austen, Karen Turner, Louise Jones. Acceptance and commitment therapy for adults with advanced cancer (CanACT): study protocol for a feasibility randomised controlled trial. Published online 2016 Feb 11. doi: 10.1186/s13063-016-1169-8 Learning Objectives

1. Explain 2 benefits of using ACT in cancer and palliative care

2. Describe 2 unique needs of cancer and palliative care patients and caregivers, and give a model of care that can be applied to those needs.

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4750179/



Session #6 Panel – 1 CE hour Saturday, May 2 2:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Progressing CBS and ACT in the Digital Health Industry

Presenter: Megan Oser, Walter Sipe and Clare Purvis

Panelists will discuss the unexpected ways ACT influences, or is a model for, our respective work in the digital health industry. Panelists will discuss 1) the ease with which our research design/methods used to build and test digital interventions are grounded in contextual behavioral science, particularly our use of single case designs, and 2) how our ACT values come to life in unexpected ways. Specific examples include the complexities of the FDA and pharmaceutical companies; ethical issues faced when merging the technology industry with clinical and healthcare disciplines and models, and the 'cascade effect' on our non-clinical team members within these digital health companies.

Target Audience:


References:

XXX

XXX

XXX

Learning Objectives

1. Explain how ACT consistent interventions in digital health can be used in the context of a CBT dominant paradigm or a traditional medical model

2. Explain how contextual behavioral science can fit seamlessly within R&D at a digital health company


Practicing What You Preach: Living ACT In and Out of the Therapy Room

Presenter: Sarah Carr and Shane O'Neil-Hart

The therapeutic stance of ACT emphasizes common humanity and encourages therapists to model psychological flexibility and use intentional self-disclosure. In essence, therapists are asked to recognize how ACT processes operate in their own lives and to bring these experiences to bear in the service of their clients. During this experiential workshop, we will explore how therapists can live their own lives from an ACT-based framework. Participants will have the opportunity to clarify their own values, practice relational mindfulness skills, and enhance their abilities to effectively respond to interpersonal difficulties that arise within therapeutic and personal relationships. This workshop is appropriate for all levels but participants will benefit from a basic understanding of the ACT model.

Target Audience:


References:

Luoma, J. B., Hayes, S. C., & Walser, R. D. (2007). Learning ACT: An acceptance & commitment therapy skills-training manual for therapists. New Harbinger Publications. Wilson, K. G. (2009). Mindfulness for two: An acceptance and commitment therapy approach to mindfulness in psychotherapy. New Harbinger Publications. Wilson, K. G., & Sandoz, E. K. (2008). Mindfulness, values, and the therapeutic relationship in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Mindfulness and the therapeutic relationship, 89-106.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify 2 core values and how you can live them in and out of the therapy room

2. Identify 2 areas of stuckness that can interfere with acting on values


Bringing ACT to Cancer and Palliative Care

Presenter: Dianne Shumay and Jennifer Gregg

ACT helps cancer survivors, caregivers and those at the end of life to live boldly and in ways that really matter even with constraints caused by debilitating illness. The workshop presenters have extensive experience working in psycho-oncology and palliative care and have developed and tested novel ACT-based interventions to address fear of recurrence, symptoms, grief and loss. This workshop will focus on strategies to confront and embrace the unique suffering inherent in a sense of a truncated future, death and dying, and existential questioning. The workshop will also describe ways to use ACT to support professional and family caregivers. Target Audience:


References:

Bahare Dehghani Najvani, Hamid Taher Neshatdoost, Mohamad Reza Abedi and Fariborz Mokarian, The Effect of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy on Depression and Psychological Flexibility in Women With Breast Cancer, Zahedan Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, 10.17795/zjrms965, 17, 4, (2015). eptance: expanding the cognitive- behavioral tradition.

Feros, DL, Lane, L, Ciarrochi, J, et al. (2013) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for improving the lives of cancer patients: A preliminary study. Psycho-Oncology 22: 459–464.

Shelley A. Johns, Patrick V. Stutz, Tasneem L. Talib, Andrea A. Cohee, Kathleen A. Beck‐Coon, Linda F. Brown, Laura R. Wilhelm, Patrick O. Monahan, Michelle L. LaPradd, Victoria L. Champion, Kathy D. Miller and R. Brian Giesler, Acceptance and commitment therapy for breast cancer survivors with fear of cancer recurrence, A 3‐arm pilot randomized controlled trial, Cancer, 126, 1, (211-218), (2019).

Learning Objectives

1. Identify 2 strategies to support patients experiencing fear and uncertainty in the context of a life limiting illness

2. List 2 unique needs of cancer and palliative care populations that can be addressed using ACT


The Compassion Focused Therapy Approach to Understanding and Treating Hoarding

Presenter: Chia-Ying Chou

Hoarding Disorder is a recently identified mental health condition. Among people 65 and older, at least 1 out of 13 has suffered from it. This workshop aims to take the participants to go beyond the DSM-5 criteria and/or the scenes on the media about hoarding. Latest research and case examples will be presented to facilitate understanding of the contexts and processes that shape hoarding behaviors and emotional difficulty letting-go. Exercises and skills trainings based on the Compassion Focused Therapy approaches will be introduced in experientials and interactive ways. The workshop is for all, whether or not you have a client who hoards. Target Audience:


References:

Kolts, R. L. (2016). Cft made simple: a clinicians guide to practicing compassion-focused therapy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Cruz, L. F. D. L., Landau, D., Iervolino, A. C., Santo, S., Pertusa, A., Singh, S., & Mataix-Cols, D. (2013). Experiential avoidance and emotion regulation difficulties in hoarding disorder. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 27(2), 204–209. doi: 10.1016/j.janxdis.2013.01.004.

Tirch, D., Silberstein-Tirch, L., Codd, T., Brock, M., & Wright, J. (2019). Experiencing Act From The Inside Out: a self practice/self-reflection. Guilford Press.

Learning Objectives

1. Identify 2 examples of Compassion Focused Therapy approaches that can be used with clients who hoard

2. Describe 2 case examples given and the contexts and processes that shape hoarding behaviors and emotional difficulty with letting-go


Psychological Flexibility and the “Felt Sense”: Using Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy to Defuse from What’s Unspoken

Presenter: David Fish

In order to help clients shift from experiential avoidance towards more fully sensing whatever is present in flexible way, Hakomi Mindful Somatic Psychotherapy skillfully guides attention to the “felt sense”—that which emerges within us, moment to moment, at the intersection of interoceptive experience, emotion, thought, and belief as we interact with the world. Through little behavioral experiments combined with assisted mindful exploration, Hakomi helps people discover previously unnoticed but significant behaviors, their functions, and the contexts that have shaped them, and to experientially explore behavioral alternatives and work with barriers, both in sessions and in their lives. Target Audience:


References:

Weiss, H., Johanson, G. J., & Monda, L. (2015). Hakomi mindfulness-centered somatic psychotherapy: a comprehensive guide to theory and practice. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

Marlock, G., Weiss, H., Young, C., & Soth, M. (2015). The handbook of body psychotherapy and somatic psychology. Berkeley, CA: North Atlantic Books.

Mischke-Reeds, M. (2015). 8 Keys to practicing mindfulness: practical strategies for emotional health and well-being. New York: W.W. Norton & Company.

Learning Objectives

1. Explain how to use guided mindfulness to tune into the “felt sense” and work at the interface between somatic experiences and implicit meanings on a moment by moment basis

2. Describe 2 examples of behavioral experiments that can be used with clients to evoke and understand clinically relevant behaviors in vivo

CONCURRENT BREAKOUT SESSIONS PICK ONE OF THE SESSIONS BELOW.

Session #1 Workshop – 2 CE hours Sunday, May 3 9:00 am – 10:00 am AND 10:15 am – 11:15 am

Intersectional Case Conceptualization in ACT

Presenter: Nehjla Mashal

The purpose of this face-to-face training is to describe the new American Psychological Association (APA) Multicultural Guidelines and how to apply them to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) psychotherapeutic processes. APA has introduced guidelines for providing services in a more culturally-informed manner. Intersectionality has been gaining increasing visibility as an important concept in mental health care. Integrating intersectional case conceptualization into ACT delivery may enhance psychotherapy outcomes. Employing ACT strategies informed by intersectionality will help clinicians: 1) maintain therapeutic alliance, 2) repair tears in the alliance, and 3) better understand the clients we serve (have richer case conceptualizations). This face-to-face workshop combines didactic lecture, short videos, small group work, and role play activities so participants can develop the skills necessary to provide psychotherapy aligned with the 2019 APA Multicultural Guidelines and ACT strategies.

Target Audience:


References:

Bach, P. A., & Moran, D. J. (2012). Act in practice: case conceptualization in acceptance & commitment therapy. Oakland: New Harbinger.

Luoma, J. B., Hayes, S. C., & Walser, R. D. (2018). Learning Act: an acceptance and commitment therapy skills training manual for therapists. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

XXX

Learning Objectives

1. Define intersectionality and give 2 real-world examples of it

2. Explain how to apply ACT psychotherapy strategies in an intersectional case conceptualized consistent manner


Magic ACT: Transforming Emotional Pain into Purpose with Clinical RFT

Presenter: Lou Lasprugato and Phillip Cha

As a practicing clinician, you may find yourself in therapeutic encounters where you intuitively sense a path from the client’s inflexible response to emotional pain to more flexible ways of responding that also evoke meaning and purpose. And yet, illuminating this path for the client can remain elusive, even with a foundational skill set in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). While ACT facilitates an open and curious exploration of both painful feelings and deeply held values, Relational Frame Theory (RFT) offers a direct link among these private events, and thus, a road map from pain to purpose. RFT, when applied clinically, advances a set of interventions (i.e. relational frames) for transforming the function of painful private events by altering their context. In this brief workshop, participants will have the opportunity to experiment with different types of relationally framed questions designed to add, select, or augment functions of painful experiences in the service of transforming them into purposeful events. Following a brief didactic presentation and experiential exercise, Portland-style real/role-plays will serve as the primary format for this workshop.

Target Audience:


References:

Villatte, M., Villatte, J. L., & Hayes, S. C. (2016). Mastering the clinical conversation: Language as intervention. Guilford Publications.

Harris, R. (2019). Act Made Simple: an easy-to-read primer on acceptance and commitment therapy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.

Villatte, M., Villatte, J. L., & Hayes, S. C. (2018). A reticulated and progressive strategy for developing clinical applications of RFT. The Psychological Record, 68 (1), 113–117.


1. Describe how to alter the context of painful private events, in an experientially pragmatic manner, by approaching them with open curiosity.

2. Demonstrate how to therapeutically pivot from pain to purpose through timely RFT-based interventions.


ACT for Suicide and Other High-Risk Presentations

Presenter: Shane O'Neil-Hart

What happens when we take ACT principles to their conclusion – when we apply them to the most terrifying and disturbing content our clients reveal? Do we ask our clients to accept thoughts or urges to hurt themselves or others, to make peace with disturbing images or memories? ACT is increasingly being used for problems including suicide, BPD, psychosis, and other high-risk presentations. This workshop will focus on transdiagnostic case conceptualization and how to treat these problems from an ACT perspective. It will include experiential exercises, roleplays, and demonstrations.

Target Audience:


References:

Bach, P., Hayes, S. C., & Gallop, R. (2012). Long-term effects of brief acceptance and commitment therapy for psychosis. Behavior Modification, 36(2), 165-181. Barnes, S. M., Smith, G. P., Monteith, L. L., Gerber, H. R., & Bahraini, N. H. (2017). ACT for Life: Using acceptance and commitment therapy to understand and prevent suicide. In Handbook of suicidal behaviour (pp. 485-504). Springer, Singapore. Morton, J., Snowdon, S., Gopold, M., & Guymer, E. (2012). Acceptance and commitment therapy group treatment for symptoms of borderline personality disorder: A public sector pilot study. Cognitive and Behavioral Practice, 19(4), 527–544.

Learning Objectives

1. Explain and recognize how avoidance and fusion support the maintenance of harmful and ineffective client behaviors

2. Explain how to conduct basic behavioral analysis of behaviors including suicidal or homicidal expressions

Session #4 Workshop – 2 CE hours Sunday, May 3 11:30 am – 12:30 pm AND 2:00 pm – 3:00 pm

Going Outside Our Comfort Zone: Building Transformative Healing Relationships with FAP’s Awareness, Courage and Love Model

Presenter: Emerson Hardebeck and Mavis Tsai

Several decades of psychological and medical research have shown that nearly all treatments work best in the context of a close therapeutic relationship. Yet basic reflective listening skills aren’t always enough to facilitate the degree of openness and connection that are most helpful for clients. In this experiential workshop, we’ll practice exercises that gently encourage taking interpersonal risks with one other. While doing so, we’ll leverage recent research and theory to understand why having the courage to talk directly about vulnerable dynamics unfolding in the room can be a key to powerful, mutually satisfying relationships in therapy and in life.

Target Audience:


References:

Tsai, M. (2010). A guide to functional analytic psychotherapy: awareness, courage, love, and behaviorism. New York, NY: Springer.

Maitland, D. W., Kanter, J. W., Manbeck, K. E., & Kuczynski, A. M. (2017). Relationship science informed clinically relevant behaviors in Functional Analytic Psychotherapy: The Awareness, Courage, and Love Model. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 6(4), 347–359. doi: 10.1016/j.jcbs.2017.07.002.

Holman, G., Kanter, J., Tsai, M., & Kohlenberg, R. J. (2017). Functional analytic psychotherapy made simple: a practical guide to therapeutic relationships. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.

Learning Objectives

1. Explain how to use exercises that increase authentic connection with self and others can be used to strengthen psychotherapy relationships

2. Describe the basics of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy’s Awareness, Courage & Love Model


Introduction to Psychedelic Harm Reduction and Integration Therapy

Presenter: Brian Pilecki, Greg Wells, Nathan Gates and Marina Bystrutsky

With growing public demand to use psychedelics as treatment for psychological conditions, there is an increasing need for psychotherapeutic interventions that have been related to good outcomes in clinical trials. Harm reduction approaches are used to help clients learn about and understand risks of psychedelic use so that they can make informed decisions, especially while psychedelics remain illegal. Additionally, integration approaches help clients maximize the benefits of psychedelic use, such as in translating their experiences into meaningful life changes. A basic overview of psychedelic assisted therapy and an ACT-based approached to harm reduction and integration interventions will be presented.

Target Audience:


References:

Luoma, J.B., Sabucedo, P., Eriksson, J., Gates, N., & Pilecki, B. (2019). Toward a contextual psychedelic assisted therapy: Perspectives from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Contextual Behavioral Science. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 14, 136-145.

Mithoefer, M. C., Mithoefer, A. T., Feduccia, A. A., Jerome, L., Wagner, M., Wymer, J., … Doblin, R. (2018). 3,4-methylenedioxymethamphetamine (MDMA)-assisted psychotherapy for post-traumatic stress disorder in military veterans, firefighters, and police officers: a randomised, double-blind, dose-response, phase 2 clinical trial. The Lancet Psychiatry, 5(6), 486–497.

Carhart-Harris, R. L., Bolstridge, M., Rucker, J., Day, C. M. J., Erritzoe, D., Kaelen, M., … Nutt, D. J. (2016). Psilocybin with psychological support for treatment-resistant depression: an open-label feasibility study. The Lancet Psychiatry, 3(7), 619–627.

Learning Objectives

1. Describe the theory and practice of psychedelic-assisted psychotherapy, including a summary of empirical research and current legal status of this new form of treatment

2. List 2 examples of ACT-informed interventions for clients who present interest in pursuing psychedelics as a form of treatment


Vulnerability and Compassion-Focused Therapy with Sexual and Gender Minority Clients

Presenter: Matthew Skinta and Jessica Simonetti

Sexual and gender minority stress undermines interpersonal relationships due to transdiagnostic processes such as rejection sensitivity, internalized stigma, fear of compassion, self-criticism and shame. These habitual patterns reduce the quality of important social relationships, adversely affect physical health, and are linked to an impaired ability to reassure the self in the face of setbacks or discrimination. Functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP) and compassion focused therapy (CFT) target these processes to increase sexual and gender minority clients’ interpersonal relationships and enhance the capacity for vulnerable, authentic and compassionate relationships with oneself and others.

Target Audience:


References:

Skinta, M. D., Curtin, A., & Pachankis, J. (2016). Mindfulness & acceptance for gender & sexual minorities: a clinicians guide to fostering compassion, connection & equality using contextual strategies. Oakland, CA: Context Press.

Holman, G., Kanter, J., Tsai, M., & Kohlenberg, R. J. (2017). Functional analytic psychotherapy made simple: a practical guide to therapeutic relationships. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.

Skinta, M. D., Hoeflein, B.T.R., Muñoz-Martínez, A.M., & Rincón, C.L. (2018). Responding to Gender and Sexual Minority Stress with Functional Analytic Psychotherapy. Psychotherapy, 55(1), 63. Learning Objectives

1. Explain the relationship between the development of a minority sexual orientation and gender identity and the experience of shame and self-criticism

2. Explain how therapeutic warmth, genuineness, and compassion can be used to facilitate and reinforce in-session behavioral change

Session #7 Keynote – 1 CE hour Sunday, May 3 3:15 pm – 4:15 pm

The Role of Psychological Flexibility in Women’s Parity and Mental Health

Presenter: Robyn Walser, PhD

Katherine Switzer was the first woman to ever enter the Boston Marathon. This happened in 1967. It was thought at the time that women were physiologically incapable of running the full length of the marathon, some believing that if a woman were to run that distance her uterus would fall out. Katherine was grabbed, pushed, and jeered, and had to suffer one of the caretakers of the race trying to grab her number and force her out of the marathon. The good news, Katherine finished the race, uterus intact. In an age of #Metoo and efforts to turn the dial on women’s health care back to an age of higher cost and lower protections, we need to call the spirit of Kathrine Switzer forward in a great marathon to parity. Issues of discrimination and equal treatment remain a mountainess challenge. In many countries, laws are instituted to suppress the rights of women. These include laws that take away a woman’s right to divorce, to obtain guardianship in the case of divorce, inheritance, protection against child marriage, to drive, and legal protection against sexual or gender-based violence. Women suffer different mental health disparities as well. Women are diagnosed with certain disorders more often and are prescribed mood-altering drugs more frequently than men. Issues specific to women are often ignored in mental health, blaming the women for her “disorder” rather than the circumstance. Risk factors for mental health issues are interconnected and co-occurrent with such gender- based roles, stressors and negative life experiences and events such as. violence, socioeconomic disadvantage, low income and income inequality, low or subordinate social status and rank and unremitting responsibility for the care of others. Women suffer discrimination related to their weight, height, age, use of societally dictated clothing, level of education and economic status. In any organization, community or society that values the rights of those whom they serve, in any community that aspires to justice, equality is critical. Katherine ran a marathon and took a risk. One woman, big change. Risk requires flexibility. The role of psychological flexibility in social change will be explored.

Target Audience:


References:

Walser, R. D., OConnell, M., & Coulter, C. (2019). The heart of Act: developing a flexible, process-based & client-centered practice using acceptance & commitment therapy. Oakland, CA: Context Press, an imprint of New Harbinger Publications.

Stoddard, J. A. (2020). Be mighty: a womans guide to liberation from anxiety, worry & stress using mindfulness & acceptance. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications.

Kashdan, T. B., & Rottenberg, J. (2010). Psychological flexibility as a fundamental aspect of health. Clinical Psychology Review, 30(7), 865–878. doi: 10.1016/j.cpr.2010.03.001.


1. Give 2 examples of how psychological flexibility can promote social change

2. Explain how mental health disparities are related to context instead of internal emotional experience

About the Presenters

Matthew D. Skinta, PhD, ABPP, is a board-certified clinical health psychologist and an Assistant Professor at Roosevelt University. Dr. Skinta’s work emphasizes the relationship between cultivating vulnerability, acceptance, and self-compassion and well-being among sexual and gender minority individuals. He is a peer-reviewed acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) trainer and is certified as a compassion cultivation training (CCT) teacher and as a trainer of functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP). He splits time with his husband between Chicago and San Francisco, when not offering trainings around the world.

Robyn Walser- Robyn Walser, PhD, is the assistant director at the National Center for PTSD at the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System. She also works as a consultant, workshop presenter, and therapist in her private business, TLConsultation Services. She received her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Nevada, Reno. During her graduate studies, she developed expertise in traumatic stress, substance abuse, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). She has been doing ACT workshop trainings, both nationally and internationally, since 1998, training in multiple formats and for multiple client problems. Victoria Lemle Beckner- Dr. Beckner is part of the UCSF clinical faculty, and trains medical students and psychiatry residents in psychotherapy principles, CBT, ACT, and the treatment of anxiety & depression. Dr. Beckner has extensive training in the treatment of anxiety, depression and trauma, and also loves working with clients on strengthening relationships and developing meaningful career and life paths. She is interested in fundamental mechanisms of change in psychotherapy, and integrates behavioral models (CBT and ACT - see "Approach" tab) with approaches that emphasize deep emotional processing and a close therapist-client relationship to facilitate growth (Functional Analytic Psychotherapy and Accelerated Experiential Dynamic Psychotherapy). Kelly Werner- Kelly Werner, Ph.D. is deeply committed to helping people lead flourishing lives. Through therapy and executive coaching with individuals (www.sf-act.com), as well as leading global trainings with the Search Inside Yourself Leadership Institute and the United Nations, she gives people tools to cultivate a mind, heart and body from which they can truly thrive in life. "Tell Me..." (her authentic conversation game) facilitates self-discovery, connection and trust with family, friends and workplace teams (www.tellmethegame.com). All of her work is informed by her Ph.D. research in neuroscience and emotional intelligence at U.C. Berkeley and Stanford. Across all of her work domains, she aspires to guide people to open their hearts, to honor themselves, to invite their mind into presence and to sense the equanimity that is at the depth of them. When an optimal inner environment is truly prioritized and cultivated, then people can flourish across their lives. Viveka Ramel- Viveka Ramel is a licensed clinical psychologist with more than 10 years of experience doing individual, couples, and group psychotherapy with adults. Born and raised in Sweden, she spent time working, volunteering and studying language, philosophy and contemplative practices in France and India before moving to the U.S. in 1995. She obtained her doctorate degree in clinical psychology with a specialty in neuropsychology from University of California San Diego and San Diego State University and did her clinical

internship at Palo Alto Veteran's Affairs (VA) Health Care Services. This was followed by three years of postdoctoral clinical research and practice at the Departments of Psychiatry and Psychology at Stanford University. Viveka continues to do research with collaborators at Stanford University, where she also occasionally teaches. Marisa Mazza- Marisa Mazza, PsyD, is the founder of choicetherapy psychological services inc. Dr. Mazza has utilized evidence-based treatments to help people with OCD and Anxiety for over 15 years. She is certified in Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD through the Center for Treatment and Study of Anxiety at the University of Pennsylvania and the International OCD Foundation Behavioral Therapy Training Institute. Dr. Mazza is the President of the San Francisco Bay Area Association for Contextual Behavioral Science and the author of The ACT Workbook for OCD which will be published in June 2020. Lisa Coyne- Lisa W. Coyne, PhD, is the founder and Senior Clinical Consultant of the McLean OCD Institute for Children and Adolescents at McLean Hospital, and is an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School. She is the Founder and Director of the New England Center for OCD and Anxiety (NECOA), and is on the Faculty of the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) of the International OCD Foundation. She is also a licensed psychologist and an internationally recognized peer-reviewed ACT trainer. She has authored multiple articles and chapters on ACT with children and adolescents, and is a co-author of the book The Joy of Parenting: New Harbinger Press. Her new books, The ACT Guide to Teen Anxiety and OCD, Guilford Press, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Clinician’s Guide to Supporting Parents, Elsevier, and Stuff that’s Loud: Unspiralling from OCD,New Harbinger & Little Brown, are expected in 2020. Michael Vurek- Michael Vurek is a Licensed Clinical Worker in private practice in Marin County California. He has been part of the ACT/CBS community for over 14 years – engaging in several hundred hours of training, workshops and consultation as participant, coordinator and provider. He is a co-founder and past- president of the San Francisco Bay Area Chapter of ACBS. He is trained in DBT and Radically Open DBT and leads groups and sees individual clients through the DBT Center of Marin. His teaching, clinical work and supervision are increasingly influenced by a processed-based approach. Dianne Shumay- Dr. Shumay is Director of Psycho-Oncology at UCSF Helen Diller Family Comprehensive Cancer Center and Assistant Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry. She completed her PhD at the University of Hawaii at Manoa and Internship at the University of Florida. She began learning ACT on her fellowship in 2004 under the guidance of Robyn Walser PhD at the VA Palo Alto. Since then she has had an active research program in ACT for cancer patients and has conducted a series of ACT workshops for cancer providers in a number of settings. Dr. Shumay embraces a stance of humility and vulnerability in her work as a practitioner and trainer, finding that she learns more about herself with each ACT encounter. Neha Goyal- Neha G. Goyal is a psychologist who cares for patients with cancer. She uses cognitive behavioral and mindfulness-based approaches to help patients and their family members cope with the emotional and physical challenges of a cancer diagnosis. She provides care at all stages, from active treatment to survivorship and end of life. Goyal's research interests include developing and carrying out psychological interventions to improve quality of

life for patients with cancer. She has a particular interest in those with cancers of the blood. Goyal earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from the Ohio State University. At the Veterans Affairs Palo Alto Health Care System, she completed an internship approved by the American Psychological Association that included a specialization in behavioral medicine. She also completed a postdoctoral fellowship in hospice and palliative care at the VA Palo Alto. She then completed a postdoctoral research fellowship in cancer survivorship at Wake Forest School of Medicine. Jamie Cohen- Dr. Cohen earned her Psy.D. from the PGSP-Stanford Psy.D. Consortium in Palo Alto, CA. She completed her pre-doctoral internship at the Northport VA Medical Center in New York, followed by a post-doctoral fellowship with an emphasis in primary care psychology at the San Francisco VA Medical Center. Her clinical interests include motivational processes involved in adaptive health behavior change, facilitating integrative and interdisciplinary approaches to comprehensive healthcare, as well as assisting patients and their families cope with the challenges associated with cancer diagnosis, care, and survivorship. As a member of the psycho-oncology team, some of the services she is honored to assist patients with include goal-setting and problem navigation in the context of cancer treatment, as well cognitive, behavioral, and mindfulness-based interventions for managing pain, insomnia, fatigue, stress, and more. Julie Godley- Julia Kasl-Godley, is a staff psychologist at the VA Hospice and Palliative Care Center, VA Palo Alto Health Care System, where she also coordinates Psychology training for the VA Interprofessional Palliative Care Fellowship Program, Palo Alto, CA site. Dr. Kasl-Godley chairs the Mentoring Committee of the Society of Clinical Geropsychology (APA Division 12, Section 2) and currently serves on several local and national VA committees. She also has served as faculty on the Education in Palliative and End-of-Life Care (EPEC) for Veterans project as well as the City of Hope/NCI co-sponsored Advocating for Clinical Excellence—Transdisciplinary Palliative Care Education (ACE ) Project and the NIMH-funded and APA/eNURSING LLC- sponsored, 10-module, internet-based education project on end of life issues for mental health professionals. Dr. Kasl-Godley has published in the areas of aging and mental disorders at end of life; coping and adaptation among individuals experiencing loss, grief and bereavement; dementia; health care teams and roles and training of psychologists in palliative care and hospice. Saumya Umashankar- Megan Oser- Megan Oser, PhD, has over 10 years of experience as a clinician and scientist. She and her team ensure Mahana's products are clinically sound and that our scientific strategy leads to commercial success. Before Mahana, Megan led research at Lantern, a digital health startup company. She is a former faculty member of Harvard Medical School and was Director of the CBT & Behavioral Medicine Program at Brigham and Women's Hospital. Walter Sipe- Dr. Walter Sipe, MD, is a pediatrician with special training in gastroenterology. He cares for children with conditions that affect both the gut and the brain, such as chronic pain, as well as for children with dysautonomia (a category of conditions affecting the autonomic nervous system, which controls functions that occur without conscious effort). He provides supplementary counseling and support for effectively managing and coping with complex

medical issues. He has also trained in psychiatry. In his research, Sipe has examined gastrointestinal pain and hypersensitivity, as well as the use of mindfulness-based techniques for depression. Sipe earned his medical degree from the University of California, San Diego. He completed a residency in pediatrics at Boston Children's Hospital and Boston Medical Center. At UCSF, he completed a fellowship in pediatric gastroenterology and a residency in psychiatry. Sipe is a member of the American Neurogastroenterology and Motility Society, Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies and American Medical Association. Clare Purvis- Dr. Clare Purvis completed her training in clinical psychology at Stanford University, VA Palo Alto Healthcare System, University of Wisconsin - Madison, and Palo Alto University (PGSP-Stanford Consortium). Clare's graduate research focused on mental health technology, and she joined a mental health technology startup, Lantern, upon completing her doctorate. In that role, she created clinical interventions, conducted research, and applied evidence-based behavior science to inform user experience and design. She is fascinated by the intersection of technology and health, and believes in the potential for technological innovation to radically improve healthcare in the United States. Sarah Carr- Sarah Carr, LMFT, is the founder and director of mindfulSF, where she provides evidence-based therapy from and ACT-based framework to adolescents and adults. Sarah has been training in ACT and receiving ongoing consultation with Robyn Walser since 2017. In addition to her clinical roles, Sarah is the Vice President of the San Francisco Bay Area Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction teacher, and an Adjunct Professor at the University of San Francisco. Shane O’Neil-Hart- Shane O'Neil-Hart, LCSW provides psychotherapy, training, and supervision in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and serves as the clinical manager of the mental health coaching program at Lyra Health. Shane has trained extensively in ACT, with 150+ hours of in person training, and has been in ongoing supervision with Master-ACT trainer Robyn Walser since 2018. Shane founded an ACT consultation group in San Francisco and supports others in developing new consultation groups in his role as an At-Large Director on the board of the San Francisco Bay Area chapter of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. Jennifer Gregg- Dr. Gregg obtained her Ph.D. from the University of Nevada, Reno in 2004. She comes to SJSU from the Palo Alto Veterans Hospital, where she spent 5 years treating and doing research with veterans in a variety of settings. She is currently an Assistant Professor in the Psychology Department and a part of the MS in Clinical Psychology graduate program. Chia-Ying Chou- Chia-Ying Chou, PhD, is a San Francisco-based psychologist in private practice, specializing in Hoarding Disorder. As a scientist-practitioner, Dr. Chou’s clinical work is closely informed by her active research involvement in hoarding-related psychological mechanisms and treatment improvement. Dr. Chou strives to investigate novel interventions for Hoarding Disorder. She has developed a Compassion Focused Therapy treatment protocol for Hoarding Disorder and led ongoing research examining the effect of this treatment. David Fish- David Fish, MA, LMFT, has been a Certified Hakomi Therapist for 18 years and is also a Certified Hakomi Teacher. In addition to specializing in Hakomi Experiential Psychology,

David leads groups and offers individual therapy to people struggling with intense emotions and impulsive actions, or Borderline Personality Disorder. Seeing life and the process of change as best served by multidimensional understanding, he brings a wide field of interest and expertise in other methods to his teaching. These include Dialectical Behavior Therapy, attachment work, Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Sensorimotor Trauma Therapy, Focusing, Functional Analytic Psychotherapy, and relational psychodynamic approaches. David is a seasoned meditator, and the use of mindfulness is a unifying theme that runs through all of his work. David's warm, collaborative, down-to-earth teaching style is lively, well-informed and human. Nehjla Mashal- Nehjla Mashal, PhD, is a licensed psychologist providing evidenced-based individual psychotherapy for adults. Her areas of expertise include the treatment of anxiety disorders, such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Panic Disorder, and depressive disorders, such as Major Depressive Disorder and Persistent Depressive Disorder. She is also interested in topics such as assertiveness and effective communication strategies, diversity and intersectionality, and the relationship between anxiety and interpersonal functioning. Dr. Mashal received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern University. Dr. Mashal has extensive training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Problem Solving Therapy (PST), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and applied tension and exposure for blood-injection-injury (BII) phobia. Dr. Mashal also provides clinical supervision to trainees and conducts quality improvement research. Lou Lasprugato- Lou Lasprugato, MFT, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist, Integrative Psychotherapist with Sutter Health’s Institute for Health and Healing, and Peer-Reviewed Trainer in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. Lou has facilitated workshops internationally on ACT and mindfulness, as well as provided presentations on nutritional psychology and integrative mental health. Lou also offers individual coaching and consultation on ACT and other contextual behavioral approaches while maintaining a private practice in Davis, CA. He earned his Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology, with a specialization in Holistic Studies from Lesley University, Cambridge, MA, following a career as a professional musician. Phillip Cha- Phillip Cha, MFT, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist who has worked for 18 years at UCSF Citywide Case Management, a community mental health clinic that provides intensive case management services for people living with severe mental illness. He regularly provides ACT trainings for clinicians throughout the Bay Area and currently co-facilitates a Culture-Focused RFT/ACT Consultation Group in San Francisco as part of his private practice. Phillip is also a faculty member at Myanmar Clinical Psychology Consortium where he provides clinical RFT/ACT trainings for clinicians living in Myanmar (formerly known as Burma). Phillip believes that clinical RFT can be utilized to inspire creativity, promote social justice, and foster spirituality. Emerson Hardebeck- While earning his B.A. in English Literature at Arizona State University, Emerson practiced noticing and describing his own and others’ thoughts and attitudes—mainly so he could write funny stories about them. Now, as a doctoral student in clinical psychology,

he works to understand how those same thoughts and attitudes can be assessed, and shifted, to alleviate suffering. Emerson’s work at ACL Global Project is helping him to connect with the fundamental goodness inside each of us, including himself. Mavis Tsai-Mavis Tsai, PhD, is the Founder and Executive Director of the ACL Global Project. She is the co-creator of Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), is a clinical psychologist in independent practice, and a research scientist at the Center for Science of Social Connection at the University of Washington. She is a Fellow of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, and received the Washington State Distinguished Psychologist Award in recognition of significant contributions to the field of Psychology. She is proud to be named by New Harbinger Publications as one of “13 Badass Psychologists… Who Happen to be Women”, has co-authored five kick-ass books on FAP and over 65 articles. Brian Pilecki- Brian Pilecki, PhD, is a clinical psychologist at Portland Psychotherapy 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-doctorate fellowship at The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University and practices from an orientation-based in 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 committee chairperson for the Associated for Contextual and Behavioral Science.

Greg Wells- Gregory Wells, PhD, is a licensed psychologist based in San Francisco. He is co-founder of Polaris Insight Center which specializes in ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP). He is also co-principle investigator and therapist in the Phase 3 FDA study of MDMA-assisted psychotherapy for PTSD sponsored by MAPS. He works with clients with a range of concerns, including mood disorders, psycho-spiritual growth issues, and integration of psychedelic experiences. He specializes in providing ketamine assisted psychotherapy to treat depression, anxiety, grief, and trauma. His approach is guided by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Buddhist and Contemplative Psychology and employs a range mindfulness practices. He has been active in ACT and ACBS since 2009.

Marina Bystritsky, PhD, received her bachelor’s degree from NYU, and her doctorate degree from University of California, Los Angeles. She has specialized training in treatment of anxiety disorders at the UCLA Anxiety Disorders Clinic. In addition to her private practice, she currently serves as an adjunct faculty at UCSF where she provides supervision to psychiatric residents. Most recently, she graduated from the California Institute of Integral Studies post-graduate program in Psychedelic Assisted Psychotherapy and Research. Nathan Gates- Nathan Gates, LCPC, specializes in implementing evidence-based counseling methods for individuals, couples and families. Nathan has eleven years of experience in the human services field. The first seven of those years were with adolescents, condcuting

wilderness therapy and alternative approaches to helping kids thrive. In 2008, Nathan completed a Master’s degree in counseling psychology, and in the fall of 2010 became licensed. From 2008 to 2012, he worked with adult populations at WellnessNow, an award-winning wellness-focused program for Jefferson Center for Mental Health, the community mental health center serving the western suburbs of Denver, Colorado. Nathan has taken a strong professional interest in the implementation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a relatively new treatment approach that is currently the object of exponential growth and a great deal of study in our national university systems. With over 60 randomized controlled trials now complete, ACT is listed as an empirically supported treatment for a variety of conditions by the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and by the American Psychological Association (APA). Nathan has received a great deal of training in ACT, including weekend intensives, national conferences, and five years of supervision with an ACT-oriented psychologist. Additionally, Nathan has also become a trainer in ACT, training over 50 mental health clinicians in the Denver metro area in the application of ACT in mental health settings. Jessica Simonetti- Jessica Simonetti, Ph.D., is a postdoctoral resident working at the West Los Angeles VA Medical Center in California. She is positioned within the Integrative Medicine Department, where she specializes in the transdiagnostic use of mindfulness-based and compassion interventions, including Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction and Mindful Self Compassion. She also works in the Pain and Sleep Clinics. Dr. Simonetti is finishing up her certification as a compassion cultivation training (CCT) teacher and is also a certified yoga instructor. She enjoys hiking, traveling, and adventuring with her wife and traveling to New York to spend time with her family.

bay area acbs conference · the therapeutic stance of act emphasizes common humanity and encourages...

Documents