Promoting Psychological Flexibility: ACT in Behavior Analytic Practice Summer 2025

This course runs from July 10 - September 18 with meetings on alternate Thursdays from 12-1 pm US Eastern.

Improving psychological flexibility is the primary aim of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy/Training. In this interactive workshop, Drs. Siri Ming and Evelyn Gould take the stance that psychological flexibility is a critical socially valid outcome and guiding principle for all that we do as behavior analysts. Much of our work involves supporting others to behave more flexibly within their context, establishing the prerequisite skills that lay the foundations for psychological flexibility or (for individuals with the necessary language skills) fostering psychological flexibility directly; psychological inflexibility plays a role in many of the common difficulties we encounter. In this course we present an ACT case conceptualization framework, linked to basic behavior analytic principles, and explore how and when behavior analysts can incorporate ACT functionally and ethically into their work with clients. Viewing behavior analytic intervention through the lens of psychological flexibility gives a clear focal point for building a meaningful, values-directed, compassionate and responsive practice, centered on social validity. 

Psychological flexibility involves interacting with (or “languaging about”) our experiences in flexible, context-sensitive ways that help us connect with meaning and purpose (i.e., powerful sources of reinforcement), even when faced with adversity. This is a complex composite repertoire, requiring advanced repertoires of relational framing and rule governance. However, it is a repertoire that is learned, and can be taught, in terms of component skills building over time. We can work to expand child repertoires from infancy all the way through to adulthood, and when working with families, design practices that are contextually sensitive to the development of both parent and child across the lifespan. Working with staff and supervisees also requires sensitivity to psychological flexibility repertoires in the context of supervisory and mentoring relationships over time. Moreover, improving our own psychological flexibility skills increases our effectiveness in supporting others, as well as supporting our own well-being and resilience (inside and outside of work).. 

Viewing ACT as a framework for promoting psychological flexibility within cooperative contexts for change, and based on contextual functional analysis—rather than as a set of techniques or procedures—allows for an individualized, culturally responsive, functional approach to intervention.

This course provides 12 CEUs.

All courses within Constellations have three price tiers. Click here for our pricing guide . We also have low-cost pay-what-you-can scholarships available. Priority will be given to those who primarily serve underserved, disadvantaged and minority populations, clinicians who are members of minority groups themselves, and to early career practitioners or students in developing countries. Please click here to apply.