It is an action-oriented psychotherapy approach that evolved from traditional behavioural and cognitive behavioural therapies. In this approach, clients learn to stop denying, avoiding, or struggling with their internal emotional experiences. Instead, they learn to accept these emotions as understandable responses to particular situations without allowing them to prevent them from moving forward in life. Accordingly, clients learn to accept the challenges they experience and continue making necessary behavioural changes in their lives, regardless of what is happening in their lives or how they feel about it.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was developed in the 1980s by psychology professor Steven C. Hayes. It is reported that the approach emerged from Hayes’s own experiences while dealing with panic attacks. Hayes ultimately addressed his difficulties by no longer avoiding himself or his own experiences, but instead learning to accept them.
The ACT model is based on six core processes that aim to enhance psychological flexibility. These include acceptance, which involves making room for unpleasant thoughts and emotions; cognitive defusion, which helps individuals create distance from their thoughts rather than viewing them as absolute truths; contact with the present moment, which involves directing attention to the here and now; self-as-context, which refers to developing a broader observing-self perspective beyond one’s thoughts and emotions; values, which help individuals identify what truly matters in life; and committed action, which involves taking action in accordance with those values. Together, these six processes support individuals in developing a more flexible relationship with their internal experiences and living their lives in accordance with their values.
A key feature that distinguishes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy from other therapeutic approaches is that, rather than trying to change a person’s thoughts or emotions, it aims to help them develop a different relationship with them. In many therapeutic approaches, the goal is to reduce anxiety, depression, or negative thoughts. In ACT, the primary goal is to enhance psychological flexibility so that individuals can live their lives in accordance with their values. While cognitive therapies may examine the accuracy of thoughts, ACT focuses on whether an individual becomes caught up in those thoughts. ACT recognises that unpleasant emotions and thoughts are a natural part of human experience. Rather than focusing on eliminating pain, it focuses on continuing to live a meaningful life despite it.
One of the most distinctive features of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is its focus on values. In this approach, clients learn to accept their psychological experiences while also working towards making behavioural changes that align with their values.
A key feature that distinguishes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy from other therapeutic approaches is that, rather than trying to change a person’s thoughts or emotions, it aims to help them develop a different relationship with them. In many therapeutic approaches, the goal is to reduce anxiety, depression, or negative thoughts. In ACT, the primary goal is to enhance psychological flexibility so that individuals can live their lives in accordance with their values. While cognitive therapies may examine the accuracy of thoughts, ACT focuses on whether an individual becomes caught up in those thoughts. ACT recognises that unpleasant emotions and thoughts are a natural part of human experience. Rather than focusing on eliminating pain, it focuses on continuing to live a meaningful life despite it.
One of the most distinctive features of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is its focus on values. In this approach, clients learn to accept their psychological experiences while also working towards making behavioural changes that align with their values.
This training is intended for psychiatrists, psychologists, psychological counsellors, social workers, and nurses working with children, adolescents, or adults. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be applied across a broad range of concerns and diagnoses, from anxiety disorders and depression to obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and alcohol and substance use disorders, as well as in managing life stressors and chronic pain.
This evidence-based model was developed by Dr. Louise Hayes and Dr. Joseph Ciarrochi to help young people develop resilience, emotional regulation, and psychological flexibility. It is an adaptation of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that integrates positive psychology and mindfulness. DNA-V is an acronym for four skills that clients are taught to recognise and use in their daily lives: “(D)iscoverer,” “(N)oticer,” “(A)dvisor,” and “(V)alues.” The Discoverer explores the world in search of new skills and areas of interest. The Noticer refers to our capacity to notice our inner world without judgement. The Advisor is the inner voice that engages in criticism and planning within our minds. Our Values are the principles that matter to us and help us take committed action.
This training is an interactive professional development program focused on assessing the process of adaptation in each young person’s development and supporting growth and vitality. As part of the training, you will have the opportunity to watch selected practice recordings and learn how to create your own school-based groups
You will also have the opportunity to watch recordings of individual counselling sessions with adolescents and explore how these techniques can be integrated into your own practice. The aim of the training is to present the most up-to-date theories and therapeutic approaches for working with adolescents in a clear, accessible, and engaging way.
The DNA-V model, developed by Dr. Hayes and Dr. Ciarrochi, is an innovative approach for professionals working with young people experiencing anxiety disorders, depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and risk-taking behaviours. This model is recommended for professionals and educators who wish to support young people in accepting their emotions, discovering their values, and guiding their behaviour towards healthier choices
Dr. Louise Hayes is an Australian clinical psychologist, psychotherapist, trainer, and author. She is particularly recognised for her work adapting the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approach developed by Steven C. Hayes for use with adolescents and young adults.
One of her most significant contributions is the DNA-V model, which she developed specifically to address the developmental characteristics of adolescents Louise Hayes’s work focuses particularly on adolescent mental health, school-based psychological interventions, anxiety and depression, resilience, and psychological flexibility.
She also provides international training on the application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with young people and conducts workshops for psychologists, psychiatrists, counsellors, and educators in many countries.
Psychiatrists, child and adolescent psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, guidance counsellors, and nurses working in relevant fields.
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