About the webinar
In this introductory session we will discuss acceptance and commitment therapy as it can be applied to work with parents and other caregivers of children and adolescents. We will go over some ACT basics such as psychological flexibility and the processes described in the Hexaflex and Russ Harris’ Triflex; Be Present, “Open Up”, “Do What Matters”.
We will look at how ACT can be modified in working with children and parents as well as how we might engage caregivers in the work of helping young people. This will be the most didactic of our six sessions.With all of these sessions, questions and comments will be invited at the end.
Learning Objectives:
- Understand the core principles of ACT and psychological flexibility and their relevance for supporting parents and caregivers.
- Apply the “Be Present,” “Open Up,” and “Do What Matters” processes to enhance mindful and values-driven parenting practices.
- Guide parents in recognizing and responding to challenging thoughts and emotions in themselves and their children.
- Integrate process-based ACT strategies into daily parenting routines to foster resilience, connection, and psychological flexibility.
- Develop experiential skills to engage caregivers in reflective, compassionate, and effective support for their children’s emotional wellbeing.
Agenda:
Lecture & Brief Discussion (60 min) – Discover how ACT supports parents in cultivating psychological flexibility, mindful presence, and values-driven action. Learn practical strategies like “Be Present,” “Open Up,” and “Do What Matters” for compassionate, effective parenting.

Leading Child Psychologist, Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Chris McCurry, Ph.D., is a Seattle-based clinical child psychologist, husband, and father. He earned a master’s in developmental psychology and a doctorate in clinical psychology, studying with ACT cofounder Steve Hayes. After nearly 40 years in clinical practice, he now leads workshops and writes...

Leading Child Psychologist, Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Chris McCurry, Ph.D., is a Seattle-based clinical child psychologist, husband, and father. He earned a master’s in developmental psychology and a doctorate in clinical psychology, studying with ACT cofounder Steve Hayes. After nearly 40 years in clinical practice, he now leads workshops and writes...
Learning Objectives
Learn the core principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, including psychological flexibility and the Hexaflex model.
Gain familiarity with the “Be Present,” “Open Up,” and “Do What Matters” processes and how they apply to parenting.
Discover practical ways to adapt ACT strategies for children, adolescents, and their caregivers.
Learn techniques to involve caregivers effectively in the therapeutic process to enhance outcomes for children.
Understand how to integrate ACT into daily parenting routines and encourage mindful, values-driven interactions.