About the webinar
This session will lay the groundwork for working with parents from an ACT perspective with an initial focus on parent psycho-education. We will place psychological in-flexibility in the context of child cognitive and emotional development and introduce the Functional-Contextual approach to assessment, conceptualization, and treatment in terms parents can understand and utilize. I will introduce our two case examples; Max, a 10-year-old boy, and Fiona, a 15-year-old girl whom we will be discussing throughout the series. We will finish this session with a brief review of Functional Analysis from an ACT perspective.
Learning Objectives:
- Describe psychological inflexibility within the context of child cognitive and emotional development and explain how it influences child behavior and family dynamics.
- Communicate core ACT concepts to parents using accessible, developmentally appropriate language that supports understanding and engagement.
- Apply a functional–contextual framework to assess, conceptualize, and discuss child behavior in ways parents can readily use.
- Use the case examples of Max and Fiona to illustrate ACT-informed assessment, conceptualization, and parent psycho-education strategies.
- Identify and explain the key components of Functional Analysis from an ACT perspective as a foundation for parent-guided intervention.
Agenda:
Lecture & Brief Discussion (60 min) – Discover how ACT-informed parent psycho-education promotes children’s emotional and cognitive growth. Learn practical strategies using parent-friendly language, pattern observation, and Functional-Contextual assessment to foster awareness, flexibility, and supportive responses.
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 how psychological flexibility shapes children’s emotional and cognitive development and impacts parent–child interactions.
Develop skills to explain thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in parent-friendly language that children can understand.
Practice noticing patterns, triggers, and responses in children’s behavior without judgment or blame.
Use assessment and conceptualization tools to guide parenting decisions and support adaptive responses.
Explore practical ways to help children manage emotions, build flexibility, and develop self-awareness with curiosity and compassion.
