About the webinar
Step Two will be introduced. This involves shifting the focus of attention away from trying to alter or get rid of challenging thoughts and feelings to focusing on the ACT processes of Acceptance and Defusion. A number of defusion exercises will be discussed and practiced.
Learning Objectives:
- Define the ACT “Open Up” processes, including Acceptance and Defusion, in the context of parent and caregiver support.
- Explain how shifting attention from controlling thoughts and feelings can improve psychological flexibility.
- Demonstrate practical defusion exercises to observe thoughts and emotions without judgment.
- Apply Acceptance strategies to everyday parent–child interactions to reduce reactivity.
- Reflect on personal experiences with challenging thoughts and practice using “Open Up” techniques effectively.
Agenda:
Lecture & Brief Discussion (60 min) – Introduce ACT’s “Open Up” processes, practicing Acceptance and Defusion techniques to help parents observe thoughts and feelings nonjudgmentally, foster psychological flexibility, and respond with awareness.
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
Identify difficult or distressing thoughts and emotions in parent–child interactions without immediately trying to change them.
Explain how efforts to avoid, suppress, or control thoughts and feelings can reduce psychological flexibility and increase stress.
Notice challenging thoughts and feelings as they arise and allow them to exist without judgment or reactive behavior.
Step back from unhelpful thoughts through practical exercises, creating distance and reducing their influence on behavior.
Implement Step Two of a process-based ACT model to respond to difficult interactions with awareness, flexibility, and values-guided intentions.
