Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a transdiagnostic, evidence-based approach that helps children, youth, and caregivers respond more flexibly to difficult thoughts, emotions, and experiences while engaging in actions that align with their values.
Rather than focusing solely on symptom reduction, ACT aims to build psychological flexibility, a core process that supports resilience, engagement, and meaningful participation across a range of life experiences.
This practical workshop introduces the core processes of ACT through a developmental and neuroaffirming lens. Participants will explore how to foster psychological flexibility in children and adolescents across a range of experiences and contexts, including anxiety, ADHD, autism, perfectionism, regulation challenges, and everyday stressors. The session will emphasize actionable strategies, experiential exercises, and clinical metaphors that can be integrated into direct therapy, psychological assessment, consultation, and caregiver support. Participants will also examine how supporting psychological flexibility in caregivers can strengthen family relationships and promote compassionate responses to distress, helping families move toward what matters most.
By the end of this session, participants will be able to:
Describe psychological flexibility as a central process within Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and its relevance to child and youth mental health.
Apply developmentally appropriate ACT strategies to support children and adolescents across a range of emotional and regulation-related experiences.
Recognize ways ACT principles can be incorporated into clinical practice, educational settings, and everyday interactions with children and youth.
Identify ways to support caregiver psychological flexibility while balancing acceptance, responsiveness, and opportunities for growth.
Adapt ACT strategies using a strengths-based, neuroaffirming approach that respects neurodiversity.