The Dimensions of Self: ACT Skills for Working with Identity (and Suffering) in the Therapy Room

Program Description:

This program presents step-by-step, skills-based instruction on working with identity processes using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Content includes slide-based instruction defining concepts with clinical examples; review of written case vignettes illustrating identity fusion (e.g., diagnostic and trauma-based identity narratives); and live role play or demonstrations of interventions and exercises. Participants will engage in brief experiential exercises and guided discussion to practice identifying identity-based fusion in session and selecting appropriate interventions.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify and differentiate at least three ACT dimensions of self (self-as-content, self-as-process, and self-as-context) in client statements and describe how each dimension is associated with either rigid or flexible identity-related behavior.

2. Review language samples, role-play examples, or client quotes and correctly determine whether each represents a flexible or inflexible response based on function.

3. List and describe at least two ACT-based interventions (e.g., cognitive flexibility exercises or perspective-taking metaphors) to reduce fusion with identity-based narratives during…