Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Basic Training for BPD (2-days)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a psychological approach developed by Dr Steven Hayes that encourages us to connect to and accept difficult internal experiences whilst doing what is important to us. ACT is a transdiagnostic model that can be applied in a range of clients and service settings. Spectrum has been providing ACT interventions to the treatment of BPD since its inception 25 years ago.

This 2-day workshop will provide participants with an overview of ACT theory and principles, including the 6 core processes of ACT and key interventions. An ACT framework will be applied to the formulation and treatment of BPD and the unique challenges associated with this client group. The training will be interactive, involving didactic learning augmented with discussion, exercises and role play.

This workshop is suitable for mental health clinicians new to ACT as well as those seeking further training in applying ACT to their work with clients with BPD. It is recommended that participants have a foundational understanding of BPD before attending this workshop. No previous experience with ACT is necessary.

Following completion of this workshop all participants will be invited to a free and ongoing ACT supervision group facilitated by Spectrum.

Learning Objectives:

This workshop will provide participants with:

• An overview of the theory and principles of ACT, including the 6-core processes

• The skills to formulate client behaviours in relation to their antecedents and consequences from a functional contextualist approach

• The skills to provide ACT therapeutic interventions to clients such as the avoidance loop, choice point, and life matrix

• The ability to apply ACT formulation and interventions effectively to clients with BPD

• An invitation to an ongoing ACT supervision group facilitated by Spectrum

Prerequisite: Previous training in working with people with BPD, e.g. Foundation Training for Working with People with BPD or BPD Core Competency Workshop delivered by Spectrum is required. If you have not completed formal training please email us at [email protected] for access to online modules that will ensure you meet the eligibility criteria.

Presenters:

Andy Bouwman is a mental health social worker with 10 years of experience working in public mental health services in Victoria. He has worked within community and acute teams and has developed a solid understanding of working with clients with BPD in a variety of settings. Andy is a member of the ACT team at Spectrum, providing individual therapy and group programs using this framework. He has joined the workforce development team as he is passionate about sharing his experience and knowledge with other clinicians.

Lilli Haig-Wood is a senior mental health Occupational Therapist with extensive experience in a variety of settings including public mental health (inpatient and community), forensics, specialist personality disorder services and homelessness. She works part time in the Spectrum ACT team, providing individual and group programs using the ACT framework and in the workforce development team. She passionate about working alongside clients diagnosed with personality disorders, empowering them to create meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Cost: $500 (payable by credit card only).

Lunch: A light lunch including a vegetarian selection is provided.

Getting to Spectrum: Spectrum is located at 110 Church Street, on the corner of Church Street and Tweedie Place. Entrance is via the front of the building, to the right of the Skoda car dealership.

Public transport:

• Tram 78 on Church Street. Alight at Tweedie Pl/Church Street (Stop 63).
• Tram 109 on Victoria Parade (about a 5 min walk to 110 Church Street)
• Tram 75 on Bridge Rd (about a 7 min walk to 110 Church Street)

Car parking:

There is very limited 2-hour street parking available in the area. All day parking is available in:

• 35 Elizabeth Street, Richmond – 11 minute walk (about $15 / day)
• 1 Allowah Terrace, Richmond – 12 minute walk (about $15/day)
• Doonside St, Richmond – 14 minute walk (about $10/day)
• 679 Victoria St, Abbotsford, Australia – 20 minute walk (about $9/ day)

Cancellation policy: If your circumstances change and you no longer can attend this event, please log into your Eventbrite account and cancel your ticket and request a refund no later than one (1) week prior to the event. A refund will not be issued if notification has not been received within this time frame and you will be required to pay for the event.

General enquiries: Email [email protected] or phone Spectrum (03) 8413 8750.

COVID-19 Update: To ensure a COVIDsafe event, please do not attend if you:

• Show symptoms of COVID-19, including cough, fever, runny nose, shortness of breath
• Have been recently diagnosed with COVID-19 and released from self-isolation on day 5 or day 6
• Are a close contact with a confirmed COVID-19 case

Host or Publisher Spectrum Personality Disorder Service for Victoria