People come to therapy in order to live more fulfilling and purposeful lives. One paradox the clinician runs into is that the client’s belief that “there’s something seriously wrong with me and I have to fix it” is often a barrier to the self-acceptance, compassion, and perseverance that serve as mediating processes for the desired change itself. Drawing from the deep evidence base of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), this training will introduce the ACT Matrix of Psychological Flexibility. The Matrix is a powerful tool that serves to support collaborative treatment planning that is grounded in mindfulness, acceptance, and personal values. We direct clients away from seeking symptom reduction, in favor of promoting repertoire expansion through values-driven behavior, radical acceptance, and undermining the verbal processes that perpetuate psychological suffering.

Facilitator: Brooks Witter

Brooks is a counselor, clinical supervisor and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy trainer based in Boulder, Colorado. He currently runs a small private practice, supervises interns at Naropa’s Community Counseling Center and has an extensive professional background supporting individuals, couples, families, and teams transform challenges into strength building opportunities. When not working, you will find him on his bike, spending time with his family, getting outside, playing improv or fiddling with saws and wood.