Using ACT as A Process-Based Approach for Treating Trauma

Central Oregon Association of Psychologists

Regional affiliate of the Oregon Psychological Association

Transforming Interrupted Lives: Using ACT as A

Client-Centered Process-Based Approach for

Treating Trauma

Presented by Robyn D. Walser, PhD

DATE: Friday, November 14th 2025 

9:00 am until 1:00 pm PST

4 hours Continuing Education Credit  

Location: ONLINE via Zoom

(registrants will be sent a Zoom link via the email address they register with.  The Zoom link will be sent out 1-3 days prior to the training and will come from "COAP Workshops.")

This workshop will be capped at 95 participants

Workshop Overview: 

Change is a natural part of life, but trauma can disrupt a person’s ability to adapt and grow. Many people seek therapy when overwhelming experiences leave them feeling stuck, disconnected, or unable to pursue meaningful living. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a flexible, evidence-based approach to support trauma recovery. Rooted in behavioral science, ACT emphasizes psychological flexibility—the capacity to stay open to painful thoughts and emotions while engaging in values-based action. This workshop will explore how ACT helps trauma survivors reduce avoidance, foster self-compassion, and reconnect with purpose. Rather than eliminating painful memories or symptoms, ACT supports clients in building a new relationship with their inner experiences—one that makes space for pain without letting it dominate behavior.Participants will learn how ACT processes—including mindfulness, defusion, acceptance, and values clarification—can be integrated into trauma-informed care. Emphasis will be placed on creating a therapeutic environment grounded in authenticity, compassion, and safety. ACT will be presented as a guide for helping clients reclaim their lives—not by erasing pain, but by carrying it with dignity while taking steps toward what matters most.

Learning Objectives:  By the end of this training, participants will be able to:

• Describe the core processes of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and their relevance in supporting trauma recovery.
• Explain the concept of psychological flexibility and how it functions as a resilience-promoting factor in individuals with a history of trauma.
• Describe the application of ACT principles—including mindfulness, acceptance, defusion, and values clarification—in the context of trauma-informed care.
• Identify strategies to foster a compassionate, collaborative therapeutic relationship that supports trauma survivors in pursuing meaningful life directions.
• Apply experiential and values-based exercises to help clients reduce avoidance and more effectively engage with difficult internal experiences.
• Utilize ACT techniques to enhance clinical skills in guiding trauma-affected clients toward purposeful and values-driven action

About the Presenter: Robyn D. Walser, Ph.D., is an internationally recognized clinical psychologist, educator, and author. She is the Director of Trauma and Life Consultation and Psychology Services, Assistant Professor at the University of California, Berkeley, and Director of Research at Bay Area Trauma Recovery Clinical Services. Dr. Walser has contributed significantly to the dissemination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and holds a pivotal role in implementing ACT in one of the US's largest national healthcare systems. She also works at the National Center for PTSD, where her work focus is on trauma recovery, depression, and moral injury. A writer and scholar, Dr. Walser has co-authored nine influential books on ACT, including The Heart of ACT: Developing a Flexible, Process-Based, and Client-Centered Practice Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Her research and clinical expertise have made her a sought-after voice in advancing the application of ACT to address various complex psychological challenges. Since 1997, Dr. Walser has led ACT workshops worldwide, bringing her deep understanding and passion for process-based, experiential learning to therapists and clinicians. Known for her client-centered approach, Dr. Walser’s teaching emphasizes the integration of evidence-based practices with human connection and flexibility. To learn more about her work and join her newsletter list, visit robynwalser.com.

Costs: COAP uses an online registration process that accepts credit and debit cards. The lowest registration rates are associated with early registration, we encourage you to sign up early to make sure you have a spot. This workshop is limited to the first 95 participants who register.

Registered by 11/4/25

COAP Member: $115

Non COAP Member: $130

Registered after 11/4/25

COAP Member: $125

Non COAP Member: $150

Student Rate $60

*Membership in COAP is limited to Central Oregon based active and retired psychologists, residents, and psychologist associates. You must be current with COAP dues to register at the membership rate. Yearly COAP dues are $25 and are collected in September via Cheddar Up website (a small fee will be charged by cheddar up). Please use this link to pay dues: https://coap-membership-2025-26.cheddarup.com/

We welcome all allied mental health practitioners to our workshops (at non-member registration rates). Receiving Continuing Education credit from your various Licensing Boards is left to the discretion of the individual practitioner. Please see note below about APA.

**A $35 cancellation fee will be assessed for all cancellations. Registration fee will not be refunded for dissatisfaction with the training or for no-shows.

Students are invited to attend for $60. Please be prepared to submit a copy of your student identification card as proof of your student status.

Questions can be directed to info@coapworkshops.org

Check out the COAP website for additional information https://www.coapworkshops.org