Presented by Joel Guarna, PhD
Hosted by Psychology Specialists of Maine
ACT is more than a set of therapeutic techniques; it offers a way of understanding human suffering and human possibility. In the past, when preparing ACT workshops, I usually began with the theoretical model—the concepts and processes that form the foundation of the approach. This time, however, I began with a project of reflecting on 25 years of using ACT in clinical practice, asking what the work has actually been like in the therapy room and what has genuinely helped the people I met there. This presentation emerges from that different starting point, guided by a few essential questions: What has truly worked? What has helped people suffer less and thrive more? What strategies have reliably created real-world impact? This workshop will provide an entry—or a re-entry—into the heart of ACT: a practical, flexible set of strategies rooted in compassion, values, and a clear-eyed understanding of human suffering and change. It will serve as a solid starting point for those new to ACT and a useful reminder and re-orientation for those who have been using the model for years.
Note: This is a stand-alone workshop that requires no previous exposure to ACT. However, given the scope of the topic, it is likely to be the first in a series of two or three such presentations.
Register by Friday, Dec 19, 2025 (early registration deadline)
AND use discount code SMACT for additional discount!
Early registration + SMACT discount= $90
Regular registration: $110
3 CEs for psychologists, social workers, and counselors in Maine.