One of the most influential developments in cognitive behavioral therapy is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which has been applied to disorders ranging from anxiety and depression to chronic pain and psychosis.  ACT’s central goal is the promotion of psychological flexibility, the ability to be fully present while pursuing valued outcomes.  ACT therapists teach psychological flexibility via six core processes:  Experiential acceptance, decreasing attachment to thoughts, contact with the present moment, seeing the self as a context for changing experience, identification of core values, and action to move toward values.  These processes overlap with the principles underlying behavioral improvisation, a method that has been used to train actors, business leaders, and comedians.

This workshop explores behavioral improvisation as a novel and entertaining method of advancing psychological flexibility.  After a brief overview of ACT, the bulk of the week will be devoted to improvisational exercises in a safe, supportive atmosphere.  We’ll utilize brief mindfulness inductions, classic theater games, and techniques modified to explore the ACT model.   No previous experience with improvisation or ACT is needed.