Navigating Therapist Burnout and Client Care with ACT

Presented by the Ontario Association of Social Workers  (OASW) 

Workshop Description

In this full-day workshop, participants will explore their understanding of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) by applying its principles to both their clients and themselves. Participants will explore the psychological struggles that therapists face, including distress, fatigue, and burnout, and examine how ACT’s psychological flexibility processes can provide relief. By focusing on the ACT therapeutic stance, participants will develop an awareness of their own mental hooks and struggles and learn strategies to practice flexibility in service of both their well-being and the needs of their clients.

This experiential workshop will include guided exercises and reflection practices aimed at helping participants create a deliberate practice plan to attend to and care for your own struggles as a clinician. Through hands-on practice, participants will leave with actionable tools to navigate the emotional demands of therapy while staying grounded and effective in your work. This workshop is designed for social workers who are familiar with the ACT process but will also offer valuable insights for both beginner and intermediate practitioners.

Workshop Instructor: Sarah Walsh, MSW, RSW

I’ve been practicing psychotherapy as a Registered Social Worker for a little over 10 years. My clinical experience and interests have been varied, but really centred on both mindfulness and applied behavioural science. I first began learning about Contextual Behavioural Science (CBS) community and about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in 2018; it was eye opening. ACT processes brought things together for me, both as a clinician but also as a person, in ways I had not previously articulated. ACT and other CBS approaches are compassionate, meaningful and accessible. I have been part of learning and supporting learning in the ACT community in Ontario since 2019, when I joined the Ontario Chapter for the Association of Contextual Behavioural Science. My values as a clinician are to remain curious and continue growing.  

Pre-Requisite

For anyone new to ACT the prerequisite for this workshop is the OASW webinar titled ‘Take ACTion: Cultivating Psychological Flexibility for Both Therapist and Client’ on February 27, 2025. Those who already have a beginning foundation of the ideas that shape narrative therapy would be suited to participate in this full-day workshop .

Thursday, March 27, 2025 |  10:00 AM - 4:00 PM

Cost 

• OASW Members: $179 + HST (Early-Bird pricing ends February 28, 2025)
• Non-members: $299 + HST