ACT as a Catalyst: Transforming Treatment for Trauma and BPD

Speakers: Shawn Costello Whooley, PsyD; Jennifer Weaver, LCSW-C, Miranda Morris, PhD

Description: Trauma and Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) are both treatable conditions, but both present unique therapeutic challenges that can leave even experienced clinicians feeling stuck, unqualified, or ineffective.This intensive two-day workshop demonstrates how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can enhance evidence-based treatments for both conditions by increasing therapeutic engagement and treatment effectiveness.

Day 1 integrates contemporary research on BPD with practical clinical applications, addressing diagnostic complexities, treatment accessibility, and stigma reduction. Participants explore the interplay of genetic predisposition, trauma, and environmental factors in BPD development, while learning strategic approaches to diagnostic communication and treatment planning. The workshop demonstrates how ACT's psychological flexibility framework complements established treatments like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Mentalization-Based Treatment, with specific focus on crisis management and suicide prevention. Through experiential learning, clinicians develop skills to blend ACT principles with evidence-based approaches while effectively managing risk and liability concerns.

Day 2 focuses on enhancing trauma treatment through ACT integration, addressing clinical hesitation around exposure work and introducing innovative approaches to trauma processing. Participants learn to leverage ACT processes - including self-as-context, present moment awareness, and values clarification - to strengthen traditional exposure protocols and increase treatment adherence. Through structured role-play and experiential exercises, clinicians practice implementing ACT interventions that support clients through challenging therapeutic work while maintaining emotional regulation and engagement.

This workshop equips mental health professionals across practice settings with immediately applicable tools for treating trauma and BPD, transforming therapeutic challenges into opportunities for meaningful clinical work and lasting client change.

Target Audience: This workshop is for practitioners who have a solid foundation in ACT.

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