Applications of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Address Psychological Aspects of Common Medical Conditions belongs in serious BCBA study because it shapes whether behavior-analytic decisions stay useful once they leave a clean training example and enter clinic sessions and day-to-day service delivery. In Applications of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Address Psychological Aspects of Common Medical Conditions, for this course, the practical stakes show up in safe, humane intervention that respects health variables and daily-life feasibility, not in abstract discussion alone.
Provider: BehaviorLive — via Behavior Analysis Association of Michigan
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Join Free →Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a third-wave behavioral therapy rooted in psychological flexibility and values-based action, offers clinicians powerful tools to address complex behavioral health challenges and common medical conditions. ACT focuses on fostering acceptance of difficult emotions, cultivating mindfulness, and encouraging commitment to meaningful actions aligned with personal values. Research has demonstrated ACT's efficacy in improving outcomes for chronic conditions, including pain, obesity, and stress-related disorders, by enhancing psychological resilience and promoting adherence to health-promoting behaviors. Behavioral health clinicians are uniquely positioned to assess and address the psychological aspects of medical conditions, assisting patients to recognize the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being. By integrating ACT principles into care plans, clinicians help patients navigate emotional and behavioral barriers to health management, leading to improved overall outcomes. This presentation highlights the practical application of ACT techniques through three case studies: (1) addressing obesity by leveraging value-driven lifestyle changes and cognitive defusion to overcome avoidance behaviors, (2) managing hypertension with mindfulness strategies to mitigate stress and improve self-regulation, and (3) supporting psychological adjustment to a cancer diagnosis by fostering acceptance and promoting values-aligned living. These cases illustrate how ACT can be seamlessly integrated into both primary care and outpatient settings, providing actionable strategies for clinicians to enhance psychological and physical resilience. By emphasizing tailored, evidence-based interventions, this presentation aims to empower clinicians to address the complex interplay of mental and physical health challenges in contemporary healthcare.
| Certification Body | Credits | Type |
|---|---|---|
| BACB® | 0.5 | General |
| COA | 0.5 | — |
Dr. Kowalkowski received her bachelor’s degree in psychology from Western Michigan University’s Lee Honors College. She obtained her Master’s degree in behavior analysis from Southern Illinois University Carbondale. Her doctoral degree was earned from Eastern Michigan University in clinical psychology with an emphasis in healthcare systems management. Dr. Kowalkowski’s pre-doctoral internship training was completed at Wayne State School Medicine in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences. She also holds certification as a doctoral-level board certified behavior analyst. Dr. Kowalkowski serves as behavioral medicine faculty and Associate Program Director for the Grosse Pointe Family Medicine Residency Program. Her clinical/research interests include integrated primary care, anxiety disorders, medical education, acceptance and commitment therapy, and women’s health.
Dig into the research behind this topic — plain-English summaries written for BCBAs.
244 research articles with practitioner takeaways
233 research articles with practitioner takeaways
232 research articles with practitioner takeaways
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All behavior-analytic intervention is individualized. The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute clinical advice. Treatment decisions should be informed by the best available published research, individualized assessment, and obtained with the informed consent of the client or their legal guardian. Behavior analysts are responsible for practicing within the boundaries of their competence and adhering to the BACB Ethics Code for Behavior Analysts.