Bronnie Thompson: Course - ACT for people in pain

About this Event

Workshop Overview

This workshop is designed for healthcare professionals (occupational therapists, physiotherapists, osteopaths, chiropractors, nurses and others) who have little or no experience in using ACT, but who do have foundation knowledge about musculoskeletal pain as a multidimensional experience, and from a biopsychosocial or modern pain science perspective.

ACT is a “third wave” cognitive behavioural therapy that has been used with people experiencing persistent pain since before 1986. It is based on contextual behavioural science and is built upon relational frame theory. The theoretical foundation provides the scientific basis for ACT, and explains human behaviour without drawing on ideas of psychopathology. ACT can be used by anyone with appropriate training and as such is not a “licensed” therapeutic approach. There is an expanding evidence base for its efficacy in persistent pain.

ACT is a powerful therapeutic approach to support people with chronic and distressing physical conditions to develop skills and strategies to live a meaningful life.

Timings

• Session 1: Tuesday 29 June 2021, 19.00 - 22.00 (BST)
• Session 2: Tuesday 6 July 2021, 19.00 - 22.00 (BST)
• Session 3: Tuesday 13 July 2021, 19.00 - 22.00 (BST)
• Session 4: Tuesday 20 July 2021, 19.00 - 22.00 (BST)

Workshop Outline

This workshop will provide:

• An introduction to the theoretical foundations of ACT (relational frame theory)
• An introduction to the six major processes (the “hexaflex”)
• Experiential learning opportunities to model the use of ACT
• Metaphors and psychological flexibility
• A brief review of the recent literature on the effectiveness of ACT
• An overview of a pain management programme based on ACT (Springboard)
• Assessment and outcome measures used in ACT treatment

Workshop objectives

At the end of the workshop participants will:

• Have an introductory understanding of the theoretical foundations of ACT
• Have participated in experiential activities used within ACT
• Be familiar with and understand the purpose of developing psychological flexibility
• Be familiar with the use of assessment and outcomes measures used in ACT for pain
• Be able to integrate the “Matrix”, “choice point”, values-based actions, graded exposure, and mindfulness within their clinical practice
• Have developed a way to introduce “willingness” or “acceptance” into their conversations with people experiencing pain

Dr. Bronnie Thompson

Bronnie trained as an occupational therapist, and graduated in 1984. Since then she has continued to study at postgraduate level and has published on a wide array of subjects, including; business skills, ergonomics, mental health therapies, and psychology. She completed a Masters in Psychology in 1999, and recently completed her PhD. She is a Senior Lecturer in the Department of Orthopaedic surgery & Musculoskeletal Medicine at the University of Otago Christchurch Health Sciences.

Bronnie is passionate about helping people that experience chronic health problems achieve their potential. She has worked in the field of chronic pain management, helping people develop self management skills for 20 years. Many of these skills are directly applicable to people with other health conditions.

She is a strong advocate of healthcare professionals collaboratively working with their clients recognising that all people have limitations and vulnerabilities, as well as strengths and potential. She encourages ongoing evaluation of everything that is put forward as ‘therapy’ and is especially drawn to mindfulness and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).

Bronnie is a recognised educator, lecturing globally. She views education as equally important to health care as research and clinical skill. She is a strong advocate for integrating the latest research with current clinical practice, and communicates this to clinicians working with people experiencing chronic ill health.