This workshop provides clinicians with a brief overview in the ACT-Adjust program, an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) intervention designed to support psychological adjustment following traumatic brain injury (TBI). Grounded in contextual behavioural science, ACT-Adjust targets psychological flexibility to reduce distress and enhance engagement in meaningful life activities. Participants will gain a preliminary understanding of the theoretical foundations of ACT, and how these processes are adapted for individuals with cognitive and emotional challenges following TBI and develop skills for a flexible person-centred treatment program.
Learning Objectives:
By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to:
1. Understand core ACT-Adjust components using the structured session content and adaptable therapeutic strategies from the program.
2. Develop an increased understanding of the modification of ACT techniques to accommodate cognitive impairments, including attention, memory, and executive functioning difficulties.
3. Have an overview of an evidence-based treatment program, ACT-Adjust, to address psychological adjustment after a moderate to severe traumatic brain injury.
4. Integrate culturally responsive and reflexive practices into ACT delivery.
Format and Content:
The workshop will combine didactic teaching, role plays and experiential exercises. Participants will engage in guided practice of ACT techniques tailored to TBI, including the implementation of simplified metaphors, behavioural activation aligned with values, and skills for promoting acceptance of internal experiences. Attention will also be given to common clinical challenges, such as reduced insight, emotional dysregulation, and barriers to participation. The workshop will be grounded in a commitment to cultural reflexivity, recognising that experiences of brain injury, distress, identity, and recovery are shaped by cultural, social, and systemic contexts. Participants will be given the opportunity to acknowledge their own cultural position, assumptions, and potential biases, and actively reflect on how these influence their therapeutic relationships and clinical decision-making.

Target Audience:
This workshop is suitable for psychologists, neuropsychologists, rehabilitation clinicians, and allied health professionals working with individuals with TBI or other neurological conditions.
Conclusion:
ACT-Adjust offers a structured, evidence-informed approach to addressing psychological distress after TBI. This training equips clinicians with the knowledge and basic skills required to understand ACT principles as applied to individuals with a TBI.