Integrating ACT and DBT for Clients at Risk for Suicide

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) both share an orientation toward mindfulness, acceptance, and behavior change. DBT has strong evidence for its effectiveness with suicidal clients. Contextual behavioral approaches, such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can enhance therapy effectiveness by increasing flexibility in processes implicated in suicide risk. This workshop will address how to assess and conceptualize suicide risk from a contextual behavioral perspective, and how DBT and ACT can be integrated to intervene effectively with clients at-risk for suicide. The workshop will include case examples and experiential practices.