About this course
Watching adolescents make “bad” decisions—and pushing back against good advice—can be frustrating, especially in therapy. But reacting from that frustration can lead to less effective interventions.
Behavior analysis introduces the concept of pliance: following rules based on social reinforcement rather than what actually works. In other words, doing what you’ve been told—not necessarily what’s helpful. And that "rule" may come from past reinforcement, not current guidance from a therapist, parent, or teacher.
While ACT provides a powerful framework for building psychological flexibility, rigidly applying it—or any model—can invite resistance. Fortunately, ACT is highly adaptable.
Whether you currently work with adolescents or are considering it, this workshop will help you strengthen process-based therapy skills that counter pliance and support what adolescents are meant to do: individuate. We'll also explore how to notice and manage your own "righting reflex" when working with this age group.
The training includes adolescent development insights, real-world case examples, and experiential exercises to help you feel more confident and flexible in your work.
