Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Compassion Workshop

Onsite Learning Programme

Explore compassion-focused approaches within Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). 

This workshop introduces practitioners to the integration of compassion-based perspectives within ACT practice. Participants explore how compassion can support emotional regulation, self-awareness and psychological flexibility. It encourages practitioners to apply these principles in ways that deepen therapeutic relationships and support client wellbeing. 

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Programme Type: Participants will receive a certificate of attendance.

CPD: 6 hours
Next Intake(s): Sat., 16 May 2026

NFQ: N/A
ECTS: N/A

Academic Validation: N/A

Professional Accreditation: N/A

Overview

Introduction

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based ‘third wave’ Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) approach that also draws on philosophical stances from existentialism and Gestalt frameworks to create powerful counselling and therapeutic tools. ACT is increasingly demonstrating its effectiveness in helping clients with a range of psychological issues.

Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) is a psychological approach that helps individuals cultivate self-compassion and reduce self-criticism, particularly in the contexts of shame, trauma, depression and anxiety.

Who Should Apply

This workshop is perfect for mental health professionals looking to deepen and enhance their therapeutic impact.

This workshop offers a practical, integrative approach to combining ACT and CFT, equipping participants with tools they can apply immediately in clinical practice. Grounded in evidence-based psychological science, it moves beyond theory through experiential learning, case examples and skills-based exercises. Participants will strengthen their confidence in working with shame, self-criticism and emotional avoidance while enhancing their ability to help clients develop self-compassion, psychological flexibility and meaningful, values-driven change.

Overview

This workshop will explore how to integrate the key skills of ACT with CFT in ways that are effective, creative, compassionate and flexible. It will focus on helping participants support both themselves and their clients to create more lasting change, particularly in areas where people often feel stuck.

Participants will practise using the six core processes of ACT:

  • Contact with the present moment
  • Acceptance
  • Defusion
  • Self-as-context
  • Values
  • Committed action

They will also explore the 3 Circles model of CFT:

  • Threat
  • Ambition
  • Soothing

The ACT Matrix will be used as a tool for ongoing assessment and contextual targeting of ACT processes. The importance of compassion, validation and client collaboration will be emphasised throughout the workshop.

Assessment

N/A

Certification

Participants will receive a certificate of attendance.

CPD: 6 hours

Venue

This workshop will take place onsite at IICP College, Killinarden, Dublin 24.

The cost of the workshop is €95.00. (15% discount for IICP College students/alumni and VCS counsellors)

Expert Programme Facilitator

Chris McConnell

Chris is a qualified psychotherapist and holds an MSc in psychotherapy from University College Dublin (UCD) through St Vincent’s University Hospital. He also holds a Diploma in CBT from Goldsmiths, University of London. He is an accredited counsellor with the Association of Professional Counsellors and Psychotherapists in Ireland (APCP) and a registered member of the British Association for Counselling and Psychotherapy (BACP).
Since 2008, Chris has trained extensively in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as other mindfulness-based therapy approaches, including Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT). He has been teaching the ACT module at IICP College since 2021. He practises privately in Dublin and online.

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+353 (0)1 661 0168

[email protected]

IICP College Office

+353 (0)1 4664205

©IICP.ie 2026. IICP Education and Training Unlimited Company trading as IICP College registered in Ireland under number 413668 with its registered office at IICP College, Killinarden Enterprise Park, Tallaght, Dublin D24 TKC7.