April 24, 2025 | Day 1, Thursday

General Session

8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
6.5 CE Hours

Frames and Foundations: Exploring the Big Picture of Behavior Analysis

Day 1 will begin with an exploration of the behavioral history of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and its development from 1981 through 1989 within the framework of behavior analysis. This era marked a transformative period where ACT emerged as a behavior-analytic method, deeply rooted in the principles articulated by Baer, Wolf, and Risley in their seminal 1968 article and especially their 20-year retrospective in 1987. By examining ACT through the lens of their seven dimensions of applied behavior analysis—applied, behavioral, analytic, technological, effective, conceptually systematic, and generality—we reveal how ACT fulfills their vision for a science addressing socially significant issues with precision and experimental rigor. By examining their plan for the future expression, participants will leave with a deeper understanding of how ACT, supported by Relational Frame Theory, builds upon and extends the foundation of behavior analysis to include complex verbal and cognitive processes, staying true to its behavioral roots while addressing modern challenges.

We will then show how ACT and RFT are connected to the very heart of behavior analytic practice. A behavior analytic practice informed by ACT starts with a deep understanding of psychological flexibility as a complex languaging repertoire. This session explores the philosophical and theoretical foundations of ACT through the lens of Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and functional contextualism, grounding our approach in a science of behavior that prioritizes meaning, adaptability, and social connection.

We’ll examine how these foundations inform a view of psychological flexibility and prosociality as key aims of our work, ensuring that our practices are not only evidence-based but also socially valid. Through this lens, an expansive functional analysis allows us to contextualize case conceptualizations, helping us design interventions that align with real-world values and lived experiences. By focusing on socially valid goals, procedures, and outcomes, we can build a behavior analytic practice that is both effective and deeply human-centered.

Afternoon sessions will focus on a frame by frame review of psychological flexibility as a complex language repertoire. To effectively promote psychological flexibility through ACT, we need a clear understanding of the language processes that are involved—both in our own interventions and in the lives of our clients. Whether we’re analyzing language function in clinical practice (including the functions of our own language) or teaching language as part of an intervention program, recognizing psychological flexibility as a complex, learned repertoire of relational responding allows us to approach it with greater precision and impact.

This first part of the afternoon will focus on a practical, accessible introduction to Relational Frame Theory (RFT), examining relational framing as a generalized operant repertoire that develops across time and contexts. By unpacking the core properties, dimensions, and complexity of relational framing, we’ll examine how these processes support generative language and psychological flexibility, setting the stage for deeper exploration

Then, in the final session of the day we will build on what has been learned by taking a closer look at key component repertoires of psychological flexibility, including selfing, rule governance, and valuing. We’ll examine RFT conceptualizations of these repertoires as well as how their foundations can be supported and strengthened across the lifespan. Finally, we’ll explore the role of relational framing in psychological inflexibility, considering how language processes can contribute to experiential avoidance and behavioral rigidity.

Evening Session (Optional)

4:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m.
2 CE Hours

Precision, Depth, and Scope of Behavior Analytic Practice

This panel discussion and Q&A session tackles the ethical implications of incorporating ACT into behavior analytic practices. Distinguishing between and identifying one’s own scope of practice and scope of competence is critical to ethical practice, and requires an ongoing examination and self-reflection. Defining your role, operating from a principles-based perspective and basing intervention on assessed function are all aspects of practicing within one’s scope.

Schedule

• 7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m.
  Check-in*
• 8:00 a.m-9:45 a.m.
  The Behavior Analytic History of ACT
• 9:45 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
  Morning Break*
• 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  ACT, RFT, and the Heart of Behavior Analytic Practice
• 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
  Lunch Break* Includes an optional 15 min movement session.
• 1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
  Frame by Frame: Psychological Flexibility as Complex Language Repertoire (Part 1)
• 2:45 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
  Afternoon Break*
• 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
  Frame by Frame: Psychological Flexibility as Complex Language Repertoire (Part 2)
• 4:30 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
  Afternoon Break (for those staying for optional evening discussion)*
• 4:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m.
  Evening Session: Precision, Depth, and Scope of Behavior Analytic Practice

*Not available for CE

April 25, 2025 | Day 2, Friday

General Session

8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
6.5 CE Hours

Practical Applications of ACT for Behavior Analysts

Now that the foundation has been set in Day 1, we will get hands on with the practical application of ACT and RFT. The morning sessions will start with a focus on the so-called “mindfulness” processes within the Extended Evolutionary Meta-Model (EEMM), emphasizing their transformative potential for both clients and change agents. Participants will explore these foundational processes: fostering a noticing sense of self, enhancing openness to private events in emotional and “cognitive” areas, and cultivating the ability to augment or diminish stimulus control with flexibility, fluidity, and voluntary precision. Building on the principle that behavioral evolution applies equally to therapists and clients, this session uses theory, live demonstrations, and experiential exercises to illuminate how these processes promote adaptability when relational operants disrupt other behavioral progress. By integrating training of these skills into their practice, participants will learn to engage with private experiences in a way that enhances psychological flexibility and functional action. The early morning session emphasizes the importance of the proper use of middle-level terms to bridge theoretical concepts into actionable skills that enhance both personal and professional effectiveness in behavior-analytic work.

We will then close out the morning with a session that focuses on the active life engagement processes of values and committed action,  and the extension of the entire model to the sociocultural and biophysiological levels. Participants will explore how value-driven behaviors can be developed. Through experiential exercises and demonstrations, this session also shows how extending psychological flexibility can foster broader, systemic change. Emphasizing the reciprocity between personal and client-level interventions, participants will learn to embody and model flexibility processes, reinforcing its relevance to their practice.

Afternoon sessions will kick off with a exploration of how the core processes of psychological flexibility—central to ACT—can be applied in diverse settings, including personal practice, client interactions, and workplace relationships. By integrating these processes into everyday life and behavior analytic work, participants will discover how to bridge the gap between theory and practice. Through engaging real-world examples and experiential exercises, this session provides a hands-on approach to understanding and applying ACT principles.

Participants will delve into the foundational processes that drive psychological flexibility from a radical behaviorist perspective, gaining a deep understanding of their relevance to behavior analysis. Practical skills will be developed by examining real-life examples, observing how psychological flexibility is helpful across scenarios, and learning actionable techniques for effective application. By the end of this session, participants will leave with strategies to integrate ACT into their professional practice, fostering both personal and professional growth.

Evening Session (Optional)

4:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m.
2 CE Hours

Flexibility Processes in ABA Practice: Demonstrations and Questions

This interactive session offers a dynamic, hands-on opportunity to see psychological flexibility processes in action within applied behavior analysis (ABA). Trainers will conduct live demonstrations to illustrate how the six core flexibility processes—contacting the present moment, acceptance, defusion, self-as-context, values, and committed action—can be effectively integrated into everyday ABA practice. These demonstrations will highlight practical strategies for addressing common challenges faced by practitioners, such as navigating verbal and relational complexity, fostering adaptive behavior, and enhancing client engagement.

Participants will also engage directly through structured Q&A and practical exercises designed to deepen their understanding and skill in applying these processes. Emphasis will be placed on how flexibility processes can enhance not only client outcomes but also the adaptability and efficacy of practitioners themselves.

Schedule

• 7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m.
  Check-in*
• 8:00 a.m-9:45 a.m.
  Learning to Be More Open and Aware as Behavioral Skills
• 9:45 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
  Morning Break*
• 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  Active Engagement Skills and Social / Biological Extensions of Flexibility Processes
• 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
  Lunch Break* Includes an optional 15 min movement session.
• 1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
  Practicing ACT as a Behavior Analyst - Real World Applications (Part 1)
• 2:45 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
  Afternoon Break*
• 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
  Practicing ACT as a Behavior Analyst - Real World Applications (Part 2)
• 4:30 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
  Afternoon Break (for those staying for optional evening discussion)*
• 4:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m.
  Evening Session: Flexibility Processes in ABA Practice: Demonstrations and Questions

*Not available for CE

April 26, 2025 | Day 3, Saturday

General Session

8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
6.5 CE Hours

Advanced Skills and Applications

Day 3 kicks off with an exploration of the vital role of therapeutic alliance in fostering effective clinical outcomes. We will examine the key indicators of a strong alliance, recognize signs of a strained alliance, and learn strategies for both alliance-building and repair using the principles of psychological flexibility. The session emphasizes modeling flexibility, employing self-disclosure appropriately, identifying and managing personal biases, and ensuring consent to treatment.

Through interactive activities, participants will practice verbal and non-verbal communication techniques that demonstrate psychological flexibility and enhance the therapeutic alliance. By integrating these skills, clinicians will leave with practical tools to strengthen their relationships with clients and navigate challenges with greater confidence and adaptability.

Morning sessions will then move into advanced skill building for practitioners to identify ACT processes and make clinical decisions about implementation. Behavior Skills Training will be used to practice skills in a variety of areas including: hypothesizing functions, categorizing verbal and non-verbal behavior into ACT processes, listening for metaphors, and choosing interventions for treatment planning. This session will also address the decision-making behavior analysts do as behavior-change agents who consider both direct and indirect contingency management strategies. Participants will explore ways to individualize ACT interventions including using the Matrix as a tool for guiding case conceptualization and implementation. Participants will practice identifying discrete components of each ACT process while also weaving them together in a method called Hexadancing. This session emphasizes practical application through examples, exercises, and small group practice.

After lunch we will come back to the critical skills of case conceptualization and decision-making in ACT, guiding participants through the process of listening, planning, and tailoring interventions. Participants will learn how to identify the functions of verbal and non-verbal behavior and categorize them into ACT processes. Using Behavioral Skills Training, they will refine their ability to discriminate among behaviors, with opportunities to apply these concepts through interactive exercises and practice.

We will then turn our attention toward exploring effective in-session decision-making, emphasizing the balance between internal and external behavior change as well as direct and indirect contingency management. Tools such as the ACT Matrix and Hexadancing will be introduced to help participants integrate discrete components of ACT processes into cohesive interventions. Through practical applications, small group activities, and experiential exercises, participants will deepen their understanding of how to individualize ACT interventions and make treatment decisions that best serve their clients.

The afternoon will close with a discussion on using the skills you have learned in this workshop to become a more effective leader. Utilizing behavior analysis to reduce suffering and improve the quality of living for people is a commendable calling!  Accelerating your own skills and maintaining excellence in doing this important work is even more admirable, but also demanding and sometimes confusing. When it comes to being a leader – which is not defined by your job title, but by your willingness to stay in front of challenging situations and while simultaneously helping others – can be arduous and aversive… and you can leverage your abilities in behavior analysis to help you be a leader in behavior analysis.

The Leading ABA component of ACT BootCamp will focus on the core skills of organizational behavior management (OBM) combined with the applications of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you develop a MAP (Mindful Action Plan) for exceeding the key performance indicators (KPIs) you have set for yourself in the ABA (applied behavior analysis) world.  This experiential, evidence-based training event aims to provide you with take home skills that hone your professional abilities while also creating a repertoire of behavioral flexibility to make your work endeavors more successful and values-based.

Evening Session (Optional)

4:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m.
2 CE Hours

Panel Discussion: The Future of Behavior Analysis

This panel will explore the evolving future of applied behavior analysis (ABA) in light of emerging challenges and opportunities. Drawing on themes from recent discussions in the field, including the integration of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Relational Frame Theory (RFT), panelists will examine how ABA can adapt to address complex human behavior in diverse contexts. Topics may include the importance of moving beyond a narrow focus on developmental disabilities, embracing psychological flexibility processes, and extending behavioral principles to address relational learning, and systemic challenges.

Schedule

• 7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m.
  Check-in*
• 8:00 a.m-9:45 a.m.
  Building a Strong Therapeutic Alliance with Psychological Flexibility: How You Show Up
• 9:45 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
  Morning Break*
• 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  Practical Skill Building for Case Conceptualization and Implementation (Part 1)
• 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
  Lunch Break* Includes an optional 15 min movement session.
• 1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
  Practical Skill Building for Case Conceptualization and Implementation (Part 2)
• 2:45 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
  Afternoon Break*
• 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
  Leading ABA (Part 1)
• 4:30 p.m.-4:45 p.m.
  Afternoon Break (for those staying for optional evening discussion)*
• 4:45 p.m.-6:45 p.m.
  Evening Session: Panel Discussion: The Future of Behavior Analysis

*Not available for CE

April 27, 2025 | Day 4, Sunday

General Session

8:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
6.5 CE Hours

Ethics, Leadership, and Integration

Following up on the Leading ABA session from the day before, we will begin Day 4 with a focus on the core skills of OBM combined with the applications of ACTraining. This session will give participants the opportunity to develop a MAP for exceeding personally and professionally relevant KPIs you will set for yourself.  This experiential, evidence-based training event aims to provide you with take home skills that hone your professional abilities while also creating a repertoire of behavioral flexibility to make your work endeavors more successful and values-based.

The morning session will close with an ethics training that equips behavior analysts with advanced ethical decision-making skills and consultation strategies through the integration of ACT training principles and the Mindful Action Plan (MAP). The session emphasizes the relevance of ACT in ethical decision-making, addressing common dilemmas, and fostering mindfulness and self-awareness to navigate challenges with compassion and integrity.

Participants will explore ACT’s six core processes and their professional applications, followed by an in-depth focus on ethical decision-making specific to behavior analysis. Using case studies, mindfulness exercises, experiential activities, and group discussions, attendees will reflect on personal values, strengthen professional boundaries, and learn to integrate ACT into ethical practice.

This workshop features active learning techniques, providing opportunities to practice ACT strategies and collaborate with peers to refine ethical decision-making skills tailored to the behavior analytic context.

The closing session reviews the conference materials and encourages participants to take the knowledge and skills gained throughout the event and apply them in their professional journeys. This interactive session focuses on creating a Mindful Action Plan (MAP), a structured and values-based approach to professional development that integrates ACT training  principles with actionable strategies for growth.

The MAP provides a clear framework to define personal values, set meaningful goals, and outline practical steps for sustained professional success. Attendees will engage in guided reflections to connect with their values, explore their unique strengths, and identify opportunities for growth. Through collaborative exercises, participants will leave with a personalized professional development plan that aligns with their aspirations and the science of behavior analysis.

This session serves as both a capstone to the conference and a launchpad for ongoing development, equipping attendees with the tools and inspiration needed to make a meaningful impact in their field.

Schedule

• 7:00 a.m.-8:00 a.m.
  Check-in*
• 8:00 a.m-9:45 a.m.
  Leading ABA (Part 2)
• 9:45 a.m.-10:00 a.m.
  Morning Break*
• 10:00 a.m.-12:00 p.m.
  Ethical Choices & Psychological Flexibility
• 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m.
  Lunch Break* Includes an optional 15 min movement session.
• 1:30 p.m.-2:45 p.m.
  Now What?! Using the MAP for a Professional Development Plan
• 2:45 p.m.-3:00 p.m.
  Afternoon Break*
• 3:00 p.m.-4:30 p.m.
  Your New & Flexible Professional Repertoire: Integrating and Generalizing the BootCamp Transformation

*Not available for CE