ACT Is Evolving—and Steven Hayes Is Coming to Rhode Island
Reimagining ACT with Steven C. Hayes, PhD
This is NOT a RIMCHA sponsored event
December 12–13, 2026 | Bryant University | 14.5 CE Hours
I’m excited to share that Steven C. Hayes, PhD, co-originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, will be coming to Rhode Island for a two-day, in-person workshop at Bryant University.
Reimagining ACT will explore how ACT is continuing to evolve as a process-based approach grounded in Functional Contextualism and the Extended Evolutionary Meta-Model. Steve will move beyond the traditional hexaflex to examine emotional, cognitive, attentional, self-related, motivational, behavioral, sociocultural, and biophysiological processes—and how these processes connect with core human yearnings.
What I find especially valuable about this training is its focus on what happens in the room. Participants will practice reading psychological flexibility processes as they occur, identifying useful treatment targets, understanding the interconnection among processes, and selecting interventions that fit the particular person and context. The program includes experiential exercises, small-group discussions, case examples, and a live case demonstration.
This workshop is intended for therapists, psychologists, mental health counselors, social workers, marriage and family therapists, behavior analysts, coaches, trainers, and other professionals interested in behavior change. Some prior exposure to ACT, whether through reading or an introductory workshop, is recommended.
Event Details
Dates: Saturday and Sunday, December 12–13, 2026
Location: George E. Bello Center, Grand Hall, Bryant University, Smithfield, Rhode Island
Continuing Education: 14.5 CE hours
Early-Bird Professional Registration: $399 through November 1, 2026
Student Registration: $249Lunch: Provided during both training days
It is unusual to have an opportunity of this depth so close to home. Whether you have practiced ACT for years or are beginning to move toward a more functional and process-based way of working, I think this will be a valuable opportunity to learn, practice, and connect with colleagues from across the region.
Learn more and register:https://www.ibh.com/event/reimagining-act-rhode-island-december-2026/?ref=journal.riact.org
Begin Orienting to the Training with Deeply Functional
For those who would like to begin exploring some of the ideas underlying this training, I also host Deeply Functional, a podcast focused on ACT, Functional Contextualism, Relational Frame Theory, and process-based clinical practice.
The podcast is designed to help clinicians move beyond learning ACT as a collection of techniques and develop a deeper understanding of function, context, psychological flexibility, and what is happening moment to moment in the therapy room. Episodes include short explorations of specific processes and longer conversations with clinicians, researchers, and trainers working throughout the contextual behavioral science community.
Listening in advance can help you become more familiar with the language and perspective that will shape the December training. It is also a useful ongoing resource for anyone interested in understanding ACT more deeply, whether or not you are able to attend the event.
Listen to Deeply Functional on Spotify:https://open.spotify.com/show/6bo47mSy4lnLT4HfJDUxqJ
Todd J. Schmenk, MS, M.Ed., LMHC
ACBS Peer-Reviewed ACT Trainer
Founder and Director, Relational Institute of Applied Contextual Therapies
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