OSHAA 30-Hours Advanced ACT Therapy Professional Course
The OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a structured training program designed in alignment with occupational health and safety principles and modern psychological support practices. The course focuses on helping learners understand human thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and how acceptance-based strategies can support mental wellbeing in both personal and professional environments.
This program introduces the core concepts of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, including psychological flexibility, mindfulness, values-based living, and emotional acceptance. It emphasizes how individuals can manage stress, anxiety, and negative thoughts by developing healthier ways of responding rather than avoiding emotional experiences. The course also highlights the importance of mental resilience and ethical support practices in workplace and care settings.
In addition, the diploma provides practical tools for improving emotional regulation, communication, and supportive interaction with individuals facing psychological challenges. It is suitable for healthcare workers, counselors, educators, HR professionals, and anyone interested in mental health support skills. By completing this course, learners gain valuable knowledge to promote psychological wellbeing in a safe, responsible, and professional manner in line with recognized occupational standards.
OSHAA 30-Hours Professional Diploma in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Minimum Age Requirement: Applicants must be at least 18 years old to enroll in this professional mental health training program
- Educational Background: Minimum secondary education (Matric/SSC) is recommended; candidates with qualifications in Psychology, Counselling, Social Work, Healthcare, Education, or related diplomas will be preferred
- Language Proficiency: Basic understanding of English is required to follow course materials, psychological concepts, and training guidelines effectively
- Work Experience: No prior experience is required; however, experience in healthcare, counselling, teaching, or social services is considered an advantage
Study Units
Learning Outcomes
Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (3 hours)
- Understand the foundational principles of ACT and its therapeutic goals
- Recognise the importance of psychological flexibility in mental health
- Identify the core components of ACT, including mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based action
- Explore the history and development of ACT as a therapeutic approach
- Understand how ACT differs from other therapeutic modalities
Core Principles of ACT: Psychological Flexibility and Mindfulness (3 hours)
- Define psychological flexibility and its role in mental well-being
- Understand the connection between mindfulness and psychological flexibility
- Learn how mindfulness techniques can enhance emotional awareness and regulation
- Develop the ability to apply psychological flexibility in therapeutic settings
- Recognise how these core principles support clients in making meaningful changes in their lives
Cognitive Defusion: Reducing the Impact of Thoughts (3 hours)
- Understand the concept of cognitive defusion and its role in ACT
- Learn how to help clients distance themselves from unhelpful thoughts
- Develop techniques for reducing the impact of negative or distressing thoughts
- Gain practical skills in guiding clients through defusion exercises
- Understand the impact of cognitive defusion on emotional regulation and behaviour
Acceptance and Emotional Regulation (3 hours)
- Explore the role of acceptance in managing difficult emotions
- Understand the importance of acknowledging emotions without judgement
- Learn techniques to help clients accept emotional experiences rather than avoid them
- Develop strategies to support clients in building emotional resilience
- Gain skills in using acceptance strategies to enhance emotional regulation
Values and Committed Action in ACT (4 hours)
- Understand the significance of identifying personal values in ACT
- Learn how to guide clients in clarifying their core values
- Explore the link between values-based living and behaviour change
- Develop skills to support clients in taking committed action aligned with their values
- Apply techniques for helping clients make value-driven decisions and overcome obstacles
Using Mindfulness Techniques in ACT Practice (4 hours)
- Gain a deeper understanding of mindfulness and its role in ACT
- Learn how to apply mindfulness techniques to increase client awareness and acceptance
- Develop practical skills in guiding clients through mindfulness exercises
- Understand the connection between mindfulness and reducing psychological distress
- Enhance the ability to incorporate mindfulness into everyday practice for emotional and behavioural change
ACT for Anxiety and Depression (4 hours)
- Understand how ACT addresses anxiety and depression through mindfulness and acceptance
- Learn how to implement ACT strategies to reduce the impact of anxiety and depressive symptoms
- Develop techniques for promoting psychological flexibility in clients with anxiety and depression
- Explore case studies to apply ACT interventions effectively with anxious and depressed clients
- Enhance your ability to help clients engage in values-based actions despite their symptoms
ACT for Trauma and Stress-Related Disorders (3 hours)
- Understand how ACT can be applied to trauma and stress-related disorders
- Learn techniques to help clients confront and process trauma through acceptance
- Develop skills to support clients in developing resilience and flexibility after trauma
- Explore specific strategies for dealing with PTSD, stress, and emotional pain
- Recognise the importance of creating a safe therapeutic environment for trauma survivors
Ethical Considerations and Challenges in ACT (3 hours)
- Explore the ethical principles involved in applying ACT in clinical practice
- Understand the importance of maintaining client autonomy while applying ACT techniques
- Learn how to manage challenges and ethical dilemmas that may arise during ACT practice
- Understand the boundaries and limitations of ACT in certain therapeutic contexts
- Develop strategies for ethical decision-making when using ACT with diverse client populations
- Master ACT Techniques: Gain a comprehensive understanding of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and how to apply its core principles to real-life therapeutic settings.
- Enhance Clinical Skills: Develop the skills needed to help clients build psychological flexibility, manage emotional challenges, and take value-driven actions towards meaningful goals.
- Evidence-Based Approach: Learn techniques grounded in research that have been proven to help with a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress-related disorders.
- Specialised Knowledge: Understand how to use mindfulness, acceptance, and cognitive defusion to reduce the impact of distressing thoughts and emotions, promoting healthier emotional regulation.
- Comprehensive Coverage: Cover all essential aspects of ACT, from foundational concepts to specific applications, ensuring you have a well-rounded skill set.
- Therapeutic Flexibility: Learn to tailor ACT interventions to suit different client needs, whether they are dealing with everyday stress, trauma, or more complex mental health issues.
- Ethical Practice: Gain insights into the ethical considerations and challenges in ACT, enabling you to apply the therapy in a responsible, client-centred manner.
- Boost Career Opportunities: With a recognised qualification in ACT, enhance your professional profile and open up new career opportunities in mental health, therapy, and counselling.
- Support for Personal and Professional Growth: Engage in personal development as you learn how to apply ACT techniques to improve both your own mental well-being and that of your clients.
- Flexible Learning: Benefit from a structured yet flexible learning format, designed for working professionals, allowing you to study at your own pace without disrupting your career or personal life.
This course is designed for a wide range of professionals who wish to deepen their understanding of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and apply its principles effectively in their practice. It is suitable for:
- Mental Health Professionals: Therapists, counsellors, psychologists, and psychiatrists looking to expand their therapeutic toolkit and apply evidence-based techniques in treating a variety of mental health issues.
- Coaches and Wellness Practitioners: Life coaches, wellness coaches, and holistic health practitioners who want to integrate ACT into their practice for better client outcomes in areas like personal development and stress management.
- Social Workers: Social workers seeking to enhance their approach to working with clients experiencing anxiety, trauma, or stress-related disorders.
- Healthcare Professionals: Doctors, nurses, and allied healthcare workers who are interested in applying ACT techniques for improving patient care, particularly in mental health and emotional regulation.
- Trauma Specialists: Professionals working in trauma-informed care, looking to integrate ACT into their therapeutic practices for effective trauma healing and stress management.
- Students and Researchers in Mental Health: Individuals studying psychology, counselling, or mental health who want to gain practical knowledge and experience in ACT techniques.
- Human Resources and Employee Wellbeing Professionals: Those involved in supporting employee wellbeing, mental health, or workplace stress who wish to implement ACT strategies to improve mental health at work.
- Anyone Interested in Personal Development: Individuals looking to improve their own emotional resilience, mindfulness, and psychological flexibility.
No prior training in ACT or psychology is required, making this course accessible to professionals from various backgrounds who are eager to enhance their skills in this transformative therapeutic approach.
