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Preparing for this blog post was difficult for a variety of reasons. First, how could we possibly summarize a crisis that is affecting the whole world in such a massive way? Second, adjusting to the “new normal” of COVID is something that looks different for everybody. We may all be in this moment simultaneously, but all of our experiences are unique to who we are, where we live, our support systems, and a myriad of other variables. Finally, who are we to give advice or even discuss such a complex and sensitive topic? We aren’t anyone special at all. We are two professionals, stumbling through this pandemic, trying to find balance in this unprecedented chaos like everyone else. Our goal for this episode was to discuss the challenges that COVID-19 poses for those of us working as clinicians, and to highlight acceptance commitment therapy, referred to as ACT, as an evidence-based way to cope in this new normal.

As we reviewed in our first ACT episode related to stress management, ACT is an evidence-based framework that combines strategies of mindfulness and committed actions to move towards your personal values. The heart of this approach is centered upon developing behavioral flexibility in order to create a rich and meaningful life and to cope with the inevitable stressors that are part of being human in the world. ACT is rooted in applied behavior analysis but in its development has pulled components from several different branches of psychology including CBT, DBT, and mindfulness. These strategies can be applied to any situations where negative thoughts or feelings arise.

ASHA professional development hours are offered for this course (1 CMH). Visit our ASHA Professional Development page for more information. Steph is a BCBA who is passionate about ACT and uses it regularly with herself and her clients. Learn more about Steph here.

Learning Outcomes

1. Review and discuss at least 3 different components of the hexaflex

2. Identify at least two triggers and managing different emotions in a new normal

3. Review and discuss ACT and work life balance during COVID-19

References

Harris, R. (2008). The Happiness Trap: How to stop struggling and start living. Boston, MA: Trumpeter.

Harris, R. (2012). The Reality Slap: Finding Peace and Fulfillment When Life Hurts. New Harbinger Publications.

Hayes, S. C., & Smith, S. (2005). Get out of your mind and into your life: The new Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger.

Hayes, S. (2019). A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters. New York: Avery.

Pingo, John & Dixon, Mark & Paliliunas, Dana. (2019). Intervention Enhancing Effects of Acceptance and Commitment Training on Performance Feedback for Direct Support Professional Work Performance, Stress, and Job Satisfaction. Behavior Analysis in Practice. 13. 10.1007/s40617-019-00333-w.

Wilson, K. & Dufrene, T. (2010). Things might go terribly, horribly wrong. Oakland: New Harbinger.

Online Resources

FACE COVID – How To Respond Effectively To The Corona Crisis: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BmvNCdpHUYM

Association for Contextual Behavioral Science: https://contextualscience.org/

Apps and Programs

29K: www.29k.org

Disclosures:

Financial: Steph is the employee of a non-public school that serves children with autism. Kate Grandbois is the owner / founder of Grandbois Therapy + Consulting, LLC and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast. Amy Wonkka is an employee of a public school system and co-founder of SLP Nerdcast.

Non-financial: Steph is a member of the association of contextual behavior science. Kate and Amy are both members of ASHA, SIG 12, and both serve on the AAC Advisory Group for Massachusetts Advocates for Children. Kate is a member of the Berkshire Association for Behavior Analysis and Therapy (BABAT), MassABA, the Association for Behavior Analysis International (ABAI) and the corresponding Speech Pathology and Applied Behavior Analysis SIG.

Time Ordered Agenda:

10 minutes: Introduction, Disclaimers and Disclosures

20 minutes: Descriptions of different components of the hexaflex

15 minutes: Descriptions of triggers and managing different emotions in a new normal

10 minutes: Descriptions of ACT and work life balance during COVID-19

5 minutes: Summary and Closing

Disclaimer

The contents of this episode are not meant to replace clinical advice. SLP Nerdcast, its hosts and guests do not represent or endorse specific products or procedures mentioned during our episodes unless otherwise stated. We are NOT PhDs, but we do research our material. We do our best to provide a thorough review and fair representation of each topic that we tackle. That being said, it is always likely that there is an article we’ve missed, or another perspective that isn’t shared. If you have something to add to the conversation, please email us! Wed love to hear from you!

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SLP Nerdcast is a podcast for busy SLPs and teachers who need ASHA continuing education credits, CMHs, or professional development. We do the reading so you don’t have to! Leave us a review if you feel so inclined!

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