Values in Action: Using ACT to Navigate Sexuality, Trauma, and Relationships
Date and Time:
Friday, February 6th, 2026: 9:00 AM-12:00 PM
LOCATION:
The Chicago School
325 N Wells Street Chicago, IL 60654
Room 407/412
This event is presented in hybrid format. Participants have the option of attending in-person or participating via Zoom. Zoom link will be emailed to online participants the day before and the morning of the program.
Workshop Description:
ACT 101: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) invites clinicians to deepen their understanding of psychological flexibility: the concept at the heart of ACT, which empowers clients to live values-driven lives and navigate the inevitable suffering that comes with being a person. In this interactive workshop, you’ll explore the six processes of the ACT Hexaflex–Acceptance, Cognitive Defusion, Contact with the Present Moment, Self-as-Context, Values, and Committed Action–through hands-on exercises and metaphors. You’ll learn how to apply them broadly, as well as specifically in the contexts of trauma work, sex therapy, and couples/relationship therapy.
Together, we’ll explore strategies to help clients embrace difficult thoughts and feelings without avoidance. You’ll leave with a clear roadmap for integrating ACT into your clinical work: ready-to-use metaphors (“Drop the Rope,” “Leaves on a Stream”), structured experiential exercises, and a case-study to explore ACT in action. Participants will learn skills in fostering committed action and helping clients to move towards a more vital and meaningful life.
Course Objectives:
Learn the core principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Built a collection of metaphors and tools to aid in communicating ACT concepts with clients.
Learn how to apply ACT concepts to various presenting problems
Audience:
Professional Counselors
Social Workers
Substance Use Counselors
Marriage and Family Therapists
Psychologists
Presenters:
Stephen Heintz, LCPC (He/Him)
Stephen Heintz is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC). He uses a relational and strength-based model, and specializes in couples and relationship work. There is no central accreditation for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, but Stephen has utilized ACT principles in his work for the past 6 years, across individual, couples/relationship, and group therapy settings.
Continuing Education Hours:
This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 6.0 CEs for Licensed Psychologist (IDFPR license #268.000146), 6.0 IL CEUS for LPC/LCPC (IDFPR license #197.000360), LSW/LCSW (IDFPR license #159.001584), and LMFT (IDFPR license #168.000268), 6.0 BBS California CEUs for LPCCs, LPSWs, and LMFTs, or 6.0 AASECT CEs for Sexuality Educators, Counselors, and Therapists.
*Participants must attend 100% of the program in order to obtain a Certificate of Attendance.
If participants have special needs, we will attempt to accommodate them. Please address questions, concerns and any complaints to OfficeofCE@thechicagoschool.edu.
Registration:
• General Admission: $50.00
• Student Admission: $35.00*
• The Chicago School Faculty and Staff: $40.00*
(*Please email officeofce@thechicagoschool.edu for coupon code)
Please Note: This program is limited to 40 participants for each modality. Once attendance maximum is met, we will begin a waiting list.
Refund Policy: 100% of tuition is refundable up to 48 hours before the program. Within 48 hours of the program, and at any point in Homestudy format, tuition is nonrefundable.
Questions: officeofce@thechicagoschool.edu or stephen@soleilpsychotherapy.com