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.
This program will not be recorded.
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:
Psychologists. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 3.0 continuing education credits. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is committed to accessibility and non-discrimination in its continuing education activities. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is also committed to conducting all activities in conformity with the American Psychological Association’s Ethical Principles for Psychologists. Participants are asked to be aware of the need for privacy and confidentiality throughout the program. If program content becomes stressful, participants are encouraged to process these feelings during discussion periods.
Counselors/Clinical Counselors. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 3.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for counselors and clinical counselors. License Number: 197.000159
Social Workers. This program, when attended in its entirety, is available for 3.0 hours of continuing education. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is licensed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) to provide continuing education programming for social workers. License Number: 159.001036
MFTs, LPCCs, and LCSWs. Course meets the qualifications for 3.0 hours of continuing education credit for MFTs, LPCCs, and/or LCSWs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences. If you are licensed outside of California please check with your local licensing agency to determine if they will accept these CEs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is approved by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) to offer continuing education programming for MFTs, LPCCs, LEPs, and/or LCSWs. The Chicago School of Professional Psychology is an accredited or approved postsecondary institution that meets the requirements set forth in Sections 4980.54(f)(1), 4989.34, 4996.22(d)(1), or 4999.76(d) of the Code.
National Board. This program, when attended in its entirety, offers 3.0 NBCC Clock Hours. The Chicago School-Counselor Education has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 3036. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Chicago School-Counselor Education is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
Non-Psychologists. Most licensing boards accept Continuing Education Credits sponsored by the American Psychological Association but non-psychologists are recommended to consult with their specific state-licensing board to ensure that APA-sponsored CE is acceptable.
*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