About the Training
Working with adolescents experiencing depression can be challenging — especially when motivation is low, cognitive fusion is high, and emotional pain feels overwhelming. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) provides powerful tools to support young people in building psychological flexibility, reconnecting with their values, and moving toward a meaningful life.
This 4-hour, intermediate-level training is designed for mental health professionals who are familiar with ACT and want to extend their skills specifically for working with teens presenting with depression.
You’ll learn to apply Emma Spencer’s ACT Action Path model, a highly engaging and developmentally appropriate way to use ACT concepts with adolescents. The workshop includes interactive learning, live demonstrations, experiential exercises, and practical tools you can start using immediately.
Whether you’re in private practice, schools, or community mental health, this training will deepen your confidence and expand your toolkit for working with teens.
What You Will Learn
How depression presents in adolescents through an ACT lens
How to use the ACT Action Path model to structure your approach
Practical, teen-friendly strategies for defusion, values, self-as-context, and acceptance
Creative and engaging ways to explain ACT concepts
Language and metaphors that connect with adolescents
How to work with low motivation and emotional shutdown
How to adapt experiential work for different developmental stages
Resources and tools you can use in session
By the end of the session, you’ll walk away with:
✔️ A stronger understanding of ACT for adolescent depression
✔️ Increased confidence applying ACT flexibly and compassionately
✔️ Downloadable resources, metaphors and activities
✔️ Tools you can implement immediately in your clinical practice
About the Presenter
Emma Spencer is a Clinical Psychologist with 20+ years’ experience supporting children, teens, and families. She is the developer of the Low Demand Approach to Therapy™ and the ACT Action Path — a developmentally-informed, neuroaffirming approach to using ACT with younger clients.
Emma is known for her engaging, practical training style that blends theory with real-world clinical wisdom. She is a passionate advocate for neurodivergent-affirming practice and regularly delivers training to psychologists, educators, and allied health professionals across Australia.
Event Details
Delivery: Live online via Zoom
️ Date: Tuesday 14th April 2026
Time: 12:00pm – 4:00pm (Sydney/Melbourne)
Cost: $220 + GST
Recording: This session will not be recorded. It is a live, interactive workshop with breakout activities and real-time reflection.
