Back to: Introduction, Objectives, and Course Manual
COURSE CURRICULUM
Course Details
PART 1: INTRODUCTION
Introduction
ACT General Overview
PART 2: EEMM PSYCH DIMENSIONS AND PSYCH FLEX PROCESSES
Cognition
Attention
Affective/Emotion
Self
Motivation
Overt/General Behavior
ACT Specific Tools
PART 3: SYNTHESIZING REHAB AND MENTAL HEALTH
Putting Things Together
Funct. Analysis - Networking - Outcomes
Other ACT Variants
Prosocial Introduction
End of Course Interviews
WRAPPING UP
Course Description
This course is designed to explore and apply the six core Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) psychological flexibility processes within the Human Framework Rehabilitation (HRF). This highly specialized course seamlessly blends expert-led lectures, practical skills development, and comprehensive case studies, all aimed at optimizing the clinical application of psychological flexibility skills. By actively participating in this multifaceted approach, participants will develop the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively integrate ACT principles within the HRF, thereby cultivating psychological flexibility and enhancing patient outcomes.
Course Background
The study of movement and pain has undergone significant changes in the last four decades as increased effort to move healthcare from a biomedical to biopsychosocial approach for care. The Human Rehabilitation Framework (HRF) is the world’s first biopsychosocial process-based approach to rehabilitation, accessible by all disciplines to deliver care in a transdisciplinary manner. It addresses the criticisms of the Biopsychosocial (BPS) Model and is an evolutionary step forward for Evidence-Based Practice (EBP), providing a new perspective that synthesizes scientific evidence, clinical practice, and personalized care. The HRF™ is based on the scientific philosophy of Functional Contextualism and replaces differential diagnosis, Clinical Practice Guidelines (CPGs), Clinical Prediction Rules (CPRs), and Clinical Pathways with a process-based approach for evaluation and intervention. It supports advances in personalized precision medicine and the value-based care model and is designed to be ready for the future of biomedicine and biopsychosocial research.
Course Target Audience: Physical Therapists, Athletic Trainers, Occupational Therapists, Chiropractors, Physical and Occupational Therapist Assistants, Massage Therapists, Osteopaths, Physicians, Rehabilitation Professional Students
Course Objectives
Understand Core Concepts
Introduce participants to the fundamentals of psychological flexibility, the Human Rehabilitation Framework (HRF), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
Develop Practical Skills
Equip participants with evidence-based skills in psychological flexibility for use in clinical and personal settings.
Explore Models and Theories
Familiarize participants with the EEMM and EEMM-HRF models, functional analysis, multilevel selection theory, applied evolutionary science, and network theory.
Examine Real-world Applications
Discuss actual clinical cases and explore different ACT variants to demonstrate the practical utility of the course material.
Introduce Prosocial Concepts
Explore the progression of individual development toward shared purpose and vision, focusing on collective action and co-evolution as outlined by the Prosocial Core Processes.
Explore Cutting-Edge Developments in Clinical Decision-Making
Examine how EEMM-HRF, idiographic analysis, and emerging technologies are reshaping the future of clinical reasoning and skillful interventions
Course Instructors
Leonard H Van Gelder Owner and Lead Instructor
Leonard Van Gelder is a clinician, coach, researcher, & educator. He is the founder of, and serves in leadership roles for, the Innovative Movement Development Ventures (IMDV) Group, Dynamic Movement & Recovery, Dynamic Principles, Move Better, and Dynamic Movement Frameworks. Over the last 20 years, he has studied, published research, and presented at regional and international conferences on the science of pain and movement.
Eddie O’Connor Lead Pyschologist/Instructor
Dr. Eddie O’Connor is a professional speaker and both clinical and sport psychologist, specializing in removing barriers to peak performance. He is a Fellow and Certified Mental Performance Consultant through the Association for Applied Sport Psychology, and member of the United States Olympic Committee Sport Psychology Registry. Dr. Eddie has worked with youth, high school, collegiate, national and international, Junior Olympic and professional athletes and coaches, as well as performing artists and musicians.
