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Our online self help ACT course is particularly useful for those unable to attend face to face or telephone coaching during office hours. The course has open enrolment so you can apply anytime. Until the end of August 2011 we are running a special introductory offer - £250 for the entire course, which comprises the following

• a workbook download* including explanations of ACT theory and approach, and its scientific evidence base,
• embedded web links to internet based learning resources, including audio and TV/video links,
• practical exercises or ‘homework' tailored to your specific needs,
• scheduled weekly telephone coaching sessions,
• additional email support from your coach,
• participation in an online discussion forum* and live chat* with other members of the course,
• 20% reduction on all retreats and workshops when you complete the course.
  *members pages only
Why ‘ACT’ online?

There are online therapeutic resources offered by the UK NHS called ‘Fear Fighter’ (for panic and phobias) and ‘Beating The Blues’ (for depression and anxiety). These offer guided self help for sufferers of specific conditions and use an approach called CCBT, or computerised cognitive behavioural therapy. ACT has developed from similar roots to CBT in the behavioural psychology tradition, but emphasises using mindfulness and acceptance strategies to deal with painful thoughts and feelings, rather than control or avoidance strategies. Nonetheless, for those suffering with depression, anxiety and phobias, these CCBT programmes have been shown to be very useful in research studies. Online self help works!

A number of other adult education organisations worldwide offer mindfulness based health intervention courses by distance learning, but all of these require you to adopt a daily meditation practice. Although ACT also uses mindfulness based strategies, it does not require you to have a daily meditation practice. The mindfulness exercises are integrated into the activities of daily living, or are short interventions that can be done at any place at any time. There is a different emphasis on learning to make room for uncomfortable feelings and thoughts through cognitive defusion and acceptance, which are rooted firmly in the behavioural psychology tradition. As each unit is offered to course participants however, exercises are tailored to the specific needs of the individual participant and their issues or problems. Participants do not study together for this reason, although they are offered peer networking and support via our online learning forums and chat rooms.

For a free sample of the introductory unit, click here.  Copyright of all materials asserted by Ananda Veda.Com Ltd.