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Digital Seminar

ACT for Behavioral Addictions: A Shame-Free Approach for Helping Clients Understand Their Triggers, Break Compulsive Patterns, and Embrace Pain with Purpose

$249.99 Standard

Gain the tools you need to effectively treat clients struggling with behavioral addictions such as gambling, pornography, shopping, and even seemingly benign behaviors like excessive work or exercise, eating, social media doom-scrolling, and general “busyness.”  

These behavioral addictions—also called process addictions—are increasingly on the radar as they distract, numb, or protect individuals from pain, keeping them disconnected from meaningful engagement in life.  

In this recording, Dr. Jennifer Patterson will explore the hot topic of whether certain behaviors can truly be “addictive” and teach you how to identify when a coping skill has become maladaptive, even when it’s not the presenting issue in treatment. 

Through real-world case studies, you’ll learn how to integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to break shame cycles, foster psychological flexibility, and guide clients toward actions aligned with their values.  

With a focus on practical tools and strategies, this training will empower therapists and clinicians to address compulsive patterns, prevent relapse, and help clients embrace recovery and purpose-driven living. 

Transform lives and help clients break free from addictive behaviors, one mindful step at a time.

Here's What You'll Learn


Introduction to Behavioral Addictions 

  • Overview of Behavioral Addictions: Definition, types, and examples (e.g., gambling, internet addiction, shopping addiction). 
  • Epidemiology and Prevalence: Statistics and demographics. 
  • Impact on Individuals and Society: Health, social, and economic consequences. 

Theories and Models of Behavioral Addictions 

  • Biopsychosocial Model: Understanding the interplay of biological, psychological, and social factors. 
  • Disease Model vs. Behavioral Model: Comparing different perspectives. 

Assessment and Diagnosis 

  • Screening Tools and Questionnaires: Commonly used tools for identifying behavioral addictions. 
  • Diagnostic Criteria: DSM-5 and ICD-11 criteria for behavioral addictions. 
  • Case Studies: Practical examples and discussion. 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Principles 

  • Introduction to ACT: Origins, core principles, and goals. 
  • Psychological Flexibility: Understanding and fostering psychological flexibility. 
  • Hexaflex Model: Exploration of the six core processes of ACT (Cognitive Defusion, Acceptance, Contact with the Present Moment, Self-as-Context, Values, Committed Action). 

Applying ACT to Behavioral Addictions 

  • Assessment and Case Conceptualization: Tailoring ACT interventions to individual clients. 
  • Mindfulness and Acceptance Strategies: Techniques for increasing awareness and acceptance. 
  • Values and Committed Action: Identifying values and promoting actions that align with those values. 

Case Studies and Practical Applications 

  • Case Studies: Applying ACT principles to real-life scenarios of behavioral addictions. 
  • Prevention and Relapse Management: Using ACT to prevent relapse and maintain recovery. 
  • Resources and Referrals: Providing support and guidance for ongoing care. 

Everything You're Getting


  • More than 6 hours of video content
  • Up to 6.0 CE credits
  • Certificate of completion
  • Handouts and resources

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ACT for Behavioral Addictions: A Shame-Free Approach for Helping Clients Understand Their Triggers, Break Compulsive Patterns, and Embrace Pain with Purpose
Digital Seminar
$249.99

Meet Your Experts


Jennifer L. Patterson, PsyD, LCPC

Toggle speaker biography

Jennifer Patterson, Psy.D., LCPC, has a mission to offer evidence-based psychotherapy to help others live full and abundant lives. She is the founder of JPI Psychological Solutions in Mokena, Illinois and specializes in treating obsessive compulsive behaviors, anxiety and depression. At JPI she uses ACT and other third-wave models to assist clients with increasing quality of life.

Dr. Patterson is an ACT trainer and has led over 500 ACT workshops across the US and internationally. She has served as vice-president of the Chicago Chapter for the Association for Contextual Behavioral Sciences. Dr. Patterson was a featured psychologist on The Learning Channel (TLC) and former co-author for Psychology Today’s blog “When More Isn’t Enough.” Dr. Patterson received both her master’s and doctoral degrees from the Illinois School of Professional Psychology. She is a formally trained ACT clinician and is very skilled in mindful-based therapies and empirically-supported treatments.

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Jennifer Patterson maintains a private practice and receives royalties as a published author. She receives a speaking honorarium, recording royalties, and a consulting fee from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Jennifer Patterson is a member of the Illinois Psychological Association, the American Psychological Association, and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science.

100% Satisfaction Guarantee

Register for this intensive training course without risk. If you're not completely satisfied, give us a call at 800-844-8260.

We’re that confident you'll find this learning experience to be all that's promised and more than you expected.

PESI App


Access CE trainings on your phone or tablet through our free mobile app. Choose video or audio-only versions of online courses from the world's best instructors, and complete your CE requirements anywhere, anytime, at your own pace.


Questions?

Visit our FAQ page at www.pesi.com/faq or contact us at www.pesi.com/info

Access for Self-Study (Non-Interactive)

Access never expires for this product.

For a more detailed outline that includes times or durations of time, if needed, please contact cepesi@pesi.com.

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Media Type:
Digital Seminar
Product Code:
POS150195
Duration:
6 hours, 17 minutes
Copyright:
May 05, 2026
Closed Captions:
Available
Format:
Audio and Video

ADA Needs


We would be happy to accommodate your ADA needs; please call our Customer Service Department for more information at 1-800-844-8260.

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