Episode Description

In a time filled with uncertainty and constant change, it's hard not to feel helpless at times. In this episode we explore how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a lens to manage hopelessness and work through complex feelings, both for our clients and ourselves as clinicians.

Learning Objectives:

• Review challenges with hopelessness, impact on functioning and the current state of the world

• • Discuss basic principles and theoretical framework of ACT and how to implement in sessions with clients, as well as using personally as a clinician

  
  

  Presenter Bios:

  Host: Janine Snyder, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker and Lead Clinical Director at AMK Counseling. Janine works with clients across the lifespan focused on anxiety diagnoses, significant life transitions, and strengths-based healing.

  
  

  Guest: Frannie Siegel, MSW, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker who serves as the lead clinical director at AMK Counseling. Frannie holds specialized training in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy), perinatal mental health and clinical supervision.

  
  

  Continuing Education (CE) & Contact Info:

  AMK Counseling is deeply committed to strengthening community and advancing equity across Chicago. Staying true to the mission from our nonprofit, Infinite Possibilities Program (chicagoipp.org), we are proud to offer all Continuing Education (CE) programming free of charge.

  This episode is eligible for 1 CE Credit. Visit ⁠amkcounseling.com⁠ for more information or email trainings@amkcounseling.com to complete your post-training quiz & evaluation.

  AMK Counseling has been approved by NBCC as an Approved ContinuingEducation Provider, ACEP No. 7277. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. AMK Counseling is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

  
  

  Supplemental Handout:

  The workability worksheet:

  
  

  Episode References:

  • Beygi, Z., Tighband Jangali, R., Derakhshan, N., Alidadi, M., Javanbakhsh, F., & Mahboobizadeh, M. (2023). An Overview of Reviews on the Effects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) on Depression and Anxiety. Iranian journal of psychiatry, 18(2), 248–257. https://doi.org/10.18502/ijps.v18i2.12373

  • Harris, R. (2009). ACT Made Simple: An Easy-To-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. New Harbinger Publications

  • Harris, R. (2008). The Happiness Trap: How to stop struggling and start living. Robinson Publishing)

  • Hayes, S.C, Strosahl, K.D., & Wilson, K.G. (2012). Acceptance and commitment therapy: The process and practice of mindful change (2nd edition). Guilford Press

  • Hayes, S.C. (2019). A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters. Avery.

  • McCloskey, J. (2020, September 19). Passengers on the Bus. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yLroVwoPFW8

  • New Reports Highlight Depression Prevalence and Medication Use in the U.S. (2025, April 17). Cdc.gov. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/pressroom/nchs_press_releases/2025/20250416.htm

  • Stoddard, J. A., & Afari, N. (2014). The big book of act metaphors: A practitioner's guide to experiential exercises and metaphors in acceptance and commitment therapy. New Harbinger Publications.