ACT with Children, Adolescents, and Their Parents

Abstract

In contrast to the growing empirical support for ACT interventions with adult problems and populations, ACT applications with children, adolescents, and their parents are in relatively early stages of development. Our preliminary data, and data from other sites, suggest that ACT and its components can be successfully adapted for children in developmentally appropriate, therapeutically beneficial ways. Evidence suggests that ACT can be useful to parents dealing with the challenges children present. As with any new intervention, conceptualizing and using this approach is a trial-and-error process. Keeping this in mind, clinicians using the adaptations suggested in this chapter should be committed to measuring progress through the use of ongoing assessments.