What's Happening
In 2022-2023
Never miss out! Register with ACT at Duke to receive updates about our upcoming trainings and new research studies.
PsychwireASK
ACT Training and Networking Event
Cancelled last year due to COVID-19, the event is still on hold due to the continued uncertainty of the Delta variant. Sign up to receive an update in the Spring 2022.
Upcoming events:
Monthly Community Discussion Group is Live. Students and Practitioners in NC are invited to participate.
New Grant Funding!
Our most recent award is for a RCT on iACT for eating disorders in type 1 diabetes. Stay tuned for more information!
In 2019, 19 researchers from all over the world came together to outline a progressive research strategy for contextual behavioral science. Over 2 years in the making, the report has been released. Check it out here:
ACBS Task Force Report on the Strategies and Tactics of Contextual Behavioral Science Research
Latest from the Lab:
Merwin, R.M., et al. (2021). An Open Trial of app-assisted ACT (iACT) for Eating Disorders in Type 1 Diabetes, Journal of Eating Disorders, 9 (6).
ACT at Duke
ACT at Duke is a program of research, clinical services and professional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and contextual behavioral science.
This site is a resource for:
• Individuals interested in receiving ACT therapy.
• Graduate students, postdoctoral fellows, psychiatry residents, psychology interns, and other professionals interested in receiving ACT training.
• Students and fellows interested in ACT-relevant research experience.
• Professionals interested in ACT-informed research collaborations.
ACT at Duke was founded by Dr. Rhonda Merwin in 2011. Dr. Merwin is an Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Duke University Medical Center, a Peer-Reviewed ACT Trainer and a Licensed Psychologist.
Program Highlights
Therapists specializing in ACT
ACT at Duke offers individual therapy for adults and adolescents with a variety of presenting problems (e.g., anxiety, depression). Practitioners specialize in ACT, but are broadly trained in evidence-based practices and have additional expertise in eating disorders, psychological issues in type 1 diabetes and other endocrine disorders, and functional assessment of child behavior problems and parent training.
Training
ACTivities
ACT at Duke provides professional training in ACT and contextual behavioral science, relational frame theory (RFT) and clinical behavior analysis at the beginner, immediate and advanced levels. Continuing education credits are offered for most events.
Research to help alleviate human suffering
Service
& Community
Announcements
In the media
ACT at Duke gives back by offering a monthly community discussion group for NC students and providers. Individuals interested in participating are encouraged to complete the interest form.
ACT at Duke is also partnered with ACT Carolinas and Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the Association of Contextual Behavioral Science and AHEC to bring cost effective workshops and other training events to the community.
The ACT at Duke, MAC ACBS and ACT Carolinas training at Duke University has been cancelled due to COVID-19 restrictions.
ACT for Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide for Clinicians is available in hard and soft back, and as an e-book. This book was written by Rhonda Merwin in collaboration with Dr. Nancy Zucker, Director of the Duke Center for Eating Disorders and Dr. Kelly Wilson, Co-Founder of ACT.
Dr. Merwin discusses the book and ACT for restrictive eating and weight loss in a recent episode of Psychologists Off the Clock with host Diana Hill, PhD.
Dr. Rhonda Merwin speaks with NIDDK about eating disorders in diabetes and ACT in a recent interview on the Diabetes Discoveries and Practice Blog.
Dr. Rhonda Merwin and Dr. Steve Hayes discuss using ACT to cope with the pandemic in a recent Forbes article. Check it out here.
Dr. Rhonda Merwin is quoted in several recent articles that raise awareness about eating disorders. Check them out here:
When Did Food Become the Enemy?
Could Social Media's 'Healthy Food' Focus Be Contributing to a Little-Known Eating Disorder?
Are Eating Disorders Actually Rare?