We are closely monitoring the situation with COVID-19 and the need for social distancing to #flattenthecurve. We will not hold our May programs if there is continued risk to our communities.

If events must be canceled, rest assured that you will receive a full refund with the option to transfer your registration to the rescheduled date. We are also considering online options, should the need for social distancing be prolonged. 

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Links to ACT blogs for facing COVID-19 are below. The ACT Companion App (Password: Together) and Headspace app are also free for use during this time. 

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https://coronadosafe.org/blog/face-covid/#.Xndh0dNKjfY

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https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/get-out-your-mind/202003/the-ordinary-corona-hero-you

What's Happening 

In 2019-2020

Never miss out! Register with ACT at Duke to receive updates about our upcoming trainings and new research studies.

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:

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• 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.

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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

Training 

ACTivities

Research to help alleviate human suffering

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.

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.

ACT at Duke has an active research program with both basic and applied studies. Research focuses on difficulties in self-regulation (or the inability to use signals arising from the body to meet needs) and emphasizes contextually sensitive  assessment and intervention, often using mobile technology.

Service

& Community

Announcements

In the media

ACT at Duke gives back by offering a monthly community consultation session for local 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. 

Registration is Live! 

ACT at Duke, in collaboration with ACT Carolinas and MACACBS is hosting an Intensive ACT Training and Networking Event on May 29th-31st! Earn up to 18 CEs. Students receive a 25% discount. Space is limited. Register today! 

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ACT for Anorexia Nervosa: A Guide for Clinicians is now 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 is quoted in several recent articles that raise awareness about eating disorders. Check them out here:

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When Did Food Become the Enemy?

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Could Social Media's 'Healthy Food' Focus Be Contributing to a Little-Known Eating Disorder?​

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Are Eating Disorders Actually Rare? 

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