ACT Training Events:
Are you looking for an NC training opportunity?
We will be conducting a 2-Day ACT Training Sponsored by Eastern AHEC
10 hrs CEs
April 13 (hybrid) & May 4 (in person, Greenville NC), 2023
For more information, contact Lenore:
ACT at Duke
Monthly Community Discussion Group
Students and Practitioners in NC are invited to participate.
New Grant Funding!
Randomized clinical trial testing "iACT" for eating disorders in type 1 diabetes (sponsored by JDRF)
FlexED: A digital, gamified ACT-based early intervention for eating disorders (sponsored by NIMH)
For more information about our studies, including eligibility criteria, contact Dottie: drm72@duke.edu
Latest Publications
from the Lab:
Onnink, C., Konstantinidou, Y., Moskovich, A.A., Karekla, M., & Merwin, R.M. (2022). Acceptance and commitment therapy for eating disorders: A systematic review and call to action. Journal of Contextual
Behavioral Science, 26, 11-28.
Merwin, R.M., Nikolaou, P. Moskovich, A.A., Babyak, M., Smith, P.J., & Karekla, M. (2023). Change in body image flexibility and correspondence with outcomes in a digital early intervention for eating disorders
based on acceptance and commitment therapy. Body Image, 44, 131-135.
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
Recent international events:
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. Check out the latest offering!
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.
This book will be available in Russian and Portuguese.
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.
And PsychWire ASK
New
Dr. Rhonda Merwin with colleague Dr. Patrick Smith featured in
Exercise Boosts the Brain – and Mental Health, The Washington Post, February 2022.
Exercise Boosts the Brain – and Mental Health, Smithsonian Magazine, February 2022.
Walking: The World’s Oldest Wonder Drug, AARP, March/April 2023.
Recent
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?
