Summer Conference - ACT in Practice: Enhancing Psychological Flexibility

Andrea (Andi) K. Sparrow, LCSW is a passionate social worker, educator, and advocate with over 20 years of experience in mental health, foster care, and community practice. She is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Social Work at the University of Louisville, set to graduate in May 2025. She earned her MSW from the University of Kentucky (2014) and BASW from Murray State University (2002).

Andi is a full-time lecturer at the University of Kentucky, where she teaches undergraduate and graduate social work courses focused on group work, organizational practice, and evidence-based interventions. She loves creating engaging learning experiences that challenge students to think critically and apply social work principles in real-world settings.

Previously, Andi owned a private therapy practice, where she provided trauma-informed care to adolescents and adults using TF-CBT, CPT, DBT, and ACT. She also spent years in community mental health and foster care. 

Beyond teaching, Andi is President of the Kentucky Society for Clinical Social Work (KSCSW), where she helps shape advocacy, education, and membership initiatives. She’s passionate about mentoring future social workers and advancing ethical mental health practices in Kentucky. 

Title of Training: ACT in Practice: Enhancing Psychological Flexibility (this is approved for 6 CEs by the Kentucky Board of Social Work).

ACT Learning Objectives

1. Explain the Core Principles of ACT

   • Participants will describe the six core processes of ACT (Cognitive Defusion, Acceptance, Present Moment Awareness, Self-as-Context, Values, and Committed Action) and their role in fostering psychological flexibility.

2. Apply ACT Strategies to Enhance Psychological Flexibility

   • Participants will demonstrate the use of at least two ACT interventions (e.g., metaphors, mindfulness exercises, or cognitive defusion techniques) to help clients unhook from unhelpful thoughts and move toward values-based living.

3. Utilize Functional Contextualism in Clinical Practice

   • Participants will assess how contextual behavioral science informs ACT and practice reframing client struggles through a functional, experiential lens rather than a symptom-reduction approach.

4. Develop Skills for Cultivating Acceptance and Defusion

   • Participants will practice guiding clients in acceptance-based strategies (e.g., “dropping the rope” metaphor) and cognitive defusion exercises to reduce attachment to distressing thoughts and emotions.

5. Integrate Values and Committed Action into Treatment Planning

   • Participants will formulate ACT-consistent treatment goals by identifying client values and designing behavioral commitments that align with those values.

Registration Prices (Lunch is included):

Members: $125

Nonmembers: $150

Students: $25
 

Early Bird Prices:

Register in March and April using code SUMMER2025: $50 off Registration Price (Excluding Students)