Who is Jim Lucas

Jim has mentored and taught many therapists to effectively integrate ACT into their practice (after thinking he’ll never be as good as his teachers). He is respected and recognised worldwide for his Acceptance and Commitment Therapy training and expertise.

As an ACBS peer-reviewed trainer with the expertise to provide effective Acceptance and Commitment Therapy training, Jim balances theory, practical exercises, and real-world examples.  He helps therapists to be empowered to use ACT confidently, authentically, and flexibly.

Moving from theory to practice can be highly challenging, mainly when working with clients with unique complexities.  I recognise the uncertainty from the early years of practising a new model. 

After many hours of therapy practice, working closely with ACT experts, and applying it personally, I have come to know ACT intimately.  I truly appreciate the opportunity to share my insights and show therapists how to help clients build psychological flexibility.

Small Steps. Better Sessions. Real Progress.

Assess

Take a structured self-assessment to identify where you’re consistent and where you can grow as an ACT therapist.

Focus

Choose one specific skill area to work on based on your results — no overwhelm, just one step at a time.

Practice

Apply targeted strategies, exercises and real-client techniques designed to build fluency, not just knowledge.

Repeat

Reflect, re-assess, and continue refining your skills through deliberate practice and peer feedback.

Grow

Experience real progress — clearer sessions, stronger therapist presence, and more meaningful client change.

Why work with Jim Lucas?

At Openforwards, we appreciate that you want to be less uncertain and more confident in your Acceptance and Commitment Therapy practice.  To do that, you need to learn how to apply the principles and practices of ACT with precision, reach and depth.  The problem is that bridging the gap between foundational knowledge and complex, real-world settings is challenging.  It can leave you feeling confused, doubtful and frustrated. 

Embracing a new approach can create a profound dilemma: 

• Do I trust the safety of my old familiar methods, even if it limits growth and flexibility?
• Or, do I step into the unknown, knowing the path forward is uncertain, and success may not come in a linear or predictable way?

The Doubt Whisperer thrives on your desire for certainty and straightforward answers.  On the one hand, you want structured protocols, symptom-based outcomes and logical interventions.  On the other hand, you know that human experience is fluid and often messy. 

“Without certainty, how can you be sure you’re helping?  What if you fail?” you hear from the shadows.  What do you do?

To build your expertise, Jim helps you apply ACT principles to yourself.  He’ll help you cultivate openness, willingness and the capacity to sit with your doubts while moving forward.