Build Confidence in Using ACT — One Skill at a Time
Practical resources, structured learning, and community support to help you grow your Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) skills and feel more capable in every session.
Build your ACT Expertise
Many therapists struggle to find a supervisor or consultant who helps them bridge foundational ACT knowledge with practical, real-world application. They feel unsure about their ability to put ACT into action in complex cases or with clients who feel “stuck.” It can leave you feeling frustrated, confused and guilty.
Do you look back at your work and wonder about missed opportunities? Although it felt like something was missing, you weren’t sure what it was. The shadow of uncertainty that lurks in the background makes you question your ability to help clients with complex or deeply engrained struggles.
ACT Learning centre pillars
How can we help?
Whatever stage you’re at, the ACT Learning Centre gives you tools to assess your skills, learn deliberately, and stay supported over time.
pillar a
Assess & Discover
Take a free self-assessment and find your growth edge
pillar B
Learn & Grow
Access online courses and practical tools to develop skills
pillar c
Practice & Peer Support
Join live sessions, challenges, and a supportive community
pillar d
Supervision
Book 1:1 ACT supervision or consultation at intervals that suit you
pillar E
Core Programme
Add the features. Describe what they get. Include a bonus.
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.
Trusted by
Trusted by hundreds of ACT practitioners across the UK and beyond.
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.
the act therapist’s guide
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the act therapist’s guide
Want regular insights, free resources and event invites?
Join me here on Substack for regular articles giving you practical advice and guidance. I aim to provide you with real, relatable and honest information you can act on.
“No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.”