Overview

Series: Applying ACT to cancer care

The aim of this series is to assist clinicians in adapting Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) strategies to work with cancer. A brief exploration of the psychological themes which arise in the context of a diagnosis, including anxiety, depression, distress, uncertainty and existential distress. 

The webinars will explore the six domains of ACT and how they can be applied in the context of people living with cancer, highlight the role of values-based living, and identify the ways in which therapy can work towards committed action to support this.

As part of the series, and to demonstrate the application of the principles discussed, a case study will be presented of a cancer patient with early stage disease. 

The series comprises of:

1. Applying ACT to cancer care

2. ACT after cancer

3. ACT with advanced disease

4. When mum or dad have cancer or are unwell

1. Applying ACT to cancer care

This is the first webinar in the series. It is aimed at demonstrating an application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to an oncology setting, and will address common presentations of anxiety, depression and distress management.

It is expected that upon completion of the webinar, participants should be able to utilise existing ACT skills, and apply them to a patient who may present following a cancer diagnosis. 

Level of Learning

Intermediate. This activity is targeted to those who have some previous learning on the topic

Duration of access

Access to this activity is for 12 months from the date of confirmed registration.

APS CPD-Approved

This activity has been assessed against the APS Standards for CPD activities and approved for its education quality.

Learn more about the APS CPD Approval process

CPD Frequently Asked Questions

Refer to the APS CPD Frequently Asked Questions for general and technical information when undertaking APS Professional development activities.

Activity details

• On-demand webinar recording

Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this activity, participants should be able to:

• have an increased understanding of the psychological presentations of cancer patients including anxiety, management of distress and uncertainty,

• be aware of how the ACT principles can be applied to a cancer patient, and

• be aware of the application of existing ACT strategies can be applied to a medically unwell population group. 

Presenter(s)

Dr Toni Lindsay MAPS

About the presenter(s)

Dr Toni Lindsay is a Clinical Psychologist who has been working with both adults and adolescents for over 10 years. She works at Chris O'Brien Lifehouse in the Oncology and Haematology departments, and has a particular interest in the care of Adolescents and Young Adults with cancer. Toni teaches in the Department of Adolescent Medicine at the University of Melbourne, and the University of Sydney Nursing School and is passionate about working with and teaching health professionals about the psychological impact of cancer on both patients and health care professionals. Her therapy style is a bit eclectic, and works from both a Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Existential Psychotherapy framework. She is an AHPRA approved supervisor and provides clinical supervision for both psychologists and other health professionals. She has written two books about the care of cancer patients.