Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Stuttering with Dr. Alice Hart
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Alice Hart, Ph.D., speech pathologist, researcher, and lecturer at Curtin University in Perth, Western Australia, joins host Sara MacIntyre, M.A., CCC-SLP, BCS-SCF, to explore Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and its application within stuttering therapy. Dr. Hart provides an introduction to ACT and its core principles, including psychological flexibility, acceptance, mindfulness, values, and committed action, and discusses how incorporating components of ACT can support people who stutter in moving closer to where they want to be.
The conversation explores how ACT can help individuals shift their relationship with difficult thoughts, feelings, and reactions to stuttering while moving toward meaningful, values-based communication and participation. Dr. Hart also shares findings from her research integrating ACT and fluency-based approaches through the fACTS Program and offers practical considerations for incorporating ACT principles into individualized, holistic stuttering therapy.
Resources:
- YouTube clip mentioned, "The Unwelcomed Party Guest- an Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Metaphor
- Russ Harris’ website/resources
- Previous Virtual Learning Session with Jane Harley, "An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Taster"
Bio: Alice Hart, Ph.D. is a certified practicing speech pathologist and a lecturer in the Curtin University School of Allied Health in Perth, Western Australia. Alice is passionate about working with people who stutter across the lifespan. Her clinical and research interests include management of psychosocial challenges associated with stuttering and advocating for a holistic approach to stuttering support. Alice completed her Ph.D. in stuttering in 2022, and was awarded the Curtin University Chancellor’s Commendation for research excellence, for her thesis exploring the feasibility of an integrated fluency and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy intervention for adolescents and adults who stutter.