Social Sciences Psychology & Counselling

This course introduces students to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a contemporary, evidence-based behavioural therapy that promotes psychological flexibility and values-based living. Students will explore the theoretical foundations of ACT and its six core therapeutic processes while developing practical counselling skills to help clients respond more effectively to difficult thoughts, emotions, and life challenges. Taught by a registered clinical psychologist with extensive experience in ACT, the course emphasizes experiential learning through demonstrations, role plays, guided practice, case discussions, and reflective exercises. Students will have multiple opportunities to develop and receive feedback on their therapeutic skills in a supportive learning environment, enabling them to build confidence in applying ACT principles across a range of counselling and mental health settings.

**Date / Time / Location: can be found by extending "Read More" at the Details section and refer to the page bottom.

Course Objectives:

This course is designed to help students:

• Explain the core principles and theoretical foundations of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).
• Apply the six core ACT processes to case conceptualization and counselling practice.
• Demonstrate foundational ACT skills through experiential exercises, role plays, and simulated counselling sessions.
• Use basic ACT interventions, including mindfulness, cognitive defusion, values clarification, and committed action.
• Reflect on their own therapeutic development and apply ACT in an ethical, culturally responsive, and client-centred manner.

Course Content:

Class 1: Introduction to ACT and the Choice Point

• Introduction to ACT: history, philosophy, and evidence base
• Psychological flexibility and the ACT model
• Introducing the Choice Point as a practical framework
• Noticing "toward" and "away" moves
• Experiential exercises, mindfulness practice, and introductory role plays

Class 2: Acceptance, Defusion, and Being Present – Hexaflex Part 1

• Acceptance and willingness
• Cognitive defusion techniques
• Mindfulness and present-moment awareness
• Sense Think Feel Want technique.
• Applying these skills using the Choice Point
• Demonstrations, role plays, and experiential practice

Class 3: Values, Self-as-Context, and Committed Action – Hexaflex

• Values clarification and identifying meaningful directions
• Self-as-context and perspective-taking
• Committed action and overcoming barriers
• Integrating the six ACT processes within the Choice Point framework
• Skills practice through role plays and case examples

Class 4: ACT Case Conceptualization and Clinical Practice

• Condensing the Hexaflex into the Triflex

• Using the Choice Point for case conceptualization
• Understanding soft-determinism (Adlerian concept involving the Choice Point)
• Functional analysis and identifying "hooks," toward moves, and away moves
• Applying ACT to anxiety, depression, stress, and other common concerns
• Therapist stance and therapeutic relationship
• Small-group counselling practice with feedback

Class 5: Integrating ACT into Counselling Practice

• Delivering an ACT-informed counselling session using the Choice Point
• Adapting ACT for diverse populations and counselling settings
• Ethical and cultural considerations
• Extended role plays with supervision and feedback
• Course integration, reflection, and next steps for continued ACT learning

Applicants:

This course is best suited for:

a. Counsellors and Psychotherapists
Practitioners who wish to learn a new therapeutic approach and expand their professional skill set.

b. Social Workers and Counsellors
Social work professionals seeking to enhance their ability to work with complex emotional issues.

c. Psychology Students and Graduate Students
Learners with an interest in depth psychology and psychotherapeutic approaches.

d. Individuals Interested in Personal Growth
People who are interested in self-exploration and healing their inner world.

Key Notes:

1. For individuals who are Hong Kong permanent residents or hold a valid visa that allows part time studying in Hong Kong (please check with our school before enrolment if uncertain), please click the "Register Now" button at the top right corner of the page. Applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. For details, please refer to: https://hkuspace.hku.hk/admission/how-to-apply/entry-requirements/
2. Applicants are generally required to provide information of HKID card (for local applicants) or passport (for non-local applicants) for admission assessment and student records purposes. If applying in person at the enrolment centre, applicants will be asked to present their HKID card/passport for verification if applying in person at enrolment counters or to attach a copy of their HKID or passport if applying by post. 
3. Make-up class will not be available, therefore it is important to arrange your schedule before enroling. If a course is cancelled due to insufficient enrolment, a full refund will be arranged. No refunds will be provided in other cases, and applicants cannot transfer to other classes or courses. For details, please refer to: https://hkuspace.hku.hk/admission/how-to-apply/payment-methods/
4. Course commencement depends on the number of enrolments. If the course can commence as scheduled, a confirmation email with detailed location and classroom arrangements will be sent via email 3 to 7 days before the course starts. If you enrol within a week before the course start date, please contact program team promptly for follow-up. Except for changes in course information, no further class notifications will be sent. Students are required to attend classes at the designated time and location.
5. The above schedule and venue are tentative and subject to final arrangements. For locations of the learning centres, please refer to: https://www.hkuspace.hku.hk/learning-centre/
6. Online enrolment is highly recommended. Upon completion of online payment, a system‑generated “Payment Confirmation Notice” email will be sent. Official receipts can only be collected at any enrolment counter by presenting this confirmation email or the same identification document used during enrolment. Participants are advised to check the opening hours of enrolment counters and allow sufficient time to complete the procedure.
7. This course does not include assignments or assessments, and is not covered by the Continuing Education Fund.
8. A Statement of Attendance will be issued within three months after the course ends to participants who achieve at least 70% attendance, unless a higher percentage is specified. Please ensure you provide complete and accurate information, including your full name in both Chinese and English, and your mailing address during the application process. For details, please refer to: https://hkuspace.hku.hk/teaching-and-learning/learners-support/learners-information/transcripts/

Application Code	2465-1682NW	Apply Online Now
Start Date	12 Jan 2027 (Tue)
Apply Online Now

Days / Time

• Tuesday, 7:15pm - 10:15pm

Duration

• 12 January 2027 - 16 February 2027 (total 5 sessions)
  All classes are in face-to-face mode

Venue

• HKU SPACE Po Leung Kuk Stanley Ho Community College Campus (subject to classroom availability), details will be sent via email 7 to 3 days before the course starts

Course Fee

• Course Fee︰HK$3600
  
  *Early Bird Fee︰HK$3300 (Applicable for enrolments completed on or before 2026/12/12)
  
  **Date / Time / Location: can be found by extending "Read More" at the Details section and refer to the page bottom.

1. 18 years of age or above Hong Kong permanent residents or holder of valid visa that allows part time studying in Hong Kong.

2. This course does not require entry requirement, include assignments or assessments, and is not covered by the Continuing Education Fund

3. On first-come, first-served basis.

 

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