De-Mystifying Self-As-Context in ACT: Practical Strategies for Clients
October 23, 2026 | 12:00pm-3:15pm PST
w/ Brian Pilecki, PhD and Jonah Stabinski, LCSW
About The Workshop
This workshop provides an opportunity to learn how to more effectively use self-as-context strategies in therapy. Self-as-context is one of the six core ACT processes that is often misunderstood as being overly difficult, complicated, or philosophical. A brief description and overview of self-as-context will be provided with an emphasis on language that is accessible and applicable to talking with clients. This workshop will outline how self-as-context can be used to conceptualize commonly discussed topics in therapy such as self-esteem, confidence, identity, and inner conflict. Participants will learn how to flexibly practice practical self-as-context interventions that can be used with clients, as well as have a chance to practice newly learned skills through structured role-play exercises in breakout groups.
Meet Your Instructors
Brian Pilecki, Ph.D.
Dr. Brian Pilecki is a clinical psychologist at Portland Psychotherapy that specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, trauma and PTSD, and psychedelic-assisted therapy. Brian practices from an orientation based in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and has extensive experience in mindfulness and meditation that he incorporates into therapy with clients. At Portland Psychotherapy, Brian is an active researcher and a study therapist on several clinical trials including the investigation of the use of MDMA-assisted therapy for the treatment of social anxiety disorder and the use of 5-MeO-DMT for the treatment of treatment-resistant depression. He is a consultant and instructor for Fluence, a leading psychedelic training organization where he is involved in training psilocybin facilitators for Oregon’s new psilocybin services program. Brian is also a co-founder of Portland Integration Network, a network of professionals offering specialized care related to psychedelics in Oregon. He is also the author of the book ACT-Informed Exposure for Anxiety and co-host of Altered States of Context, a podcast about psychotherapy and psychedelics.
Jonah Stabinski, LCSW
Jonah Stabinski, LCSW is a licensed clinical social worker whose practice is shaped by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and a deep respect for the wisdom held in difficult experience. He approaches mental distress not as something to eliminate, but as meaningful signal -- an invitation to understand what the mind and body are asking for. His work centers on helping clients build lives of richness and meaning by turning toward all emotions with curiosity and compassion. Jonah brings a social justice lens to this work, grounded in values of anti-racism, queer and trans liberation, and an understanding of how systemic forces shape individual well-being. Jonah is also a licensed psilocybin facilitator in Oregon, and his interest in psychedelic-assisted therapy reflects the same commitment that runs through all of his work: meeting people where they are, honoring what they carry, and helping them move toward what matters most.
AUDIENCE
This workshop is intended for mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, etc.) at all levels of expertise (graduate students through licensed professionals) and working with any population in any treatment setting but assumes that attendees have at least some knowledge of and practice with ACT. Those who have no knowledge of ACT will likely find themselves lost as the basics of ACT theory and intervention will not be taught. If you have not attended prior trainings on ACT, we recommend you do at least some basic reading on ACT before you attend this workshop.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
After attending this training, participants will be able to:
- Explain self-as-context in easily understandable language
- Use self-as-context to conceptualize client problems
- Design and implement interventions that target self-as-context in clients
REGISTRATION
Registration is online. Presentations will be recorded and sent to anyone who registers for the event.
SCHOLARSHIPS
We reserve a number of partial scholarships for potential attendees who could not otherwise afford to come. We give particular priority given to those who would add diverse and under represented voices to our field. To submit an application, please click here.
CE CREDITS
Portland Psychology Clinic, Research & Training Center is approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Portland Psychotherapy, Clinic, Research & Training Center maintains responsibility for all programs and content.
This workshop grants 3 CE credits for therapists with the purchase of Professionals with CE Certificate ticket and live attendance of the entire workshop. Credit will not be given for only watching the recording.
REFUNDS/CANCELLATIONS: We charge a $15 administration fee for cancellations made by participants more than two weeks before the training event. For cancellations within two weeks of the training event, we will refund 50% of the tuition. Alternately, participants may elect to apply 100% of their tuition to a future training event. No refunds will be given after training events.
SPECIAL ACCOMODATIONS: Please contact us if you need accommodations to enable you to fully participate in the workshop. We will work with you and do our best to find a way to ensure your participation.
