Development of an ACT prototype for therapeutic skill assessment

Research on therapist training requires efficient therapist skill assessments. One skill is the ability to identify clinically relevant processes and their effective targeting in therapy. This can be tested by tasks that involve participant coding of simulated therapy sessions. One such task was developed for this study using the process model of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This measure showed sensitivity to therapy training histories of participants both by moving with ACT training workshops, and by differentiating undergraduates and therapists. Limitations included lack of a randomized control condition and high drop-out. Further assessment refinement may support process-focused psychotherapy training.