The Effectiveness of an ACT Informed Intervention for Managing Stress and Improving Therapist Qualities in Clinical Psychology Trainees

OBJECTIVES: Clinical psychology trainees (CPTs) are vulnerable to high stress, which can adversely affect their personal and professional functioning. This study evaluated the effectiveness of a group acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) informed stress management intervention for CPTs. DESIGN: Outcome measures were work-related stress, distress, life satisfaction, counseling self-efficacy, self-compassion, and therapeutic alliance. A cohort-controlled design, where an experimental group (n = 28) was compared with a waitlist control group (n = 28), was utilized, with a 10-week follow-up. RESULTS: Group comparisons showed statistically significant intervention effects for the main outcome measures, which were maintained at follow-up. Mediational analyses showed that changes on most outcomes were mediated by ACT mindfulness and acceptance processes. CONCLUSIONS: Findings support the effectiveness of a group ACT program for CPTs regarding stress reduction and improving therapist qualities.