In this episode, you will hear from clinical psychologist Dr. Sheri Turrell, an expert in the use of ACT in adolescents.

In this episode, Dr. Turrell covers what ACT is and why it works so well with teens, parents, and ourselves, how ACT provides a model that can be used in any context and for any problem, and the importance of modeling and the living ACT strategies from the inside out. https://sheriturrell.ca//LifeinBalanceTherapy.ca

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The Episode at a Glance

2:30: What is acceptance and commitment therapy?

8:11: Why ACT works well with teens?

12:19: Values exercise

18:15: What are the biggest barriers to change?

20:08 (and again at 37:00): Why trying to control thoughts and feelings backfires

24:29: What is ACT is so helpful for parents and professionals working with teens?

34:00: When to use ACT vs. another treatment modality

44:00: The importance of modelling and living these strategies from the inside out

46:54: Dr. Turrell's favourite exercises to uncover who and what matters

52:19: Where to learn more about ACT

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Dr. Turrell’s Recommended Resources

• The Happiness Trap, book and online course by Russ Harris
• The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Teen Anxiety: Activities to Help You Overcome Fears and Worries Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Turrell, McCurry and Bell (+ parent videos to accompany the adolescent self-help book)
• ACT for Adolescents: Treating Teens and Adolescents in Individual and Group Therapy by Turrell, Bell, and Wilson
• Working with Parents of Anxious Children by Christopher McCurry
• Parenting Your Anxious Child with Mindfulness and Acceptance: A Powerful New Approach to Overcoming Fear, Panic, and Worry Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Christopher McCurry
• Values in Therapy: A Clinician's Guide to Helping Clients Explore Values, Increase Psychological Flexibility, and Live a More Meaningful Life by Jenna LeJeune and Jason Luoma

Other Resources

• Russ Harris' YouTube videos
• Contextual Consulting workshops

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Dr. Turrell’s Bio

Dr. Sheri Turrell is a Clinical Psychologist, Peer Reviewed ACT Trainer, and Psychoanalyst from Toronto, Canada with over twenty years of experience in mental health. Sheri coauthored “The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Teen Anxiety” with Mary Bell and Chris McCurry, released in 2018 and is currently collaborating with Mary on a second ACT self help book for teens, this time about relationships. She will soon be releasing a pre-recorded online course for teens, "Choose Your Life," that will be linked to her website at LifeinBalanceTherapy.ca

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About The DECODE Project Podcast

In the DECODE Project Podcast, sleep physician and youth psychiatrist Dr. Cara Ooi speaks to parents, youth, and other experts about what really moves the dial on change during the tricky teen years. Learn more about the DECODE Project and resources by visiting decodeinsomnia.com or on Instagram @decodeinsomnia.

Music by Micheal Lerner

Disclaimer

The content of this podcast provides general information and is not intended to replace medical advice from a qualified healthcare provider. The provided content should not be relied upon for medical diagnosis or management. Please direct questions or concerns to your physician and/or qualified health care provider.