Tools for Leadership and Self-Efficacy: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Brooke Smith completed her PhD Clinical Psychology coursework at USU in May. She is completing her internship in Clinical Psychology at the Veterans Administration in Puget Sound American Lake in Washington State

Tools for Leadership Self-Efficacy: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

The long-term goal of the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI) is empowering women to build leadership self-efficacy. An integral session in the WLI program is the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) training that each student experiences. Under the direction of Dr. Michael Twohig,

doctoral student Brooke Smith has tailored an ACT Workshop to meet the specific needs of young women in leadership training.

Focusing on the difficulties that can occur when a woman tries to step forward in a leadership position, the ACT workshop activities emphasize

personal values that drive an individual’s pursuit of leadership. After the participants verbalize their personal values, they develop SMART goals to reach the next step.

Brooke said, “This way when obstacles occur in the leadership journey, women can still move forward. Personal leadership values can be a positive force for humanity and help others find fulfillment in life. This workshop provides the opportunity for me to share this goal with others.”

20 • Perspectives Magazine

I Will Succeed

The Acceptance & Commitment Song

Tessa Buck, member of the inaugural WLI cohort and Music Therapy major, composed this song to express how ACT helped her develop more confidence in her leadership journey.

*Listen to Tessa Buck perform her song on Soundcloud soundcloud.com/tarasine/i-will-succeed

When I have a thought I can say, “That’s a thought” It doesn’t have power over me It’s welcome to follow and watch me— Or not With or without it, I’m gonna succeed [Chorus] ‘Cause I have plans Things to do People to see And I understand If I keep moving forward I will succeed When I have a fear

I can say, “That’s a fear” It doesn’t have power over me It’s welcome to leave or to stay Right here With or without it, I’m gonna succeed[Chorus]When I have a feelingI say, “That’s a feeling”

It doesn’t have power over meIt’s welcome to join in my journey Toward healingWith or without it, I’m gonna succeed[Chorus]