San Francisco Bay Area Chapter Association for Contextual Behavioral Science upcoming events

Psychological Flexibility in Times of Stress (26 Sep 2026)

Sat, 26 Sep 2026 22:00:00 GMT

SF ACBS is excited to present a 90 minute in person workshop.

Psychological Flexibility in Times of Stress

Psychological Flexibility in Times of Stress is an experiential training that walks through all six ACT core processes (acceptance, defusion, present-moment awareness, self-as-context, values, and committed action) using stress as the throughline. Grounded in Robert Sapolsky's stress physiology and explained through basic behavioral principles and Relational Frame Theory, the session then moves to practice: each process pairs a short conceptual grounding with a hands-on exercise and metaphor, building toward a live case-conceptualization exercise and small-group teach-back. Along the way, attendees will practice exercises they can use to reduce unhealthy stress in themselves and in the people they work with, and leave with a working functional model for stress responses and at least one exercise per process ready to use with clients this week.

Scott M. Charlton, MS, is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and Acceptance and Commitment Therapist whose work includes clinical practice, supervision, and training. He delivers ACT and other evidence-based training to clinicians and supervisors through Kaiser Permanente's mental health training program, alongside his private practice. He is currently working toward ACBS's Peer Reviewed Trainer designation, and is particularly interested in grounding clinical training in science and experiential practice.

No CEs will be offered for this workshop.

Fees:

Professional Member: $20
Student/Intern/Associate/Post Doc: $10
Professional Non-member:$30

****A note to attendees - Scott will be recording his workshop in order to submit with his application for Peer Reviewed Trainer. The purpose of the recording is not to capture attendees, however your voice or likeness may, incidentially, be recorded****

ACBS Fall South Bay Social (26 Sep 2026)

Sun, 27 Sep 2026 00:00:00 GMT

Hi ACBS 'ers! Fall is on the horizon and we are ready to gather! We have planned an ACBS Fall Social in the South bay at Hop & Vine on September 26 at 5 PM. ACBS will have food available and non alcoholic drinks. Beer and wine will be available for purchase.

Please feel free to bring a friend or new potential ACBS members. We look forward to seeing you there!

Check out our 90 minute workshop - Psychological Flexibility in Times of Stress beginning at 3pm just down the street from the social!

Please register to attend - we'll need to provide the venue with a pretty accurate head count a week before!

Virtual Book Club: Deliberate Practice in ACT (+ Author Q&A) (02 Oct 2026)

Fri, 02 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Join us for our Virtual Book Club series hosted by the SF Bay Area Chapter of ACBS! Over four monthly online sessions—plus an open virtual Q&A with the book’s authors—we will dive into Deliberate Practice to Develop and Enhance Skills in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Robyn Walser, and Manuela O'Connell.

This peer-led group offers an interactive space to discuss core concepts, build community across the Bay Area, and actively practice clinical skills online.

(Please note that there is an in person option as well as a virtual option, and they meet on different dates, so be sure to register for the correct format)

Schedule & Reading Plan

All virtual meetings take place on First Fridays from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PST (except January, which meets on the 3rd Friday and the Author conversation). Bring your lunch!

Oct 2: Parts 1 & 2
Nov 6: Part 3
Dec 4: Part 4
Jan 15: Part 5 (Note: 3rd Friday)
Feb 12: Author Conversation & Q&A with Robyn Walser and Manuela O'Connell!

Based on member interest, this group may transition into an ongoing SF Bay Area ACBS Peer Deliberate Practice Group following our final session. This will offer a regular, dedicated space for clinicians to drop in, rehearse ACT skills, and give and receive structured feedback using the book's framework.

Location

Online via Google Meet (Video meeting infomration will be emailed to all registered participants) .

Facilitators

Facilitated by chapter board members Danielle Sybold, MFT and Ellen Ross, PsyD (provided on a volunteer basis) .

Registration Pricing Tiers

Chapter Members (No Fee Required): $0
Select "Member No Fee Registration" at checkout.

Chapter Members (Values-Based Contribution):
If you’d like to support chapter programming, optional contributing tiers are available:

Optional Professional Member Contribution: $30 ("Optional Fee Professional Member Registration")
Optional Student / Trainee Contribution: $10 ("Optional Fee Student Registration")

Non-Members: $75
Not a chapter member yet? Joining the SF Bay Area Chapter is affordable and often pays for itself through event savings if you are already an ACBS International member!

How to Prepare

To get the most out of our virtual practice breakout rooms, participants are encouraged to bring:

1–2 discussion points or questions from the readings .
1 deliberate practice exercise from the text you’d like to try out or discuss .

Haven't finished the reading? Come anyway! We welcome you to join for the discussion and experiential practice.

CE / CPD Information

Formal CEs are not offered. However, California Licensed Psychologists may likely count these peer consultation hours toward their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

San Jose Book Club: Deliberate Practice in ACT (+ Author Q&A) (09 Oct 2026)

Fri, 09 Oct 2026 19:00:00 GMT

Join us for our In Person San Jose Book Club series hosted by the SF Bay Area Chapter of ACBS! Over four monthly online sessions—plus an open virtual Q&A with the book’s authors—we will dive into Deliberate Practice to Develop and Enhance Skills in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Robyn Walser, and Manuela O'Connell.

This peer-led group offers an interactive space to discuss core concepts, build community across the Bay Area, and actively practice clinical skills online.

(Please note that there is an in person option as well as a virtual option, and they meet on different dates, so be sure to register for the correct format)

Schedule & Reading Plan

All in-person meetings take place on Second Fridays from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM. Bring your lunch if you'd like!

Oct 9: Parts 1 & 2
Nov 13: Part 3
Dec 11: Part 4
Jan 8: Part 5
Feb 12 (Virtual): Author Conversation & Q&A with Robyn Walser and Manuela O'Connell (Joint event held virtually with virtual registrants)

Location

1671 The Alameda, Suite 309, San Jose, CA 95126

Located on the 3rd floor (elevator accessible).
Parking & Entry: Specific parking directions and suite access codes will be emailed to registered participants prior to the first meeting.

Registration Pricing Tiers

Chapter Members (No Fee Required): $0
Select "Member No Fee Registration" at checkout.

Chapter Members (Values-Based Contribution):
If you’d like to support chapter programming, optional contributing tiers are available:

Optional Professional Member Contribution: $30 ("Optional Fee Professional Member Registration")
Optional Student / Trainee Contribution: $10 ("Optional Fee Student Registration")

Non-Members: $75
Not a chapter member yet? Joining the SF Bay Area Chapter is affordable and often pays for itself through event savings if you are already an ACBS International member!

Facilitators

Facilitated by chapter board members Danielle Sybold, MFT and Ellen Ross, PsyD (provided on a volunteer basis) .

How to Prepare

To get the most out of our virtual practice breakout rooms, participants are encouraged to bring:

1–2 discussion points or questions from the readings .
1 deliberate practice exercise from the text you’d like to try out or discuss .

Haven't finished the reading? Come anyway! We welcome you to join for the discussion and experiential practice.

CE / CPD Information

Formal CEs are not offered. However, California Licensed Psychologists may likely count these peer consultation hours toward their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

Virtual Book Club: Deliberate Practice in ACT (+ Author Q&A) (06 Nov 2026)

Fri, 06 Nov 2026 20:00:00 GMT

This peer-led group offers an interactive space to discuss core concepts, build community across the Bay Area, and actively practice clinical skills online.

(Please note that there is an in person option as well as a virtual option, and they meet on different dates, so be sure to register for the correct format)

Schedule & Reading Plan

All virtual meetings take place on First Fridays from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PST (except January, which meets on the 3rd Friday and the Author conversation). Bring your lunch!

Oct 2: Parts 1 & 2
Nov 6: Part 3
Dec 4: Part 4
Jan 15: Part 5 (Note: 3rd Friday)
Feb 12: Author Conversation & Q&A with Robyn Walser and Manuela O'Connell!

Location

Online via Google Meet (Video meeting infomration will be emailed to all registered participants) .

Facilitators

Facilitated by chapter board members Danielle Sybold, MFT and Ellen Ross, PsyD (provided on a volunteer basis) .

Registration Pricing Tiers

Chapter Members (No Fee Required): $0
Select "Member No Fee Registration" at checkout.

Chapter Members (Values-Based Contribution):
If you’d like to support chapter programming, optional contributing tiers are available:

Optional Professional Member Contribution: $30 ("Optional Fee Professional Member Registration")
Optional Student / Trainee Contribution: $10 ("Optional Fee Student Registration")

Non-Members: $75
Not a chapter member yet? Joining the SF Bay Area Chapter is affordable and often pays for itself through event savings if you are already an ACBS International member!

How to Prepare

To get the most out of our virtual practice breakout rooms, participants are encouraged to bring:

1–2 discussion points or questions from the readings .
1 deliberate practice exercise from the text you’d like to try out or discuss .

Haven't finished the reading? Come anyway! We welcome you to join for the discussion and experiential practice.

CE / CPD Information

Formal CEs are not offered. However, California Licensed Psychologists may likely count these peer consultation hours toward their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

San Jose Book Club: Deliberate Practice in ACT (+ Author Q&A) (13 Nov 2026)

Fri, 13 Nov 2026 20:00:00 GMT

This peer-led group offers an interactive space to discuss core concepts, build community across the Bay Area, and actively practice clinical skills online.

(Please note that there is an in person option as well as a virtual option, and they meet on different dates, so be sure to register for the correct format)

Schedule & Reading Plan

All in-person meetings take place on Second Fridays from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM. Bring your lunch if you'd like!

Oct 9: Parts 1 & 2
Nov 13: Part 3
Dec 11: Part 4
Jan 8: Part 5
Feb 12 (Virtual): Author Conversation & Q&A with Robyn Walser and Manuela O'Connell (Joint event held virtually with virtual registrants)

Location

1671 The Alameda, Suite 309, San Jose, CA 95126

Located on the 3rd floor (elevator accessible).
Parking & Entry: Specific parking directions and suite access codes will be emailed to registered participants prior to the first meeting.

Registration Pricing Tiers

Chapter Members (No Fee Required): $0
Select "Member No Fee Registration" at checkout.

Chapter Members (Values-Based Contribution):
If you’d like to support chapter programming, optional contributing tiers are available:

Optional Professional Member Contribution: $30 ("Optional Fee Professional Member Registration")
Optional Student / Trainee Contribution: $10 ("Optional Fee Student Registration")

Non-Members: $75
Not a chapter member yet? Joining the SF Bay Area Chapter is affordable and often pays for itself through event savings if you are already an ACBS International member!

Facilitators

Facilitated by chapter board members Danielle Sybold, MFT and Ellen Ross, PsyD (provided on a volunteer basis) .

How to Prepare

To get the most out of our virtual practice breakout rooms, participants are encouraged to bring:

1–2 discussion points or questions from the readings .
1 deliberate practice exercise from the text you’d like to try out or discuss .

Haven't finished the reading? Come anyway! We welcome you to join for the discussion and experiential practice.

CE / CPD Information

Formal CEs are not offered. However, California Licensed Psychologists may likely count these peer consultation hours toward their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

Virtual Book Club: Deliberate Practice in ACT (+ Author Q&A) (04 Dec 2026)

Fri, 04 Dec 2026 20:00:00 GMT

This peer-led group offers an interactive space to discuss core concepts, build community across the Bay Area, and actively practice clinical skills online.

(Please note that there is an in person option as well as a virtual option, and they meet on different dates, so be sure to register for the correct format)

Schedule & Reading Plan

All virtual meetings take place on First Fridays from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PST (except January, which meets on the 3rd Friday and the Author conversation). Bring your lunch!

Oct 2: Parts 1 & 2
Nov 6: Part 3
Dec 4: Part 4
Jan 15: Part 5 (Note: 3rd Friday)
Feb 12: Author Conversation & Q&A with Robyn Walser and Manuela O'Connell!

Location

Online via Google Meet (Video meeting infomration will be emailed to all registered participants) .

Facilitators

Facilitated by chapter board members Danielle Sybold, MFT and Ellen Ross, PsyD (provided on a volunteer basis) .

Registration Pricing Tiers

Chapter Members (No Fee Required): $0
Select "Member No Fee Registration" at checkout.

Chapter Members (Values-Based Contribution):
If you’d like to support chapter programming, optional contributing tiers are available:

Optional Professional Member Contribution: $30 ("Optional Fee Professional Member Registration")
Optional Student / Trainee Contribution: $10 ("Optional Fee Student Registration")

Non-Members: $75
Not a chapter member yet? Joining the SF Bay Area Chapter is affordable and often pays for itself through event savings if you are already an ACBS International member!

How to Prepare

To get the most out of our virtual practice breakout rooms, participants are encouraged to bring:

1–2 discussion points or questions from the readings .
1 deliberate practice exercise from the text you’d like to try out or discuss .

Haven't finished the reading? Come anyway! We welcome you to join for the discussion and experiential practice.

CE / CPD Information

Formal CEs are not offered. However, California Licensed Psychologists may likely count these peer consultation hours toward their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

San Jose Book Club: Deliberate Practice in ACT (+ Author Q&A) (11 Dec 2026)

Fri, 11 Dec 2026 20:00:00 GMT

This peer-led group offers an interactive space to discuss core concepts, build community across the Bay Area, and actively practice clinical skills online.

(Please note that there is an in person option as well as a virtual option, and they meet on different dates, so be sure to register for the correct format)

Schedule & Reading Plan

All in-person meetings take place on Second Fridays from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM. Bring your lunch if you'd like!

Oct 9: Parts 1 & 2
Nov 13: Part 3
Dec 11: Part 4
Jan 8: Part 5
Feb 12 (Virtual): Author Conversation & Q&A with Robyn Walser and Manuela O'Connell (Joint event held virtually with virtual registrants)

Location

1671 The Alameda, Suite 309, San Jose, CA 95126

Located on the 3rd floor (elevator accessible).
Parking & Entry: Specific parking directions and suite access codes will be emailed to registered participants prior to the first meeting.

Registration Pricing Tiers

Chapter Members (No Fee Required): $0
Select "Member No Fee Registration" at checkout.

Chapter Members (Values-Based Contribution):
If you’d like to support chapter programming, optional contributing tiers are available:

Optional Professional Member Contribution: $30 ("Optional Fee Professional Member Registration")
Optional Student / Trainee Contribution: $10 ("Optional Fee Student Registration")

Non-Members: $75
Not a chapter member yet? Joining the SF Bay Area Chapter is affordable and often pays for itself through event savings if you are already an ACBS International member!

Facilitators

Facilitated by chapter board members Danielle Sybold, MFT and Ellen Ross, PsyD (provided on a volunteer basis) .

How to Prepare

To get the most out of our virtual practice breakout rooms, participants are encouraged to bring:

1–2 discussion points or questions from the readings .
1 deliberate practice exercise from the text you’d like to try out or discuss .

Haven't finished the reading? Come anyway! We welcome you to join for the discussion and experiential practice.

CE / CPD Information

Formal CEs are not offered. However, California Licensed Psychologists may likely count these peer consultation hours toward their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

San Jose Book Club: Deliberate Practice in ACT (+ Author Q&A) (08 Jan 2027)

Fri, 08 Jan 2027 20:00:00 GMT

This peer-led group offers an interactive space to discuss core concepts, build community across the Bay Area, and actively practice clinical skills online.

(Please note that there is an in person option as well as a virtual option, and they meet on different dates, so be sure to register for the correct format)

Schedule & Reading Plan

All in-person meetings take place on Second Fridays from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM. Bring your lunch if you'd like!

Oct 9: Parts 1 & 2
Nov 13: Part 3
Dec 11: Part 4
Jan 8: Part 5
Feb 12 (Virtual): Author Conversation & Q&A with Robyn Walser and Manuela O'Connell (Joint event held virtually with virtual registrants)

Location

1671 The Alameda, Suite 309, San Jose, CA 95126

Located on the 3rd floor (elevator accessible).
Parking & Entry: Specific parking directions and suite access codes will be emailed to registered participants prior to the first meeting.

Registration Pricing Tiers

Chapter Members (No Fee Required): $0
Select "Member No Fee Registration" at checkout.

Chapter Members (Values-Based Contribution):
If you’d like to support chapter programming, optional contributing tiers are available:

Optional Professional Member Contribution: $30 ("Optional Fee Professional Member Registration")
Optional Student / Trainee Contribution: $10 ("Optional Fee Student Registration")

Non-Members: $75
Not a chapter member yet? Joining the SF Bay Area Chapter is affordable and often pays for itself through event savings if you are already an ACBS International member!

Facilitators

Facilitated by chapter board members Danielle Sybold, MFT and Ellen Ross, PsyD (provided on a volunteer basis) .

How to Prepare

To get the most out of our virtual practice breakout rooms, participants are encouraged to bring:

1–2 discussion points or questions from the readings .
1 deliberate practice exercise from the text you’d like to try out or discuss .

Haven't finished the reading? Come anyway! We welcome you to join for the discussion and experiential practice.

CE / CPD Information

Formal CEs are not offered. However, California Licensed Psychologists may likely count these peer consultation hours toward their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

Virtual Book Club: Deliberate Practice in ACT (+ Author Q&A) (15 Jan 2027)

Fri, 15 Jan 2027 20:00:00 GMT

This peer-led group offers an interactive space to discuss core concepts, build community across the Bay Area, and actively practice clinical skills online.

(Please note that there is an in person option as well as a virtual option, and they meet on different dates, so be sure to register for the correct format)

Schedule & Reading Plan

All virtual meetings take place on First Fridays from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PST (except January, which meets on the 3rd Friday and the Author conversation). Bring your lunch!

Oct 2: Parts 1 & 2
Nov 6: Part 3
Dec 4: Part 4
Jan 15: Part 5 (Note: 3rd Friday)
Feb 12: Author Conversation & Q&A with Robyn Walser and Manuela O'Connell!

Location

Online via Google Meet (Video meeting infomration will be emailed to all registered participants) .

Facilitators

Facilitated by chapter board members Danielle Sybold, MFT and Ellen Ross, PsyD (provided on a volunteer basis) .

Registration Pricing Tiers

Chapter Members (No Fee Required): $0
Select "Member No Fee Registration" at checkout.

Chapter Members (Values-Based Contribution):
If you’d like to support chapter programming, optional contributing tiers are available:

Optional Professional Member Contribution: $30 ("Optional Fee Professional Member Registration")
Optional Student / Trainee Contribution: $10 ("Optional Fee Student Registration")

Non-Members: $75
Not a chapter member yet? Joining the SF Bay Area Chapter is affordable and often pays for itself through event savings if you are already an ACBS International member!

How to Prepare

To get the most out of our virtual practice breakout rooms, participants are encouraged to bring:

1–2 discussion points or questions from the readings .
1 deliberate practice exercise from the text you’d like to try out or discuss .

Haven't finished the reading? Come anyway! We welcome you to join for the discussion and experiential practice.

CE / CPD Information

Formal CEs are not offered. However, California Licensed Psychologists may likely count these peer consultation hours toward their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

Virtual Book Club: Deliberate Practice in ACT (+ Author Q&A) (12 Feb 2027)

Fri, 12 Feb 2027 20:00:00 GMT

This peer-led group offers an interactive space to discuss core concepts, build community across the Bay Area, and actively practice clinical skills online.

(Please note that there is an in person option as well as a virtual option, and they meet on different dates, so be sure to register for the correct format)

Schedule & Reading Plan

All virtual meetings take place on First Fridays from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM PST (except January, which meets on the 3rd Friday and the Author conversation). Bring your lunch!

Oct 2: Parts 1 & 2
Nov 6: Part 3
Dec 4: Part 4
Jan 15: Part 5 (Note: 3rd Friday)
Feb 12: Author Conversation & Q&A with Robyn Walser and Manuela O'Connell!

Location

Online via Google Meet (Video meeting infomration will be emailed to all registered participants) .

Facilitators

Facilitated by chapter board members Danielle Sybold, MFT and Ellen Ross, PsyD (provided on a volunteer basis) .

Registration Pricing Tiers

Chapter Members (No Fee Required): $0
Select "Member No Fee Registration" at checkout.

Chapter Members (Values-Based Contribution):
If you’d like to support chapter programming, optional contributing tiers are available:

Optional Professional Member Contribution: $30 ("Optional Fee Professional Member Registration")
Optional Student / Trainee Contribution: $10 ("Optional Fee Student Registration")

Non-Members: $75
Not a chapter member yet? Joining the SF Bay Area Chapter is affordable and often pays for itself through event savings if you are already an ACBS International member!

How to Prepare

To get the most out of our virtual practice breakout rooms, participants are encouraged to bring:

1–2 discussion points or questions from the readings .
1 deliberate practice exercise from the text you’d like to try out or discuss .

Haven't finished the reading? Come anyway! We welcome you to join for the discussion and experiential practice.

CE / CPD Information

Formal CEs are not offered. However, California Licensed Psychologists may likely count these peer consultation hours toward their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.

San Jose Book Club: Deliberate Practice in ACT (+ Author Q&A) (12 Feb 2027)

Fri, 12 Feb 2027 20:00:00 GMT

This peer-led group offers an interactive space to discuss core concepts, build community across the Bay Area, and actively practice clinical skills online.

(Please note that there is an in person option as well as a virtual option, and they meet on different dates, so be sure to register for the correct format)

Schedule & Reading Plan

All in-person meetings take place on Second Fridays from 12:00 PM – 1:30 PM. Bring your lunch if you'd like!

Oct 9: Parts 1 & 2
Nov 13: Part 3
Dec 11: Part 4
Jan 8: Part 5
Feb 12 (Virtual): Author Conversation & Q&A with Robyn Walser and Manuela O'Connell (Joint event held virtually with virtual registrants)

Location

1671 The Alameda, Suite 309, San Jose, CA 95126

Located on the 3rd floor (elevator accessible).
Parking & Entry: Specific parking directions and suite access codes will be emailed to registered participants prior to the first meeting.

Registration Pricing Tiers

Chapter Members (No Fee Required): $0
Select "Member No Fee Registration" at checkout.

Chapter Members (Values-Based Contribution):
If you’d like to support chapter programming, optional contributing tiers are available:

Optional Professional Member Contribution: $30 ("Optional Fee Professional Member Registration")
Optional Student / Trainee Contribution: $10 ("Optional Fee Student Registration")

Non-Members: $75
Not a chapter member yet? Joining the SF Bay Area Chapter is affordable and often pays for itself through event savings if you are already an ACBS International member!

Facilitators

Facilitated by chapter board members Danielle Sybold, MFT and Ellen Ross, PsyD (provided on a volunteer basis) .

How to Prepare

To get the most out of our virtual practice breakout rooms, participants are encouraged to bring:

1–2 discussion points or questions from the readings .
1 deliberate practice exercise from the text you’d like to try out or discuss .

Haven't finished the reading? Come anyway! We welcome you to join for the discussion and experiential practice.

CE / CPD Information

Formal CEs are not offered. However, California Licensed Psychologists may likely count these peer consultation hours toward their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) requirements.