Association for Contextual Behavioral Science

Kelly Wilson
Using the Hexaflex Functional Dimensional Experiential Interview

Workshop Leader: Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D., University of Mississippi, USA, Emily K. Sandoz, University of Mississippi, USA, & Regan Slater, University of Mississippi, USA (assisted by Nadia Lucas, Maureen Flynn, Stephanie Nassar, and Lindsay Martin)

Dates & Location: June 29 & 30, 2009, 9:00am - 5:00/5:30pm at the University of Twente (Enschede, The Netherlands).

Workshop Description:
In the workshop, we will use the structure of the Hexaflex Functional Dimensional Experiential Interview (HFDEI; from Mindfulness for Two, Wilson & DuFrene, 2009). This interview provides strong linkage between treatment, assessment, and case conceptualization. The HFDEI is an unusual interview. First, it doesn’t bow to syndromal classification. The user of the interview need not discard syndromal classification, since many circumstances require them. Although the diagnoses in the HFDEI are not DSM syndromes, many of the signs and symptoms required for DSM diagnoses will be elicited in the context of this interview. Second, the interview is organized around a dimensional understanding of psychological difficulties. Third, and probably most unusual, the interview contains significant experiential components. The interview for the hexaflex is not a mere series of questions, rather it involves a set of questions embedded in a series of experiential exercises. The exercises and questions will provide you with directly observable samples of client behavior that will allow for rating those behavior samples in terms of the six facets of the hexaflex. The entire interview is embedded in a series of questions about valued domains of living.

ACT is not a treatment aimed at the elimination of symptoms, rather it’s a treatment aimed at the enhancement and development of valued living. Because there’s an intimacy between values and vulnerabilities, an examination of values is a likely entry point to seeing the relationship between difficulties with behavior change processes on the one hand and mindfulness processes on the other. In addition, such an interview helps you and your client remain closely connected to the ACT model. Work with client struggles are always directed and dignified by valued living. Likewise progress in ACT is ultimately to be found in increases in valued living.

The workshop will involve a series of exercises and intensive practice with the HFDEI. Practice with the interview will be interspersed with viewing video segments. Participants will practice looking at each of the six facets of the hexaflex and will practice at case conceptualization. As is usual for me, this workshop will be highly experiential. In the workshop, we will mix the experiential and conceptual. This mixing itself is practice for the mixing of conceptual and experiential in our treatment. The interview can provide a framework for assessment and also for treatment. In a short version, the interview allows for the assessment of all six core ACT processes. The interview, in an extended form can serve as a template for the provision of treatment.

Prior to the workshop I will make workshop preparation materials available to attendees. For additional information, please contact me at kwilson@olemiss.edu.

Learning Objectives:

1. Learn to use assessment to directly generate treatment targets.
2. Learn to conceptualize client difficulties in terms of core ACT processes.
3. Learn to devise specific treatment strategies based on this conceptualization.

Target Audience: Intermediate through Advanced.