Table 1 Outline of intervention content

1

Module A: Assessment & Engagement

Warmth, empathy, positive regard. History taking, typical responses to transition, beginning baseline monitoring and introducing measurement protocol and concepts

2–4

Module B: Workability^a

Review of typical responses to distress/suffering and greater contact with the consequences, linking ineffective strategies with control, avoidance and cognitive fusion

Module C: Awareness

Teaching awareness skills, linking to greater behavioural choice, mindfulness exercises, 5 senses experience, mindful eating a raisin, 10-min mindfulness audio exercise given for homework

Module D: Openness

Demonstrating the greater effectiveness of willingness to have difficult thoughts and feelings and at the same time, stepping back from such inner experiences

Module E: Engagement

Linking behavioural effectiveness with desired outcomes and qualities of actions, in order to live with purpose and meaning

5

Module F: Follow-up

Review of progress, barriers to practice, anticipation of future challenges and how ACT skills could be used, behavioural rehearsal of effective responses, commitments to next steps. Ending contact