Psychological Resilience as an Anchor in the Heart of the Storm
ACT Annual Conference 2025

The annual Israeli ACT Conference is an opportunity for learning, enrichment, professional introductions, and community gatherings. The conference is intended for everyone - those taking their first steps in the world of ACT, through curious women and professionals who want to get to know and hear, to experienced therapists and veteran community members - all are welcome.

We have put together a rich and diverse day, with many opportunities for familiarization, deepening or expanding with different models, perspectives and directions, all related to the world of contextual behavioral science (CBS). At the heart of the conference is the special meeting of Mr. Steven Polder, a Dharma teacher for more than 30 years and founder of the "Tovna" association, and Dr. Yasmin Polder-Head, a psychologist, instructor and teacher of contextual behavioral science (CBS). The conversation will focus on the experience of the "therapeutic space" and exploring the question of how our presence (behavior...) in the therapeutic space also enables a connection to spirituality. We will also be able to be impressed, learn and be inspired by a panel of experienced professionals who will talk about their use of ACT and CBS in times of crisis.

In addition, as is tradition, we will offer a variety of workshops on various topics: a basic introduction to the model for new members and an encounter with new perspectives on therapeutic work for veterans or those with more experience. An encounter with a focused response in working with different populations and specific challenges alongside a broad discourse on integration in therapy. The workshops are based on didactic learning in a frontal and close manner and practical and experiential experiences in pairs and small groups, exposure to different methods, diverse tools and tangential or complementary methods or theories. We will end the day, as is tradition, with a social activity that will allow us to connect with the loving power of our community.

Conference program

13:00-13:30- Gathering

13:30-13:45 - Opening remarks

13:45-14:45- Expert Panel: ACT in Crisis -

Mr. Lior Biran, Ms. Roni Tzur, Mr. David Poni, Dr. Arik Zvieli. Moderator: Dr. Karin Stern.

14:45-15:15- Break

15:15-16:45 - Optional workshops

16:45-17:00- Break

17:00-18:30 - Continue with the selected workshop

18:30-18:45- Break

18:45-19:45 - The space between us and the space beyond: An encounter between spirituality and act therapy

Dr. Stephen Polder and Dr. Jasmine Polder-Head.

19:45-20:45- Social activity

We will end the day, as is tradition, with a social activity that will allow us to connect with the loving power of our community. The activity will be led by a comic actor - and with the audience we will enjoy an improvisational performance on connections: together we will laugh, talk and see our story become a scene on stage.