Online ACT-informed course for people who have tested gene-positive for Huntington’s disease but do not yet have symptoms.

About this event:

This course will be led by Dr Sarah Gunn, Clinical Psychologist and Researcher at the University of Leicester, and is based on the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is a therapeutic approach that supports people to manage difficult thoughts and feelings and to live a life that feels meaningful and aligned with their values.

This is an opportunity to explore the difficulties that can be associated with testing positive for Huntington’s disease, and some of the difficult feelings that you can still feel, the worries about other family members and the caring roles you might have. It will also help you to identify the values that matter most, and think about how to move towards a richer and more valued life than you may have now.

The course will run weekly over eight weeks on Thursday evenings, starting from 08 October 2026 and finishing on 10 December 2026. Please note that there will not be a session on 22 October or 26 November. Instead, the course will run an extra week to 10 December, so that there are still eight sessions.  

While we understand that circumstances can change, we ask that participants aim to attend at least seven sessions, as regular attendance is associated with greater benefit.

Following the course, there will be an opportunity to join a support group for others who have tested gene-positive for Huntington’s disease.

Course outline:

  • Week 1: Introductions to ACT, the programme, and each other
  • Week 2: Impacts of Huntington’s disease
  • Week 3: Psychological wellbeing and Huntington’s 
  • Week 4: Coping and adjustment: living with, not battling against
  • Week 5: What matters to you: finding your values
  • Week 6: Moving forward: taking steps to align with your values
  • Week 7: Living a valued life alongside Huntington’s: plans and coping strategies
  • Week 8: Reflections and ending: what's next?

Research study participation: 

This course forms part of a wider research study into the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires at various points during the course.

One of our Specialist Huntington's Disease Advisers will be in touch before the course begins to provide further information and answer any questions you may have.

Booking information:

Reserve your place

A Zoom link and pre-course information will be provided in advance of the course start date.