Online ACT-informed course for people who tested gene negative for Huntington’s disease, exploring wellbeing, values, and coping strategies.

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 negative 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 more rich and valued life than you may have now.

The course will run weekly over eight weeks on Wednesday evenings. 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 negative for Huntington’s disease.

Course outline:

  • Week 1: Introductions to ACT, the programme, and each other
  • Week 2: Impacts of testing negative for Huntington’s disease
  • Week 3: Psychological wellbeing after testing negative
  • Week 4: Coping and adjustment: living with, not battling against
  • Week 5: What matters to you: identifying your values
  • Week 6: Moving forward: taking steps aligned with your values
  • Week 7: Living a valued life alongside being at risk: 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.

Booking information:

Reserve your place

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