Deeply Functional

Welcome to Deeply Functional, a podcast for clinicians who want to move beyond protocols and dive into the process. Hosted by Todd Schmenk, clinician, ACT Peer Reviewed Trainer and supervisor, the show explores psychological flexibility through Relational Frame Theory, Functional Contextualism, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Short episodes sharpen case conceptualization and clinical practice. The companion series, In Conversation, brings clinicians together to explore their work, ideas, and lessons learned along the way. Less theory for theory's sake. More real world application.

Deeply Functional is a general podcast hosted by Unknown Host, with 0 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Unknown Host hosts Deeply Functional, a general show with 0 episodes published.

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  Episode #20

  FLEX LAB | Defusion, Modeling, and the Behavior of the Therapist

  Aug 29, 202633 minS1

  <p>In this FLEX LAB conversation, we work through a clinical vignette to examine what the clinician did, why those choices made sense, and how a functional understanding of the case shaped what happened next. </p><p>Rather than searching for the “right” ACT intervention, the discussion focuses on tracking function, noticing opportunities for movement, and responding flexibly to what is happening in the room.</p><p>The conversation also builds on questions and ideas raised in the online FLEX LAB community at RIACT.org, bringing several clinician perspectives into the discussion. </p><p>Together, we explore how case conceptualization beco...

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  Episode #19

  When ACT Becomes More Than Techniques: A Conversation with Peter Binnings

  Aug 22, 202641 minS1

  <p>What changes when ACT stops being something a clinician does and begins shaping how they understand therapy?</p><p>In this episode of Deeply Functional: In Conversation, Todd Schmenk sits down with Peter Binnings, LICSW, to reflect on their shared journey from discovering ACT to developing a deeper, more functionally grounded way of practicing it. Together, they revisit what initially attracted them to ACT, what they misunderstood along the way, and when the model began to feel like more than a collection of interventions.</p><p>You’ll explore:</p>What first draws many clinicians toward ACTCommon misunderstandings during th...

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  Deeply Functional

  What Is Functional Contextualism? | Quick Blip

  Aug 15, 20262 minS0

  <p>Hey All, pulling this format back into the rotation. The Quick Blip is one topic delivered in less than 2 minutes. No fuss no muss and these will often be addressing common questions fielded in my work in consultation, supervision and teaching. </p>

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  Episode #18

  Experiential Avoidance: When Protection Begins to Narrow Life

  Aug 8, 20267 minS1

  <p>The Hexagon in Reverse — Part 3 of 7</p><p><br></p><p>What happens when efforts to protect ourselves from discomfort begin organizing more and more of our lives?</p><p>This episode explores experiential avoidance as an inflexibility process within ACT. Todd examines avoidance not as weakness, resistance, or pathology, but as an understandable attempt to gain safety and relief. Difficulties develop when thoughts, memories, emotions, and physical sensations acquire threatening functions, leading behavior to become increasingly organized around controlling, escaping, or preventing internal experience.</p><p>You’ll explore:</p><p>• How avoidance can provide immediate relief while gradua...

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  Episode #17

  Beyond Holding Space: Compassionate Disruption and Therapeutic Movement

  Jul 28, 202618 minS1

  <p>When does holding space support meaningful change, and when might it unintentionally help a client remain stuck?</p><p>This episode offers an AI generated conversation created through NotebookLM and based entirely on Todd Schmenk’s article, “Beyond Holding Space: Helping Clients Get Unstuck.” Todd reviewed the conversation for accuracy and consistency with Functional Contextualism and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.</p><p>The episode examines a central clinical tension: therapeutic presence and validation are essential, yet they may become unhelpful when they function primarily to support avoidance or maintain patterns that are no longer workable. The alternative is not greate...

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