Choose Your Life (CYL) Info
What is CYL all about?
CYL is a self-help, educational and experiential course for young people based in the approach of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT (said as one word). Dr. Turrell spent two years creating the online content for CYL to make the ACT approach widely available. As a psychologist, she can provide therapy to those in Ontario, Canada. Converted to an educational program, ACT is now available to young people worldwide.
ACT is a newer type of cognitive behaviour therapy, or CBT. From an ACT approach, we learn to take unwanted and often unpleasant, thoughts and feelings with us, while we show up as our best self. Our time and energy goes into who and what matters, into building our identity, not into avoiding thoughts and feelings. There are about 1000 research articles supporting the idea that ACT is helpful to people who struggle with intense emotions and “hard to handle” thoughts.
How much time should I be spending on Choose Your Life?
The videos and audio recordings that are included each week will not total more than an hour most of the time. However, we recommend that you block off small amounts of time, often, throughout each week so that you have an opportunity to learn, reflect, and try things out, before you move ahead.
How is CYL structured?
Choose Your Life is structured as a 10-week course. However, we encourage you to move through the course at your own pace. Different ideas and experiences will resonate with each participant, so you can decide how much time you want to spend practicing different skills as you move through the course.
Who is Choose Your Life suitable for?
CYL is suitable for teens – age 13 and up – and young adults up to about age 24. People older than 24 may also find CYL useful, although some of the information and examples provided may not be immediately relevant. Given the abstract language and experiential nature of CYL , it is not recommended for those younger than 13.
Do I need to be online at specific times?
No, CYL is a pre-recorded, on demand program so you can access it whenever it is convenient for you. You can reach Dr. Turrell through your Thinkific account /dashboard with any questions. While we endeavour to respond promptly, it may take up to 3 business days.
Do you offer group rates?
CYL is meant for individuals and as such, group rates are not offered.
Can I repeat CYL?
Your access to CYL is lifelong, there is no rush, and you can access the content as often as needed.
What payment methods do you accept?
The CYL program is hosted by a platform called Thinkific, which also manages the sales process. To purchase CYL, you will need a credit card.
Is it safe to pay online?
While Thinkific and Dr. Turrell take care to maintain client privacy, there is always the risk of a privacy breach when you purchase items online. You will be asked to consent to Dr. Turrell’s “terms and conditions” and “privacy policy” before you purchase CYL and are encouraged to read these carefully. Ultimately, it is your decision to assume the risks with a program purchased online.
What’s your refund and cancellation policy?
CYL is an educational and experiential program. As such, we do not provide any guarantee as to the potential benefits for an individual participant. We will give a refund within a week of purchase. If you want to get a better idea of what’s in CYL before you purchase the course, you can sign up for the "Free Previews” for an idea of the content.
What equipment do I need?
CYL consists of videos and audio recordings, as well as PDF’s that you can download. You will need a computer (desktop, laptop, or tablet) that has an up-to-date browser and the capability to play videos. Before you start, set yourself up with privacy and perhaps a binder to keep anything that you print out and notes that you make.
