This workshop aims to sensitize patients and healthcare providers to knowledge and techniques that can encourage psychological flexibility and promote living a values-based life while accepting the impact of SCD and pain. Despite the multidisciplinary approach to symptom management, some patients with SCD continue to experience debilitating effects of the condition that hinder an optimal quality of life. This workshop will incorporate the tenets of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to educate patients and healthcare providers on strategies for addressing difficult thoughts and feelings that may undermine patient recovery. ACT focuses on enhancing daily functioning and quality of life, encouraging individuals to accept difficult and often unavoidable private experiences, such as pain, discomfort, fatigue, and anxiety, without defensiveness, especially when facing situations that align with their valued goals. (Masuda et al., 2010). The workshop will cover the following objectives: 1) Explore common factors contributing to long hospital stays among SCD patients 2) Identify some biopsychosocial consequences of prolonged hospital stays 3) Learn core teachings of ACT 4) Apply ACT strategies to address experiential avoidance that may contribute to hopelessness and despondency during prolonged hospital stays. Presenter: Lance Archer, PhD., C.Psych Presenter’s Bio: Dr. Lance Archer is a Registered Psychologist in the province of Ontario. He is an associate at the West Niagara Psychology Centre in Beamsville, Ontario, where he conducts psychological assessments and treatment. Dr. Archer also lives with sickle cell disease (HbSS), and he is passionate about improving the quality of life of patients with the condition. His research interest is in Health Psychology, specifically treatment adherence. Dr. Archer aspires to develop psychological interventions to improve the health-related quality of life of persons with chronic illnesses, including sickle cell disease.