Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

What is ACT?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that combines mindfulness skills with the practice of self-acceptance. The goal of ACT is not to eliminate difficult feelings but to be present with what life brings us and to move toward valued behavior. ACT helps individuals accept the challenges they face and commit to actions that enrich their lives.

Core Principles of ACT

ACT is built around six core principles:

1. Cognitive Defusion: Learning to perceive thoughts, images, emotions, and memories as what they are, not what they appear to be.

2. Acceptance: Allowing unwanted private experiences (thoughts, feelings, and urges) to come and go without struggling with them.

3. Contact with the Present Moment: Awareness of the here and now, experienced with openness, interest, and receptiveness.

4. Observing the Self: Accessing a transcendent sense of self, a continuity of consciousness which is unchanging.

5. Values: Discovering what is most important to oneself.

6. Committed Action: Setting goals according to values and carrying them out responsibly.

How Does ACT Work?

ACT is distinct from traditional cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) in that it does not attempt to reduce the frequency or severity of unwanted thoughts and feelings. Instead, ACT teaches you to "just notice" them, accept them, and not let them prevent you from moving toward your goals. By accepting and learning to live with these unwanted thoughts and feelings, ACT can help you reduce their impact and influence over your life.

Benefits of ACT

• Improved Mental Flexibility: ACT helps develop psychological flexibility, allowing you to adapt to changing situations more effectively.

• Enhanced Well-being: By focusing on values and committed action, ACT can improve overall life satisfaction and mental health.

• Reduction in Symptom Distress: Although symptom reduction is not the primary goal, many people find that their distress decreases as they become more accepting and mindful.

Who Can Benefit from ACT?

ACT is a versatile therapy that can be applied to a wide range of psychological issues, including:

• Anxiety and Stress

• Depression

• Substance Abuse

• Chronic Pain

• Eating Disorders

• PTSD

• OCD

Why Choose ACT?

Choosing ACT means choosing to embrace a life of meaning and purpose. It is about learning to accept what is out of your personal control while committing to actions that improve and enrich your life. With ACT, you can develop a more compassionate relationship with yourself and create a life that reflects your deepest values and aspirations.

Get Started with ACT

If you are interested in exploring ACT and how it can benefit you, we are here to help. Our trained therapists are skilled in ACT techniques and can provide personalized support tailored to your unique needs and goals.

Contact us today to schedule an appointment and begin your journey toward a more accepting and committed life.