What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals develop psychological flexibility and improve their well-being. The goal of ACT is to help individuals build a meaningful and fulfilling life by accepting the things they cannot control and committing to actions that align with their personal values.
ACT is based on the idea that psychological suffering is often caused by attempts to avoid or control unwanted thoughts, emotions, and experiences, which can lead to a cycle of stress, anxiety, and depression. In contrast, ACT encourages individuals to accept their experiences and to respond to them in a way that is consistent with their values.
The core processes of ACT include:
ACT can be used to treat a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain. It is typically delivered through individual therapy sessions, but can also be adapted for group settings or self-help resources.
ACT is based on the idea that psychological suffering is often caused by attempts to avoid or control unwanted thoughts, emotions, and experiences, which can lead to a cycle of stress, anxiety, and depression. In contrast, ACT encourages individuals to accept their experiences and to respond to them in a way that is consistent with their values.
The core processes of ACT include:
- Acceptance: Learning to accept and be present with difficult thoughts and emotions without trying to change or avoid them.
- Cognitive defusion: Developing skills to step back from unhelpful thoughts and see them for what they are, rather than being caught up in them.
- Contact with the present moment: Learning to be fully present and engaged in the moment, rather than getting lost in worries or regrets about the past or future.
- Self-as-context: Recognizing that one's thoughts and emotions are not the same as one's true self or values.
- Values clarification: Identifying and clarifying one's personal values and using them to guide behavior.
- Committed action: Taking action to live a meaningful and fulfilling life in line with one's values, even in the face of difficulties or challenges.
ACT can be used to treat a wide range of mental health concerns, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, and chronic pain. It is typically delivered through individual therapy sessions, but can also be adapted for group settings or self-help resources.