What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of therapy that helps individuals develop psychological flexibility by accepting their thoughts and feelings, rather than trying to control them, and committing to actions aligned with their values. Can be used for Drug and Alcohol counselling as well as help motivate a person to create positive change in life eg work on life goal
How Does ACT Work?
Here’s a more detailed explanation:
Focus on Psychological Flexibility:
ACT aims to increase psychological flexibility, which is the ability to be flexible in thoughts and behaviours, allowing individuals to engage in life despite difficult emotions or thoughts.
Acceptance and Mindfulness:
ACT utilizes acceptance and mindfulness strategies to help individuals acknowledge and accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment, rather than trying to suppress or avoid them.
Commitment and Behaviour Change:
ACT also incorporates commitment and behaviour-change strategies to help individuals align their actions with their values and move towards a meaningful life.
ACT is based on six core processes:
Acceptance: Allowing thoughts and feelings to exist without judgment.
Cognitive Diffusion: Distancing oneself from thoughts and seeing them as just thoughts, not facts.
Being Present: Focusing on the present moment and engaging fully with experiences.
Self as Context: Understanding that thoughts and feelings are part of the self, but not the entire self.
Values: Identifying what is truly important and meaningful in life.
Committed Action: Taking actions that are consistent with values, even when facing difficult emotions or thoughts.
How does ACT help?
Values-Based Living:
ACT emphasizes living a life that is aligned with one’s values, which can help individuals find meaning and purpose.
Benefits:
ACT can be helpful for a variety of issues, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and other mental health conditions.
Empirical Support:
ACT is an empirically-based psychological intervention, meaning it is supported by research and evidence.
Ready To Book A Session?
Book online here or contact Joana for more information. You can always check the FAQ’s as there are many questions answered in that section
