ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY(ACT)

What is ACT?

ACT is a therapy that emerged from Behavior Therapy. Its central belief is that people can live fulfilling and enriching lives regardless of their symptoms. Although the goal is not symptom reduction, this is often a product of the therapy. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy encourages clients to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. ACT aims to help individuals live a meaningful life while effectively managing the pain and challenges that come with it. Developed by Steven C. Hayes, ACT is based on the principles of mindfulness and behavioral change strategies. ACT is based on living mindfully in alignment with your values. Russ Harris, the founder of ACT, (2009) points out that ACT assumes that (a) quality of life is primarily dependent upon mindful, values-guided action, and (b) this is possible regardless of how many symptoms you have– provided that you respond to your symptoms with mindfulness. ACT believes that people will have struggles and difficulties in their lives and that this is normal. The problem becomes our negative self-talk and undesired memories and thoughts arise and can overwhelm people. Alleviating pain occurs through the process of living mindfully and in accordance with your values.

Key Concepts in ACT Therapy

• Acceptance: Embracing thoughts and feelings without judgment, even if they are uncomfortable or painful.

• Cognitive Defusion: Learning to perceive thoughts and emotions as they are - simply thoughts and emotions - rather than something that defines you.

• Being Present: Mindfulness practice to be fully aware and engaged in the current moment.

• Self-as-Context: Understanding that you are more than your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.

• Values Clarification: Identifying what is truly important to you and using these values to guide your actions.

• Committed Action: Taking effective action guided by your values, even in the face of difficulties and discomfort.

Benefits of ACT Therapy

• Increased Psychological Flexibility: Enhances the ability to adapt to changing situations and think more flexibly about problems.

• Enhanced Emotional Well-Being: Helps in accepting emotions and reducing the struggle against them, leading to better emotional health.

• Improved Life Satisfaction: Aligning actions with personal values can lead to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.

• Reduced Stress and Anxiety: Mindfulness and acceptance strategies help manage stress and anxiety more effectively.

• Better Relationship Quality: ACT can improve communication and intimacy by promoting authenticity and presence.

How I Can Help Clients Using ACT Therapy

As a therapist specializing in ACT, I can guide clients through the following process:

• Developing Acceptance: I help clients acknowledge and accept their thoughts and feelings without trying to change or avoid them. This includes mindfulness exercises and techniques to increase awareness.

• Teaching Cognitive Defusion: I provide tools to help clients observe their thoughts from a distance rather than getting caught up in them. This can involve exercises such as labeling thoughts, using metaphors, and practicing mindfulness.

• Mindfulness Training: I teach clients how to stay present and fully engage with the current moment. This can include meditation practices, mindful breathing, and grounding exercises.

• Identifying Values: I assist clients in clarifying their core values, helping them understand what truly matters to them in life.

• Promoting Committed Action: I work with clients to set goals and take actions that are aligned with their values. This involves creating action plans and developing strategies to overcome barriers.

• Supporting Long-Term Change: I provide continuous support to ensure clients maintain their progress, offering guidance and adjustments to techniques as needed.

TAKE THE FIRST STEP TOWARDS HEALING

Don’t let trauma dictate your future. Contact Hartwell Counselling today to schedule your initial consultation and begin your journey towards recovery and resilience; please use the link below to schedule your appointment. Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way. We provide personalized and high-quality virtual counselling services in Alberta, Nova Scotia, British Columbia and across Canada. Ready to transform your life? Reach out to Hartwell Counselling now and discover how our specialized trauma therapy services can help you achieve your healing goals. Start your path to well-being with our expert therapist and comprehensive online counseling options.