Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

My connection with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

During 2021-22, I followed an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) training program provided by the . I am committed to further developing my expertise in this therapeutic approach through regular counseling and clinical supervision, both in individual and group formats, under the guidance of an accredited ACT supervisor.

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapeutic approach developed in the mid-1980s by Steven C. Hayes. This approach helps individuals identify their core values—their deepest desires—and encourages them to live in the present moment and act aligned with those values. This ability, known as “psychological flexibility,” is cultivated through specific therapeutic techniques. ACT has been extensively researched and shown to be an effective treatment for a wide range of mental health issues.

ACT emphasizes that while pain is a natural part of being human, individuals often struggle to avoid distressing emotions, which can cause them to disconnect from their deeper values.

As the name suggests, ACT revolves around two key principles: Acceptance and Commitment.

• Acceptance means “making space” for unwanted, inevitable experiences in life and human existence. It’s important to understand that acceptance does not imply resignation. Instead, it involves recognizing that struggling against our difficulties fails to alleviate them. It often intensifies our discomfort and prevents us from connecting with our core values and desires.
• Commitment is about setting actionable goals aligned with one’s values. It involves creating a purposeful action plan and adopting new, constructive behaviors that guide us toward living a life aligned with our values. This path leads to fulfilling our deepest desires and a meaningful life, even though it may include experiencing pain along the way.

Example of the concepts of Acceptance and Commitment by Jenna LeJeune:

X’s dog is nearing the end of its life, and X is overwhelmed by negative thoughts and emotions (pain). X’s core value is caring. By recognizing and focusing on the value of caring, X can more easily make room for grief (acceptance) and stay close to her dog as long as needed. This allows her to honor her value and live a meaningful life. Motivated by her commitment to her values, X uses specific daily behaviors to care for her dog (commitment).

How does Acceptance and Commitment Therapy work?

 

In therapy, we will focus on therapeutic processes designed to help you consciously live in the present and make space for negative experiences. We will explore new ways to relate to painful thoughts and feelings without becoming “stuck” in them, enabling you to live by what truly matters to you.

ACT aims to help you identify your core values and take deliberate actions that align with them, leading to a more meaningful life. We will utilize various experiential techniques and actionable strategies throughout the therapy process, which will be practiced in and between sessions.

In our sessions, I will also provide you with therapeutic tools to support your progress throughout therapy.

For which mental health difficulties is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy effective?

The following are common mental health challenges that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is proven to be effective in addressing:

• Depression
• Anxiety and Panic
• OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)
• Chronic Pain
• Psychosis
• Eating Disorders
• Substance and Alcohol Use
• Anger Management
• Interpersonal Difficulties
• Chronic Illnesses

 

Resources on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Scientific evidence on the effectiveness of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy:

• The official Acceptance and Commitment Therapy website offers a comprehensive database of scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of this treatment: State of the ACT Evidence | Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (contextualscience.org)

Self-help books:

• The official Acceptance and Commitment Therapy website offers information on a wide range of self-help books related to ACT.