Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Explained
What is ACT?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a kind of therapy that helps you experience improved mental health. There are different techniques I use, and it really depends on what your goals are.
There are techniques to help you make room for your thoughts and feelings, even the tough ones so they don’t take over and control your life. It also helps you to redirect your focus and attention on today instead of worrying about the past or future. Another approach I use is to uncover (with you) what’s really important to you so you can make choices that align with your heart. The whole approach is like learning to dance with your thoughts and feelings, it helps you move with them rather than getting stuck and ruminating over and over. The intention is to help you live a more meaningful, satisfying and fulfilling life.
How I Can Help
When using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with you, I’ll help guide you to make room for your thoughts and feelings, even if they’re difficult using different techniques. I’ll also teach you mindfulness techniques to stay present and help you figure out your core values. We’ll work together to set small goals aligned with your values and support you through the steps despite any challenges you may experience. This approach helps you handle distressing thoughts better, focus on the present, and take meaningful and purposeful actions.
How it Works
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) works like a guide to feeling better. By changing the relationship, you have with your inner experiences, you can lead a more fulfilling life and reduce the impact your busy mind has on you. Learning some new tools helps you learn how to handle tough thoughts and feelings while still going the stuff that makes you happy.
How Acceptance & Commitment Therapy was Developed
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) was created by psychologist Steven C. Hayes in the late 1980s. He wanted a better way to help people with their thoughts and feelings. He mixed ideas from psychology and Eastern wisdom to make ACT. It’s about making room for your thoughts and feelings, being present, and doing things that matter to you. ACT helps you to be flexible with your mind, gentle with your heart, intentional with your actions and live a better life. It became popular because it provides practical ways to handle tough thoughts and feelings while staying true to what’s important to you.