Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
(ACT)
ACT is a different approach to therapy that utilizes mindfulness and acceptance. While some other modalities center around ‘fixing’ the client or eliminating symptoms, ACT centers around the idea that suffering and discomfort are not only not wrong, but are also an important part of the human experience.
ACT is comprised of six core principles:
Acceptance
Cognitive Defusion
Present Moment Awareness (mindfulness)
Self-as-Context (observer)
Values
Committed Action
ACT is extremely useful in helping people adapt to life’s challenges that are out of our control. It’s a highly beneficial modality for people struggling with:
Chronic Pain
Chronic Illness
Terminal Illness
Grief
Loss
Injustice
Political Discontent
Depression