Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) encourages clients to allow and feel difficult emotions and thoughts instead of avoiding them. ACT helps clients build psychological flexibility, which means living life according to their values no matter the circumstance and even when it includes feeling painful emotions. ACT empowers clients to live more fully by reducing avoidance and embracing life’s challenges. Its strengths-based focus helps clients build a fulfilling life while managing difficult emotions.

Who Might Benefit

ACT is transdiagnostic, meaning almost anyone could benefit, no matter the diagnosis, because it focuses on common factors that influence most mental health challenges. It is also easy to contextualize to someone’s unique life circumstances. It is most beneficial for individuals who feel “stuck” or struggle with unhelpful thought patterns or who could benefit from learning how to live more harmoniously with their emotions. It’s suitable for any client seeking to make changes in their lives to align their actions with their personal values no matter the situation.

Common Conditions Treated

Helpful Resources

  • The Happiness Trap, by Russ Harris (book)
  • Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life, by Steven Hayes (book)

 

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