Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy.  Let’s find out more about what Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is and how it works.

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapy that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies. These strategies can help to change an individual’s behaviour and develop their psychological flexibility.

ACT emphasises accepting outcomes that are beyond an individual’s control and assists the individual to commit to the action that improves and enriches their lives.

ACT aims to help the individual observe that they have a rich, full and meaningful life. This is achieved through:

1. Psychoeducation and Mindfulness. This would be performed to help equip individual’s with skills to help them deal with their painful thoughts and feelings in a more effective manner
2. Learning to prioritise. The therapist will help the individual to look for what is important and meaningful, such as personal values. This knowledge would be used as a guide and motivation to help the individual change their life for the better.

Mindfulness in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Mindfulness is a mental state of awareness, focus and openness that allows an individual to be engaged in the moment fully.

In the state of mindfulness, disturbing thoughts and difficult feelings would have less impact on an individual.

During ACT sessions, the therapist would be able to help the individual learn mindfulness skills.

ACT teaches Mindfulness skills by:

• Letting go of disturbing thoughts, beliefs, anxieties and memories

• Accepting the painful feelings without a struggle

• Being aware of the present moment with an open attitude

Mindfulness and ACT encourages awareness of emotions, feelings, thoughts and present surroundings and enables an individual to change their behaviour.

This is because, in our everyday life, we are consistently thinking about our physical self and our thinking self (things going on in our mind).

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Perth

If you would like to book an appointment for Acceptance and  Commitment Therapy or to speak with a Perth  psychologist about ACT, contact us today.

 

Article Title: What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Article By: Vision Counselling and Psychology, Perth, Western Australia
Web Address: www.visioncounselling.com.au
Published: 04/05/2018

“Acceptance and Commitment Therapy”, Steven C. Hayes, PhD, and Jason Lillis, PhD (Google Books), Available: https://books.google.com.au/ (Accessed: 2017, October 10).

Image Reference: Adobe Stock