Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an action-oriented approach to psychotherapy.

when it is used

• Anxiety disorders

• Depression

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

• Psychosis

goals of treatment

• Learn to stop avoiding, denying, and struggling with their inner emotions.

• Accept that these deeper feelings are appropriate responses to certain situations that should not prevent them from moving forward in their lives.

• Accept hardships and commit to making necessary changes in their behavior, regardless of what is going on in their lives and how they feel about it.

what to expect

You will learn to listen to the way you talk to yourself specifically about traumatic events, problematic relationships, physical limitations, or other challenges. You can then decide if a problem requires immediate action and change or if it can, or must, be accepted for what it is while you learn to make behavioral changes that can modify the situation.

 You may look at what hasn’t worked for you in the past, and the therapist can help you stop repeating thought patterns and behaviors that can cause you more problems in the long run. Once you have faced and accepted your current challenges, you can make a commitment to stop fighting your past and your emotions and, instead, start practicing more confident and optimistic behavior, based on your personal values and goals.