Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Core Elements of ACT Therapy

  • Acceptance: allowing uncomfortable experiences to exist without trying to deny or change them

  • Cognitive Defusion: facing thoughts and feelings without fixating

  • Being Present: being non-judgmentally aware of the present moment

  • Self as Context: acknowledging people are not the content of their thoughts but are the consciousness observing thoughts

  • Values: qualities that are important to an individual that they desire to work towards

  • Committed Action: assist in creating long-term goals to live a life consistent to values

ACT is commonly used to treat depression, chronic pain, grief, and complex health conditions. ACT helps people to embrace their thoughts and develop cognitive flexibility to better manage difficult thoughts and emotions.

CBT therapy