Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT) Denver
Mile High Recovery Center’s acceptance and commitment therapy program helps individuals to embrace their full range of emotions while discovering their core values through mindfulness practices and experiential exercises. ACT empowers clients to develop psychological flexibility, allowing them to observe difficult thoughts without being controlled by them, while taking meaningful steps toward what matters most.
Sustainable transformation requires more than eliminating discomfort – it demands creating a meaningful life alongside inevitable challenges. That’s why we’ve integrated ACT therapy as an essential element of our treatment philosophy, guiding individuals to embrace their full experience while taking committed action toward a life of purpose and connection.
What is Acceptance And Commitment Therapy?
The Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of clinical behavioral analysis that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies, together with commitment and behavior-change strategies, to increase psychological flexibility. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult feelings, ACT teaches individuals to develop a new relationship with challenging thoughts and emotions-acknowledging their presence while choosing to act in ways aligned with personal values.
Developed by psychologist Steven Hayes in the 1980s, ACT is grounded in Relational Frame Theory, a comprehensive theory of language and cognition that has generated considerable research. The approach recognizes that many forms of psychological suffering stem from attempts to control or avoid unwanted private experiences, which paradoxically often increases distress and prevents meaningful living.
At its core, ACT therapy is about accepting what cannot be changed and committing to actions that enrich life and wellness. The acceptance and commitment therapy goals focus on helping individuals clarify what truly matters to them, connect with the present moment, and take steps toward building a life of purpose-even when faced with the inevitable challenges of healing from substance use disorders.
The Six Core Processes of ACT
- Acceptance: Learning to embrace thoughts and feelings without trying to change or avoid them
- Cognitive Defusion: Learning to observe thoughts rather than being caught up in them
- Being Present: Engaging fully with current experiences with openness and receptivity
- Self as Context: Developing an observing self that can witness thoughts and feelings without being defined by them
- Values: Identifying what truly matters to create direction and meaning in life
- Committed Action: Taking effective steps guided by personal values, even when challenging
The Benefits of Acceptance And Commitment Therapy
- Reduced substance use and decreased relapse rates
- Improved psychological flexibility and emotional regulation
- Enhanced ability to handle cravings and triggering situations
- Greater clarity about personal values and life direction
- Increased mindfulness and present-moment awareness
- Better management of co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression
- Stronger commitment to recovery goals and healthy behaviors
At Mile High Recovery Center, we’ve witnessed how acceptance and commitment therapy align perfectly with recovery objectives, helping our clients not just overcome addiction but build fulfilling lives based on what matters most to them.
Why Choose Mile High Recovery Center For ACT?
Mile High Recovery Center offers specialized acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for individuals navigating substance use disorders in Denver. Our program helps clients build psychological flexibility by accepting difficult emotions and committing to actions aligned with their values.
What makes our ACT treatment approach special:
- Flexible & Evidence-Based: We integrate ACT principles with complementary holistic care.
- Values-Centered & Supportive: Our team combines clinical expertise with authentic compassion.
- Safe & Accepting: We welcome your full experience without judgment or expectation.
- Connection-Centered: Healing thrives through meaningful relationships and collective wisdom.
Begin Outpatient Rehab at Mile High Recovery Center Today
In Denver’s City Center neighborhood, Mile High is here to help you thrive throughout the Denver Metro area. If you or someone you love is ready to take the next steps towards recovery, call us today at 303-268-2144 to learn more about our outpatient programs.