Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is behavioral therapy, but unlike cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), ACT does not try to reduce or eliminate negative thinking patterns that influence maladaptive behavior. Instead, ACT helps develop psychological flexibility by combining mindfulness strategies and acceptance to minimize the struggle to control or eliminate these experiences while increasing involvement in meaningful life activities.

ACT uses six core processes to guide clients through therapy and provide a framework for developing psychological flexibility:

1. Acceptance–Allowing your inner thoughts and feelings, even negative ones, to occur without trying to ignore or change them.
   Cognitive diffusion–The process of separating yourself from your inner thoughts and feelings. This allows you to see your thoughts simply as thoughts, without the meaning your mind gives them.
   Self as context–Learning to see your thoughts about yourself as separate from your actions or behaviors.
   Being present–ACT uses mindfulness practices to encourage you to stay mindful of your surroundings and shift attention away from thoughts and feelings.
   Values–ACT uses tools to help clients live by the values important to them. These values are what motivate action and behavior.
   Commitment–ACT helps clients commit to actions that assist long-term goals and living a life consistent with their values.

Mindfulness practices are designed to foster nonjudgmental, healthy awareness of thoughts, feelings, sensations, and memories that you have otherwise avoided. Clients often receive homework assignments between sessions to practice and integrate newly learned skills.