ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

An Introduction to ACT: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy offers a powerful lens through which to view mental well-being. Pioneered by psychologists like Steven Hayes, ACT unites the tenets of mindfulness with behavioral change strategies.

ACT offers a unique perspective on mental health and well-being, emphasizing the development of psychological flexibility and the pursuit of a meaningful life. Here at Mile High Psychology, ACT is a key component of our therapeutic toolkit for tackling a range of common difficulties, including anxiety and depression.

The mind is an expert at creating problems that don’t actually exist. Don’t believe everything you think.

Steven Hayes, PhD

How Effective is ACT?

The efficacy of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is backed by an expansive body of empirical research—comprising over 300 randomized controlled trials and upwards of 2,000 scientific papers. Its versatility extends to treating various psychological challenges, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, substance misuse, and chronic pain.

The History and Evolution of ACT

Conceived in the 1980s, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy evolved from the works of Dr. Steven C. Hayes and fellow researchers who sought to address limitations in traditional therapy models.

ACT builds on the principles of behavioral therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and mindfulness. The ACT model is based on functional contextualism and integrates insights from behavioral sciences and Relational Frame Theory (RFT).

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has matured into a robust, evidence-supported therapy, widely recognized for effectively addressing a range of psychological struggles. Today, ACT continues to grow in popularity and is practiced by therapists worldwide.

How Does It Work?

At its core, ACT is based on the belief that struggling against or avoiding difficult thoughts, emotions, and sensations often leads to increased suffering. Instead, ACT teaches individuals to accept these experiences as a normal part of being human while focusing on what truly matters to them. By embracing acceptance, mindfulness, and committed action, individuals can cultivate psychological flexibility and live in alignment with their values.

The ACT approach comprises several core elements:

• Acceptance: Practicing acceptance encourages individuals to observe their thoughts and emotions without judgment, reducing self-criticism and emotional distress.
• Cognitive Defusion: Cognitive defusion techniques help individuals observe thoughts as passing mental events, distancing themselves from negative thinking patterns.
• Mindfulness: Mindfulness practices cultivate present-moment awareness, enabling individuals to observe experiences without judgment or attachment.
• Value Identification: Values clarification assists individuals in identifying core values and living in alignment with them, providing a sense of purpose and fulfillment.
• Committed Action: Committed action emphasizes taking action that aligns with one’s values, even in the face of challenging thoughts or emotions.
• Experiential Learning: Experiential exercises provide a supportive environment to explore and challenge negative beliefs and behaviors while developing effective coping skills.
• Long-Term Strategy: Tools for sustaining positive behavioral change and coping with future challenges.

Addressing Anxiety and Depression

ACT for Anxiety

ACT has shown effectiveness in treating anxiety disorders. By cultivating acceptance of anxious experiences, individuals learn to reduce the impact of self-criticism and judgment, promoting emotional well-being. The approach integrates mindfulness practices to help individuals observe anxious thoughts and sensations without attachment or judgment, enabling them to respond skillfully to anxiety-provoking situations. Additionally, this method places strong emphasis on identifying personal values and committing to actions that align with these values, empowering individuals to engage in meaningful behaviors even in the presence of anxiety.

ACT for Depression

ACT stands as an empirically supported treatment for depression. By targeting the underlying processes that contribute to depressive thoughts and emotions, this method aims to promotes psychological flexibility and a renewed sense of purpose.

The ACT approach to treating depression encompasses four key elements:

1. Acceptance: Learn to acknowledge and accept depressive experiences without judgment. This approach can help lessen self-criticism and cultivates a sense of self-compassion.
2. Mindfulness: Practicing mindfulness techniques can help individuals to perceive depressive thoughts and emotions as transient mental events. This perspective facilitates a healthier relationship with these experiences.
3. Values Clarification: Reconnecting with their core values serves as a compass for meaningful actions and providing a renewed sense of purpose.
4. Committed Action: Committed action inspires individuals to act in alignment with their values, aiming to restore a sense of agency and accomplishment in their lives.

Therapy at Mile High Psychology

At Mile High Psychology, we use ACT as a key part of our therapy for issues like generalized anxiety, social anxiety, and stress management. This model helps build resilience and encourages living a life aligned with your values.

Learn More About ACT

If you’re grappling with anxiety and stress and are seeking a research-backed, values-oriented approach to therapy, don’t hesitate to reach out to Mile High Psychology. Let’s collaborate to address present difficulties and aim for a more meaningful and fulfilling life.