Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
More often than not, we find ourselves stuck in a rut, unable to move forward in life. The unhealthy thoughts and feelings we experience can be challenging to manage, leading to various mental health issues. Fortunately, an evidence-based psychological intervention known as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help us understand our feelings and lead healthier lives.
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
Acceptance and commitment therapy is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy. It is based on the idea that individuals can learn to accept and commit to their values and goals to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. ACT focuses on helping people identify their values and principles and then build behaviors, actions, and thoughts that align with those values. The goal of acceptance and commitment therapy is to help people move away from negative thinking and behavior patterns and instead focus on what is truly important to them.
ACT is different from other forms of treatment in that it does not focus on changing negative thoughts and behaviors. Instead, it encourages individuals to accept and embrace their thoughts and feelings. From there you can begin to set value-based goals that move you towards a more purposeful experience.
The techniques of ACT can help with treating anxiety and panic in ways that are better than some other traditional forms of treatment. ACT is a more holistic approach to treating mental health issues, focusing on helping people accept and commit to their values to move forward. Based on context, though talking with someone at Mile High Psychology, they may suggest that ACT is the best path for creating the solutions you need for managing your feelings or concerns.
What ACT Treats
Anxiety Disorders
Anxiety disorders are a common problem in the modern world. They involve persistent fear or worry that can interfere with day-to-day functioning. The World Health Organization estimates that about 264 million people worldwide suffer from anxiety disorders, making it a common mental health issue.
ACT is an evidence-based psychological treatment for anxiety disorders that combines cognitive-behavioral strategies with mindfulness and acceptance-based approaches. ACT is based on the idea that people can learn to accept and cope with their anxiety rather than trying to avoid it.
The main goal of ACT is to help people develop a greater sense of psychological flexibility. This involves learning to identify and accept thoughts and feelings without controlling them. ACT encourages mindfulness techniques such as meditation and mindful breathing to help people become more aware of their thoughts and feelings and observe them without judgment. This allows people to recognize the patterns of their thoughts and feelings and make healthier responses.
ACT also teaches people how to make value-driven choices in their lives. This involves identifying personal values and setting goals that are consistent with those values. This helps people to focus on activities that are meaningful to them and to take actions that are in line with their beliefs. This can help to reduce anxiety by providing a sense of purpose and direction.
Overall, acceptance and commitment therapy can be a powerful tool for treating anxiety disorders. It provides a comprehensive approach to managing anxiety based on acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based action. By using the strategies taught in ACT, people can learn to cope with their anxiety in healthy doses and to move forward with their lives.
Substance Use Disorders
Substance use disorders are another major issue that plagues people in the modern world. As these issues become more common, so does the need to find effective treatment methods. ACT is a form of psychotherapy that is highly effective in treating substance use disorders (SUD).
In this form of therapy, an individual works with a therapist to become more mindful of their thoughts and feelings and to accept them without judgment. With acceptance and commitment therapy, individuals are taught to move past their negative thoughts and feelings instead of focusing on actions that align with their values.
ACT treats substance use disorders by helping individuals gain insight and control over their addiction. Through this process, individuals learn to become mindful of their thoughts and feelings and to accept them without judgment. By learning to accept their emotions, individuals can begin to take steps toward making positive changes in their lives.
Additionally, ACT teaches individuals to focus on their values and to take action that aligns with them. This helps individuals to focus on living a more meaningful and purposeful life instead of using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Finally, ACT provides individuals with a safe and supportive environment to work through their addiction. The therapist works with the individual to help them to identify and understand their triggers and to develop healthier coping strategies. The therapist also provides support and guidance throughout the process, assisting the individual in staying accountable and motivated to make lasting changes.
Other Conditions ACT Can Treat
- Panic Disorders.
- Depression.
- Chronic Pain.
Techniques Used In ACT Sessions
Teaching Acceptance
Teaching acceptance is one of the critical skills and techniques used in acceptance and commitment therapy. This approach encourages individuals to accept their thoughts, feelings, and emotions without judging or trying to change them.
In ACT, acceptance is essential to making changes and overcoming barriers. The therapist at Mile High Psychology will help the individual to recognize and acknowledge their complex thoughts and feelings and to accept them without dwelling on them. The psychologist will also help the individual to understand their values better and to use this knowledge to help guide their behavior and make changes in their life. Ultimately, the aim of teaching acceptance is to help the individual move forward with their life, despite complex thoughts and feelings.
Mindfulness
Another technique used in ACT is mindfulness. Mindfulness is about being aware of the present moment without judgment. It involves paying attention to one’s thoughts, feelings, bodily sensations, and the environment in a non-judgmental way. It helps to increase awareness and acceptance of the present moment and to reduce rumination, worry, and distraction.
Mindfulness can also create space between the individual and their thoughts and feelings, allowing them to choose how to respond instead of simply reacting. With practice, mindfulness can help individuals to become more aware of the present moment and their values, enabling them to take action and commit to living a life according to their values.
Other Skills and Techniques Related to ACT
- Creating Values
- Experiential Exercises
- Exploring the Self as Context
ACT Sessions With Mile High Psychology
With many years of experience in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Mile High Psychology can help you to embrace your true self. The best psychologists in Colorado Springs and Denver CO in this evidence-based practice provide an individualized approach to help you gain clarity, insight, and understanding into your innermost thoughts, feelings, and behaviors.
Through this process, you will gain a newfound acceptance of yourself while learning to commit to living a life that aligns with your core values. With this newfound clarity and commitment, you can better understand your true self and identify ways to live a meaningful, fulfilling, and authentic life.
ACT helps you to let go of unhelpful thinking patterns that keep you stuck in difficult situations while learning to live in the present moment. This will help you to accept and understand your true self, enabling you to make meaningful choices that align with your values. Schedule a free consultation with us to learn more about how ACT can help you to embrace your true self.
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