Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a new generation cognitive-behavior therapy.  Empirical data show that ACT is an effective treatment for a wide variety of psychological problems including depression and anxiety. ACT emphasizes such processes as mindfulness, acceptance, and values in helping clients live more meaningful lives. It challenges more traditional approaches to human suffering by raising the possibility that controlling one’s experience is part of the problem, rather than the solution.

 

 

Through the use of metaphors, experiential exercises and written assignments, ACT therapists assist clients in:

 

 

• considering what has worked and not worked in their approach to suffering
• recognizing what they truly value and what they want their lives to represent
• identifying specific steps they can take now to promote movement toward their chosen goals and values.