Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on increasing psychological flexibility. It is by emphasizing a mindful stance toward complex thoughts and feelings to reduce suffering and increases psychological growth.
ACT emphasizes mindful acceptance of negative emotions and thoughts and encourages individuals to commit to values-driven action and behavior.
ACT seeks to help individuals take higher levels of perspective when faced with difficult situations, disentangle themselves from thoughts, and modify their behavior where needed.
Acceptance and commitment therapy encourages individuals to strive to experience life more fully, engage more meaningfully in day-to-day activities, and pursue happiness despite its uncertainties.
As part of the therapy, patients often use mindfulness techniques, such as deep breathing, to be present in the moment rather than being swept away by rumination and negative thoughts.
Through acceptance and commitment therapy, individuals learn to cultivate self-compassion and change how they live to suit their values better.
ACT can help individuals with various problems and issues, such as chronic pain, stress, depression, relationship difficulties, substance abuse, and phobias.
Acceptance and commitment therapy helps individuals understand how things are by acknowledging that some thoughts and feelings are out of their control.
ACT emphasizes connecting with a person’s deepest values and aims to help them find motivation and actions that align with those values.
ACT helps individuals become more mindful of their thinking and behavior, so they can make conscious choices rather than reacting to their environment in habitual ways.
Acceptance and commitment therapy encourages individuals to take a proactive stance toward their emotional and psychological well-being.