Acceptance And Commitment Therapy

What Is Acceptance And Commitment Therapy?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy—otherwise known as ACT—is an active therapeutic approach to mindfulness that promotes increased psychological flexibility. In essence, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy allows people to accept the circumstances of life that are out of their control while teaching them to meaningfully address the circumstances that they have the power to change.

The History And Efficacy Of ACT

ACT was developed in 1986 by Steven C. Hayes, a professor of psychology at the University of Nevada. Initially studying how language and internal monologue influence a human’s perception and experience, Hayes realized that suffering and pain should be embraced—not avoided—in the process of creating more self-compassion. According to his studies, suffering and pain are an essential part of the human experience and can be extremely valuable in obtaining fulfillment. In promoting more acceptance and psychological flexibility, clients using ACT can experience more peace.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has undergone rigorous testing and trials, with a range of psychological organizations verifying this approach as both effective and evidence-based. And while psychological flexibility can be beneficial to individuals of all backgrounds and experiences, ACT is a particularly useful therapy for treating substance abuse disorders.

What Do ACT Therapy Sessions Look Like?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a very active form of counseling, meaning that clients don’t just spend their time in session discussing presenting symptoms and past trauma. Rather, therapy is used as an opportunity for clients to develop concrete, meaningful skills that can drastically improve their quality of life.

The intake period of counseling is spent going over psychiatric history and goals for therapy. As the ACT therapist learns more about the client’s primary concerns, they can provide coping skills that are uniquely tailored to their particular symptoms, goals, and personality. As these skills are established and refined throughout the course of therapy, the client will develop a deeper awareness of their own strengths and values. With this insight, the client can take actionable steps toward a better quality of life while also learning to manage psychological pain and self-criticism.

How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Differs From Other Approaches

The majority of talk therapies focus on challenging negative thoughts and behaviors. Yet, ACT is all about accepting “negative” thoughts and feelings. With its focus on recognition, cooperation, and action, ACT can be extremely helpful for developing more positive self-regard.

ACT At Our Practice

At Wilmington Psychotherapy, we are invested in helping clients develop a rich, full, and meaningful life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has given many of our clients a chance to clarify their values and make the most of their time on this earth. And using this modality, we have been able to help individuals struggling with substance abuse, as well as chronic illness, grief, interpersonal challenges, professional burnout, or general discontent.

We use a range of modalities in our practice and remain up to date with the most current advances in psychotherapy. When using ACT in particular, however, we’re likely to involve many elements of mindfulness in therapy. By promoting an open, aware, and focused mental state within our clients, they can handle difficult thoughts, feelings, memories, and urges more effectively. Able to break patterns of self-defeat and self-destruction, our clients have been successful in rising beyond their fears to achieve a more life-affirming attitude.

When You Learn To Accept Challenging Circumstances, You Can Thrive

You are worthy of meaningful values and dignity. You have the capacity to think, make informed decisions, and determine your destiny. Yet, in order to grow, you need an environment that offers you openness, empathy, and unconditional positive self-regard. Our therapists will work hard in collaboration with you to achieve personal empowerment toward success and well-being. And we believe that ACT can help you achieve balance in mind, body, and spirit.

If you struggle with substance abuse, depression, anxiety, or other setbacks to your mental health, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help you embrace challenges—instead of working against them—on the path to a more authentic, balanced, and fulfilling life.

For more information about ACT or if you’d like to schedule a free 15-minute consultation with one of our therapists, call (910) 777 – 1189 or reach out via our contact form.