Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) gets it name from one of its core messages – to accept what is out of your personal control, and commit to action that improves and enriches your life. The aim of ACT is to enhance the human capacity for a rich, full and meaningful life, by employing psychological skills to deal with painful thoughts and feelings effectively. The process of ACT involves developing contact with the present moment, making room for diverse experience, and doing what matters. When thoughts and feelings have less control over behavior, we focus on clarifying what is truly important and meaningful to you – i.e your values – using that beacon to guide, inspire and motivate you to change your life for the better.
ACT is grounded in mindfulness practice. Mindfulness is a mental state of awareness, focus and openness – which allows you to engage fully in what you are doing at any moment. In a state of mindfulness, difficult thoughts and feelings have much less impact and influence over you. ACT focuses on three aspects of mindfulness:
Defusion: Distancing from, and letting go of, unhelpful thoughts, beliefs and memories
Acceptance: Making room for painful feelings, urges and sensations, allowing them to come and go without struggle
Contact with the present moment: Engaging fully with your here-and-now experience with openness and curiosity