Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that is an action-oriented therapeutic approach that utilizes mindfulness, radical acceptance, and compassion to help you learn how to identify what is important your values. By embracing your personally-chosen values, you are empowered to pursue specific committed actions that align with these cherished values, paving the way to a more fulfilling life.
As humans, we inevitably encounter experiences in life that we don’t like, ones we wish we could avoid or change. However, constantly fighting against these experiences can lead us getting stuck in trying to get these experiences to change. This struggle with our own emotions and thoughts can result in anxiety, depression, and even a loss of interest in things we once enjoyed. In attempting to push away or control our unpleasant feelings and experiences, we often find that such efforts are futile, especially when these feelings are intense and connected to something meaningful to us.
“When a great ship is in harbor and moored, it is safe, there can be no doubt. But that is not what great ships are built for.”
-Unknown
It’s important to recognize that these unpleasant experiences hold valuable insights for us, and instead of resisting them, practicing mindful awareness can help us understand what they are trying to communicate. By embracing this approach, we can begin to detach ourselves from these negative experiences without resorting to avoidance. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) acknowledges that pain and discomfort are natural aspects of being human; attempting to evade or suppress these feelings only leads to prolonged suffering and greater challenges in the long run. In contrast, focusing on our core values enables us to live more fully, living in the present moment with greater openness and fulfillment.
“When a great ship is in harbor and moored, it is safe, there can be no doubt. But that is not what great ships are built for.”
–Unknown
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers us a powerful method to disentangle ourselves from life’s struggles and the stories that keep us trapped in suffering, allowing us to concentrate on what genuinely matters – our personal values and aspirations. By doing so, we cultivate a stronger sense of self and a newfound passion for life, enabling us to lead our lives in alignment with our deepest desires even in the midst of challenging circumstances. ACT equips us with the tools to discover peace amidst chaos and pain, fostering compassion and wisdom for both ourselves and others. We can mend the wounds that have shaped our suffering, paving the way for a more profound and more meaningful existence.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a proven therapeutic approach that addresses a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, mood disorders (like depression and bipolar disorder), trauma, stress, chronic pain, and various health conditions. It also extends its effectiveness to phobias, psychosis, substance abuse, body-image issues, and difficulties associated with life transitions.
Through ACT, you take an active role in your healing journey, as you are the true expert on your own life. I serve as a supportive guide, illuminating potential paths and helping you create the meaningful and satisfying life you desire. Even if previous therapies haven’t yielded the desired results, ACT offers a fresh perspective and a powerful toolset to foster positive change and growth.