ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) is a third wave development of CBT. It is mainly a behavioural approach which incorporates Mindfulness to create a different relationship with painful thoughts and feelings.
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) is a third wave development of CBT. It is mainly a behavioural approach which incorporates Mindfulness to create a different relationship with painful thoughts and feelings.
Rather than challenging unhelpful thoughts as in CBT, ACT teaches to observe the thought as a mental event, unable to hurt you and to which you do not have to act upon.
ACT takes the idea that thoughts are thoughts, not facts; to the next level by underlying the fact that people have always a choice to act in line with their values and learn to distance from thoughts (including memories) that are unhelpful or hurtful. The mindfulness training is an essential part of the therapy as it creates the ability to separate the person from the thoughts.
Another essential element of ACT are values, which in therapy are identified and used to guide and motivate behavioural change. The Acceptance part of ACT, has nothing to do with giving up. Instead, it is about learning to ‘make room’ (accept mindfully) for unpleasant emotions, feelings and thoughts; when doing so enables you to achieve something important that otherwise you would have avoided, to move in the direction of your values.
The ultimate goal is to be able to live a full and meaningful life, while being able to experience the unpleasant emotions that life necessarily brings with it. ACT is particularly beneficial in moments of crisis when the true direction and purpose of life might be lost
The prices for services are standard rates and apply for many of my clients.
Please view the service page for more information.