Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
You may be asking what is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
The acronym ACT simply means:
Accept thoughts and feelings and be present
Choose a valued direction
Take action
Through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy you will learn to :
- embrace, learn from, and accept thoughts and feelings
- be present
- work to change behaviors that are in line with your values
Easier said than done! Whether it be pain from the past, problems in the present, or fears about the future we can work together to direct your attention to where it needs to go, to be more effective, and build the life that's important to you.
There is evidence to support that ACT has been effective in treating disorders such as depression, anxiety, chronic pain, obsessive-compulsive disorders, stress, life transitions, or general discontent in some areas of life. While caregivers and family members may not experience one of the above diagnoses, ACT does provide exercises to allow individuals to adapt to challenging situations in life by being aware, open, and committed to behaviors that are in line with their values.
As an ACT counselor, I will help clients of any age to:
- evaluate current ways of coping with and responding to difficult thoughts and feelings
- recognize the need for more effective ways to cope and respond to difficult thoughts and feelings.
- identify core values (what's truly important and meaningful to a person)
- learn strategies to change behavior, allowing for a more consistent demonstration of their values.
- apply techniques and strategies to manage inner experiences without letting them restrict their ability to function or enjoy life.