ACT is an action-oriented psychological treatment that stems from traditional behavioural therapy and CBT. It teaches people to stop avoiding, denying, and struggling with their thoughts and emotions and, instead, accept that these are appropriate responses to certain situations that should not prevent them from moving forward with their lives.
ACT can help treat many psychological problems such as depression, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, workplace stress, and chronic pain. ACT aims to develop and expand psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility encompasses emotional openness and the ability to adapt your thoughts and behaviours to better align with your values and goals.
Six core processes
psychological flexibility
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Acceptance: Acknowledging and embracing the full range of your thoughts and emotions rather than trying to avoid, deny, or alter them.
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Cognitive defusion: Distancing yourself from and changing the way you react to distressing thoughts and feelings, which will mitigate their harmful effects.
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Being present: Being mindful in the present moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judging them or trying to control or change them.
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Self as context: Recognizing that you are more than your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
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Values: Choosing personal values in different domains and striving to live according to those principles.
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Committed action: Taking concrete steps to incorporate changes that will align with your values and lead to positive change.