Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT; pronounced “act”) is an evidence-based approach to psychological treatment that integrates common cognitive and behavioural techniques with more modern skills (e.g., mindfulness and visualisation). Research has shown that it can help people who are experiencing symptoms of depression, anxiety, adjustment disorder, alcohol and other drug problems, eating disorders, relationship difficulties, and general life stress.

One assumption of the ACT model is that life is full of rich emotional experiences, which can be both pleasant and unpleasant. In ACT, clients are supported to accept (or make room) for difficult psychological experiences that may be outside of their control and commit to action that is likely to lead to a more rich and meaningful life focused on one’s core values. This process can subsequently reduce the symptoms of psychological distress.

Psychologists that draw on ACT may teach clients to create distance between painful thoughts and feelings, which can reduce the power that they have on their lives. Psychologists may also help clients to identify the areas of life that are truly important to guide, inspire and motivate meaningful behavioural change in accordance with their values. Mindfulness is a core component of ACT as part of the treatment process is increasing one’s awareness of the inner world (e.g., automatic thoughts). Mindfulness is the practice of increasing one’s awareness of the present moment, while calmly acknowledging one’s thoughts, feelings, and body sensations with openness, curiosity and without judgement.