ACT

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a cognitive behavioral therapy approach that helps people cope better with difficult emotions and thoughts, rather than fighting them. The main goal of ACT is to help people live in accordance with their values, even in the face of difficult experiences.

Key principles of ACT:

Acceptance:
Rather than avoiding or fighting difficult emotions and thoughts, ACT teaches people how to accept them. Acceptance means accepting these experiences as they are, without trying to change them. This frees up energy for the activities that really matter.
Connecting with the present moment:
ACT emphasises being aware and present in the moment. Mindfulness exercises help people focus on the "here and now," rather than the past or future. This supports a better understanding of their thoughts and emotions.
Cognitive defusion:
In ACT, patients learn to distance themselves from their thoughts, rather than taking them as absolute truth. Through defusion, thoughts become just thoughts, not reality, which allows for greater flexibility in action.
Self as Context:
The patient learns to see themselves as the observer of their thoughts and emotions, not their victim. This perspective helps them understand that thoughts and emotions are transient and do not define the person.
Values:
ACT helps the patient identify what is truly important to them in life—their values. Values provide a guide to action, no matter what difficulties arise.
Committed Action:
ACT is about taking action that is consistent with one’s values, even when accompanied by difficult thoughts and emotions. This means that the patient learns to take steps toward important goals, even when discomfort occurs.

ACT is not about “fixing” thoughts or feelings, but about learning how to live a full and meaningful life despite difficult experiences. This therapy helps patients develop psychological flexibility, which allows them to better cope with challenges and live in accordance with their values.

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