Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based form of therapy that focuses on helping people become more mindful and emotionally aware, while also learning to accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment or criticism. This type of therapy has been found to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, including anxiety disorders. 

It helps individuals understand the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, while also equipping them with tools to manage difficult emotions.

ACT uses acceptance and mindfulness techniques to help individuals become more aware of their emotional states and to learn to take action in the present moment instead of running away from uncomfortable feelings. 

The art of facing rather than avoiding uncomfortable situations and emotions is the backbone of effective exposure work – and is proven to be the single most potent technique for phobias.  

Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) was created by Dr. Steven Hayes, an American clinical psychologist and professor at the University of Nevada. He developed this approach to psychotherapy in 1986 with the purpose of helping individuals work through their mental health issues in a more constructive way.

ACT combines traditional behavior therapy methods with mindfulness techniques to help individuals identify and accept their thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgment. This helps them become more aware of how they react to stressful situations, enabling them to change their behavior in order to move toward a healthier life. 

ACT is based on the idea that by accepting difficult emotions as part of life and learning to shift focus away from negative thoughts and behaviors, individuals can create their own meaningful and purposeful lives. 

A critical technique in ACT is Cognitive Defusion – which helps our clients untangle themselves from painful thoughts, feelings, and views of themselves. Cognitive Defusion helps us all take a step back and view the thought or feeling objectively instead of being consumed by it. This can be done through different exercises such as metaphors, reframing thoughts, and self-talk. 

Cognitive Defusion can help people learn to accept rather than resist their thoughts, feelings, and sensations in order to live more fully and in line with their values. 

By working with a therapist to customize an ACT approach for anxiety treatment, individuals can learn how to manage their emotions and take action in the present moment instead of being overwhelmed by fear and worry. This allows them to live more fully in the present and make better choices about how they want to move forward with their lives.

To learn more about our therapists and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), please contact Kairos Wellness Collective today.