ACT (said just like the word “act”) is a scientifically based psychotherapy that considers suffering to be directly connected to our relationship with our thoughts and feelings. When we are suffering, we try to get rid of painful experiences such as anxiety, sadness, anger, negative thoughts, and bad memories. Sometimes this effort to eliminate pain becomes a source of pain itself and, over time, this effort is what our lives come to be about.

The goal of this approach is to help us work on changing the way we relate to our thoughts and feelings. If thoughts and feelings are no longer a source of suffering, then we can build a better life based upon our deepest values. While this approach to our thoughts and feelings cannot eliminate pain (since the occurrence of painful events is beyond our control), it may reduce our suffering.

The main goals of ACT are to:

1) help you accept what is out of our personal control,

2) clarify what is truly important and meaningful to you, and

3) commit to taking action that is in a direction that you value now or valued at some time in the past.

Another way to think of the goals of ACT is:

A – Accept your thoughts and feelings

C – Choose a valued direction

T – Take action

What will I learn in ACT?

ACT is not based on helping you get rid of unhelpful thoughts or unpleasant feelings, but rather ACT is about helping you step out of the struggle.

In ACT, we do not work on making you think differently; instead we help you to “see” your thoughts in such as way that they don’t continue to have such a negative impact in your life.

In ACT, we also do not try to change emotions; rather we focus on acceptance of emotions in such a way that you can “carry” emotions with you and still live the kind of life you want to live.

How is ACT different from other types of psychotherapy?

ACT is a very active therapy. Your therapist may ask you to participate in experiential exercises in session to help you learn new skills. You and your therapist may also develop activities for you to practice in-between sessions.

What types of problems is ACT used to treat?

ACT has been shown to help people cope with a wide variety of problems, including depression, anxiety, stress, substance abuse, chronic pain, psychotic symptoms, weight control, smoking cessation, and self-management of diabetes.

More info about ACT.