Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a contemporary behavior therapy that has been shown to be effective in treating a wide array of psychological difficulties. ACT interventions target thoughts/feelings that function as psychological barriers to behaving in ways that are flexible, adaptive, and consistent with life goals, and help patients build larger patterns of effective action. ACT differs from more traditional cognitive-behavioral therapies in that it does not aim to get rid of difficult thoughts or feelings; rather ACT emphasizes effective, flexible action in the presence of these inevitable experiences and in the service of individually chosen values. As a result of participating in ACT-based groups, patients gain clarity about the core values of their life and learn how behaviors aimed at avoidance and control of difficult thoughts/feelings has derailed them from living the life they would choose.