Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a modern form of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) that emphasises mindfulness, acceptance, and values-driven action.
Instead of trying to eliminate difficult feelings, ACT encourages individuals to accept them as a natural part of life while committing to behaviours that align with their core values.
The goal is to help people live meaningful, fulfilling lives, even in the presence of emotional pain or discomfort. ACT uses mindfulness techniques to help individuals be present in the moment, defuse negative thoughts, and take committed action toward their goals, fostering psychological flexibility.
WHAT IS
ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a modern form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that emphasises mindfulness, acceptance, and values-driven action.
Instead of trying to eliminate difficult feelings, ACT encourages individuals to accept them as a natural part of life while committing to behaviors that align with their core values.
The goal is to help people live meaningful, fulfilling lives, even in the presence of emotional pain or discomfort. ACT uses mindfulness techniques to help individuals be present in the moment, defuse negative thoughts, and take committed action toward their goals, fostering psychological flexibility.
WHAT IS
ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY?
ACT involves six core processes: acceptance, cognitive defusion, mindfulness, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action.
Instead of trying to fight or suppress difficult thoughts and emotions, clients learn to accept them and make space for them, while detaching from their influence.
Through mindfulness exercises, clients learn to stay present and observe their thoughts without judgment. Values clarification helps individuals identify what truly matters to them, and therapy focuses on taking meaningful action toward these values, even in the presence of difficult emotions.
Over time, this process builds psychological flexibility, enabling clients to live more fully.
HOW DOES
act WORK?
- Anxiety disorders: Helps individuals accept anxious thoughts and feelings while taking meaningful action despite them.
- Depression: Encourages individuals to engage in value-driven behaviors rather than being dominated by depressive thoughts.
- Chronic pain and illness: Teaches acceptance of physical discomfort while focusing on living a fulfilling life.
- Stress management: Reduces stress by promoting mindfulness and acceptance of difficult emotions.
- Addictions and substance use: Helps individuals break free from destructive behaviors by aligning actions with core values.
- PTSD and trauma: Provides tools for accepting and processing traumatic memories while moving toward meaningful life goals.
What Issues Can ACt Help With?
ACT is ideal for people who are open to mindfulness practices and value-driven action. It may also appeal to individuals seeking a holistic approach that emphasizes personal growth and psychological flexibility.
However, it may not be suitable for those looking for quick symptom relief without exploring deeper emotional acceptance.
Who is
ACT Therapy Best For?
ACT involves six core processes: acceptance, cognitive defusion, mindfulness, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action.
Instead of trying to fight or suppress difficult thoughts and emotions, clients learn to accept them and make space for them, while detaching from their influence.
Through mindfulness exercises, clients learn to stay present and observe their thoughts without judgment. Values clarification helps individuals identify what truly matters to them, and therapy focuses on taking meaningful action toward these values, even in the presence of difficult emotions.
Over time, this process builds psychological flexibility, enabling clients to live more fully.
HOW DOES aCCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY WORK?
- Anxiety disorders: Helps individuals accept anxious thoughts and feelings while taking meaningful action despite them.
- Depression: Encourages individuals to engage in value-driven behaviors rather than being dominated by depressive thoughts.
- PTSD and trauma: Provides tools for accepting and processing traumatic memories while moving toward meaningful life goals.
ACT is also useful for improving overall emotional resilience and psychological flexibility.
What Issues Can
act Help With?
ACT is ideal for people who are open to mindfulness practices and value-driven action. It may also appeal to individuals seeking a holistic approach that emphasizes personal growth and psychological flexibility.
However, it may not be suitable for those looking for quick symptom relief without exploring deeper emotional acceptance.
Who is
ACT Therapy Best For?
ACT can vary in duration depending on the individual’s needs, but therapy typically lasts between 8 to 16 sessions, with weekly appointments lasting 50 minutes.
Some clients may continue for longer if they’re working on deep-rooted issues, while others may find the core principles helpful in a shorter time frame.
ACT is an adaptable approach, and the duration of treatment often depends on how quickly the client can develop acceptance, mindfulness, and committed action aligned with their values.
DURATION & FREQUENCY OF
Acceptance and commitment THERAPY
ACT can vary in duration depending on the individual’s needs, but therapy typically lasts between 8 to 16 sessions, with weekly appointments lasting 50 minutes.
Some clients may continue for longer if they’re working on deep-rooted issues, while others may find the core principles helpful in a shorter time frame.
ACT is an adaptable approach, and the duration of treatment often depends on how quickly the client can develop acceptance, mindfulness, and committed action aligned with their values.
DURATION & FREQUENCY OF
ACCEPTANCE AND
COMMITMENT THERAPY
How does ACT differ from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
1
Can ACT help with chronic pain or illness?
2
How long does it take to see results with ACT?
3
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
While both ACT and CBT are evidence-based therapies, ACT focuses on accepting difficult emotions and thoughts rather than trying to change or challenge them. ACT uses mindfulness and values-driven action to help individuals live meaningfully, even in the presence of emotional pain, whereas CBT emphasizes changing negative thought patterns to improve emotional well-being.
Many clients notice improvements after 6 to 12 sessions of EMDR therapy, though the number of sessions required can vary based on the severity and complexity of the trauma being treated. Some individuals with multiple traumatic events may need additional sessions for optimal results.
Many clients begin to notice improvements after 8 to 16 sessions of ACT. The timeline depends on the individual’s readiness to accept their emotions and commit to value-driven actions, but the flexible and adaptable nature of ACT means that clients can experience benefits relatively quickly.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps individuals accept difficult emotions and live lives aligned with their core values.
Below, we’ve answered some common questions about ACT, including how it works, what it treats, and how long it typically takes to see results. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or chronic pain, this FAQ will provide helpful insights into whether ACT might be the right therapy for you.
How does ACT differ from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)?
1
FREQUENTLY ASKED
QUESTIONS
Below, we’ve answered some common questions about ACT, including how it works, what it treats, and how long it typically takes to see results.
Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or chronic pain, this FAQ will provide helpful insights into whether ACT might be the right therapy for you.
During the initial call, we’ll take the time to listen to your story, understand your needs, and discuss what you’re looking for in a therapist. It’s a relaxed and supportive conversation that helps us gather all the details needed to make the best possible match for you.
Can "ACT" help with chronic pain or illness?
2
Many clients notice improvements after 6 to 12 sessions of EMDR therapy, though the number of sessions required can vary based on the severity and complexity of the trauma being treated. Some individuals with multiple traumatic events may need additional sessions for optimal results.
How long does it take to see results with "ACT" ?
3
Many clients begin to notice improvements after 8 to 16 sessions of ACT. The timeline depends on the individual’s readiness to accept their emotions and commit to value-driven actions, but the flexible and adaptable nature of ACT means that clients can experience benefits relatively quickly.
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FORM
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- Attend your local Accident & Emergency (A&E) department or call the
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ENQUIRY
FORM
- Attend your local Accident & Emergency (A&E) department or call
support.
- Contact your GP. Your GP will be able to discuss options to best
- Telephone The Samaritans on 116123. The Samaritans offer a listening