Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an approach that blends mindfulness and self-compassion with a commitment to value-aligned action. It starts with increasing awareness of your behaviours, feelings and thoughts and deciding when they are moving you towards or away from your goals. Next, it offers strategies to develop a caring relationship with these experiences. Finally, it involves unhooking from inner experiences and taking committed action toward your goals and values. At its core, it aims to shift your relationship to symptoms so you can drop the struggle with them and re-engage in meaningful life events.
When can it be helpful?
ACT can be supportive for several challenges including, depression, anxiety, ADHD, self-doubt, anger, grief, substance use disorders and more. It can also be helpful for personal growth and life transitions.
What does it involve?
Doing ACT therapy may include exploring your inner experiences, including increasing your capacity to allow them, learning tools to unhook from getting stuck in them, and building compassion for yourself. It can also include strategies to identify your values and meaningful life goals and take action toward them.
How can I get started with ACT?
If you are interested in ACT to support your journey, you can reach out to book a free consultation with any of the therapists listed below.