What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

What Does ACT Stand For?

ACT stands for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

ACT is a modern psychotherapy approach that helps people develop psychological flexibility by learning to accept difficult thoughts and emotions while taking actions that align with their values.

What Is ACT?

Unlike approaches that focus on eliminating unwanted thoughts, ACT teaches individuals how to make room for uncomfortable experiences without allowing them to control behaviour.

The goal is not to feel good all the time.

The goal is to live a meaningful life even when difficult emotions are present.

How Does ACT Work?

ACT focuses on six core processes:

• Acceptance

• Cognitive Defusion

• Present-Moment Awareness

• Self-as-Context

• Values

• Committed Action

Together these skills help individuals respond more flexibly to life's challenges.

What Can ACT Help With?

• Anxiety

• Depression

• Chronic stress

• Burnout

• Chronic pain

• Perfectionism

• Life transitions

• Self-criticism

Does ACT Work?

Research suggests ACT can be effective for a wide range of mental health concerns and has grown significantly in popularity over the past two decades.

ACT vs CBT

CBT often works to challenge thoughts.

ACT focuses on changing the relationship to thoughts.

Instead of asking:

"Is this thought true?"

ACT may ask:

"Is this thought helping you move toward the life you want?"