Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based behavioral treatment that has been shown to be effective for youth and adults cope with a range of psychological and medical conditions including anxiety, depression, OCD, and substance use.
ACT is based on the idea that our “go-to” strategies to manage difficult thoughts and feelings–typically, pushing away thoughts/feelings or allowing thoughts/feelings to control our behavior–do not work in the long run. In ACT, an individual learns how to effectively understand, accept, and cope with difficult emotions and situations, “loosen the grip” of unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, and take action based on what is most important in their life (their “values”).
ACT is designed to:
- Reduce suffering through use of mindfulness, self-compassion, and acceptance-based coping skills;
- Help individuals identify their values;
- And, use behavioral skills to increase values-consistent behaviors in everyday life.
