< shift/library / mental_health

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

mental_health · medium · 2-3 hours/week

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

Third-wave behavioral therapy based on psychological flexibility — learning to accept difficult thoughts/feelings while committing to values-aligned action. Effective for anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and addiction.

Is there evidence for it?

EVIDENCEstrong

How do you do Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

  1. 1.Work with an ACT-trained therapist for 8-16 weekly sessions
  2. 2.Practice cognitive defusion: notice thoughts as thoughts ('I'm having the thought that...') rather than facts
  3. 3.Identify your core values across life domains (relationships, work, health, growth) using a values card sort
  4. 4.Practice acceptance: willingly make room for uncomfortable feelings without trying to eliminate them
  5. 5.Take committed action: set small, values-consistent behavioral goals each week and follow through

How long does it take?

2-3 hours/week.

Is it hard to start?

medium.

Source: Steven Hayes (developer); six core principles; shown effective in RCTs for anxiety, depression, psychosis, addiction
therapy · acceptance · values · psychological-flexibility · mindfulness
> find what fits you

Related in mental_health

EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing)Trauma-focused therapy using bilateral stimulation (typically eye movements) while recalling distressing...Cognitive Defusion ExercisesACT-based techniques for 'unhooking' from distressing thoughts by changing your relationship with thoughts...5-4-3-2-1 Grounding TechniqueThe fastest grounding technique for anxiety, panic, or dissociation: name 5 things you see, 4 you can touch...PTSD Grounding ToolkitA portable set of grounding techniques for flashbacks, dissociation, and hyperarousal. These aren't therapy —...Self-Directed Neuroplasticity (Schwartz 4-Step Method)Jeffrey Schwartz's 4-Step Method, developed at UCLA for OCD treatment, is a self-directed neuroplasticity...Polyvagal Exercises (Vagal Toning)Strengthen your vagus nerve — the brain-body highway that controls your calm-down response. A strong vagal...

> everything in mental_health

This is one entry from the library Shift matches against. It is general information, not advice about you, and nothing on this page came from anyone's conversation.