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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
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