At some point, most of us pause and ask ourselves a version of the same question. Is this actually the life I want? It might come during a difficult period — a job that’s lost its meaning, a relationship under strain, a health scare that reorders your priorities. Or it might arrive quietly, in an […]
Category: Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT)
The Happiness Trap
What Science Says About Joy, Meaning, and the Good Life Most of us want to be happy. We work towards it, plan for it, sometimes bargain with ourselves over it: “I’ll be happy when I get the promotion.” “I’ll feel better once things settle down.” But what if some of the ways we pursue happiness […]
The History of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
A modern counselling approach backed by decades of research If you have been looking into counselling options, you may have come across the term “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” — often shortened to ACT (pronounced as the word “act”). ACT is an evidence-based counselling approach that helps people develop psychological flexibility: the ability to handle difficult […]
Five Quick Mindfulness Techniques You Can Use Every Day
When people hear the word mindfulness, they often imagine long meditation sessions or needing to completely clear their mind. In reality, mindfulness can be simple, practical, and woven into even the busiest day. At its heart, mindfulness is about gently bringing your attention to the present moment—without judgement. And the good news is, even brief moments […]
Using An ABC Journal
Using an ABC Journal in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) In counselling, one of the simplest yet most powerful tools you may be introduced to is an ABC journal. This approach, often used alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), can help you better understand how your thoughts, feelings, and actions interact in everyday life. An ABC journal […]
Seven Stages of Counselling: What to Expect
Starting counselling can feel like a big step. Many people are unsure what will actually happen in sessions or how the process works. While every person’s journey is unique, counselling often moves through several broad stages that help create a safe, supportive and meaningful process for change. In approaches such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), […]
Who’s Driving Your Bus?
Who’s Driving Your Bus? – An ACT Metaphor for Life In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we often use simple metaphors to explain big ideas. One of the most helpful is the Driver of the Bus metaphor. Imagine your life is like a bus journey. You are the driver. The bus is heading in the direction of what matters […]
Why We Use Metaphors in ACT Therapy
In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you might notice we use stories and images rather than just talking in technical terms. You may hear about things like passengers on a bus, tug-of-war with a monster, or leaves floating down a stream. This isn’t to be clever or confusing — it’s because metaphors help people understand their inner world […]
Understanding Functional Analysis
Understanding Functional Analysis in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) If you’ve ever felt stuck in unhelpful patterns—whether it’s worrying, avoiding situations, or struggling with negative emotions—you might have wondered why it’s so hard to change. In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), one tool that helps make sense of these patterns is Functional Analysis. What Is Functional […]
Understanding Functional Analysis
Understanding Functional Analysis and Its Role in ACT Therapy When you begin counselling, you might hear your therapist use terms that sound a bit technical at first. One of these is functional analysis. Don’t worry – it’s not as complicated as it sounds. In fact, it’s one of the most practical and helpful tools we have […]