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), […]
Tag: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
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 […]
The Happiness Trap by Dr. Russ Harris
Book Summary: The Happiness Trap by Dr. Russ Harris Why Struggling to Feel Happy Might Be Making Things Worse In today’s culture, we’re constantly bombarded with messages telling us we should always feel happy, confident, and positive. But what if this relentless pursuit of happiness is actually making us miserable? In The Happiness Trap, Dr. […]
Unhooking from Unwanted Thoughts and Feelings
Unhooking from Unwanted Thoughts and Feelings: An Introduction to Defusion in ACT Our minds are constantly buzzing with thoughts—some helpful, some neutral, and others that can pull us into a cycle of worry, self-criticism, or distress. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a unique approach to dealing with difficult thoughts and emotions, one of which […]
Stop Saying “But” – Use “And” Instead
Stop Saying “But” – Use “And” Instead: A Simple Shift for Better Communication Have you ever noticed how the word “but” can shut down a conversation, create defensiveness, or even diminish the power of your own words? While it may seem like a harmless conjunction, “but” often acts as a roadblock in communication. On the […]
ACT and the “Myths” of Mental Health
ACT and the “Myths” of Mental Health: Embracing a New Perspective In an era where self-help culture, quick fixes, and “positive vibes only” messaging have become widespread, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) stands out as a fresh, grounded approach to mental health. ACT challenges a set of common assumptions—or “myths”—about what it means to be […]