Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of counselling that helps people learn to live in the present moment and develop psychological flexibility. ACT has been found to be helpful in addressing a wide range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, stress, and addiction. In this post, we’ll explore how ACT can address some common reasons for attending counselling.
- Negative thoughts and emotions are a common reason why people seek counselling. ACT helps people learn to accept negative thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them. Instead of trying to change or avoid these feelings, ACT teaches individuals to view them in a different way, as just thoughts and feelings that come and go.
- Difficulty coping with stress Stress is a normal part of life, but when it becomes overwhelming, it can lead to mental health concerns. ACT helps people develop mindfulness skills, which can reduce stress and improve coping ability. By being more present and aware of their thoughts and emotions, individuals can learn to respond to stress in a more effective way.
- Feeling lost or unsure of one’s direction in life can be a source of stress and anxiety. ACT helps people identify their values and set goals based on those values. This helps individuals create a sense of purpose and direction in their lives, which can improve mental health and well-being.
Here are some specific ACT techniques that can be helpful in addressing these concerns:
- Mindfulness is the practice of being fully present and aware in the present moment. This technique has been found to be helpful in reducing stress and anxiety. Mindfulness can involve techniques like deep breathing, meditation, and body scans. Research has shown that mindfulness can help reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Defusion involves learning to observe thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them. This technique helps individuals distance themselves from negative thoughts and emotions, reducing their impact. Research has shown that defusion can be helpful in reducing symptoms of anxiety and depression.
- Values clarification involves identifying the values that are most important to an individual and setting goals based on those values. This technique can be helpful in creating a sense of purpose and direction in life. Research has shown that values clarification can be helpful in reducing symptoms of depression and improving quality of life.
In conclusion, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can be a helpful approach for individuals seeking counselling. By teaching mindfulness, defusion, and values clarification techniques, ACT can help individuals better manage negative thoughts and emotions, cope with stress, and find direction and purpose in their lives.
If you’d like to explore how ACT can help you, make an appointment here.