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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be an effective treatment for anxiety, stress, and pain. Here, we explain what ACT is and how it works.
What is ACT?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a newer form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Like CBT, it focuses on thoughts, feelings, and behaviours but adds elements of acceptance and mindfulness.
It aims to increase the client’s psychological flexibility so that can live life the way they want. ACT is helpful for many conditions such as depression, stress, anxiety and pain.
Lavendla has psychologists and therapists who can help you if you want to try ACT therapy.
What set our therapist apart was her genuine empathy and personal insight. Not only did she possess a deep understanding of neurodiversity, but she also shared personal experiences that resonated with us, creating an instant connection and fostering a sense of trust!
Benedetta Osarenk
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What is ACT therapy?
ACT is based on a theory called Relational Frame Theory (RFT), which focuses on language, and how it is developed and learned. Language and thinking can create significant suffering and mental health problems. Changing the way you relate to thoughts can reduce these problems. Act therapy focuses on:
- Acceptance: Instead of resisting or suppressing unpleasant thoughts and feelings, they are accepted as a natural part of life
- Cognitive defusion is specific to ACT and involves observing thoughts to create distance from them rather than seeing them as truths. It can create flexibility and choice
- Mindfulness: Practising being aware of and present in the moment without judging or evaluating
- Values-based action: Seeks to find the client’s values and live by them, even if this means facing discomfort
- Commitment: “Commitment” in ACT stands for committing to work towards your personal goals and values despite obstacles and difficulties.
Lavendla therapist Marco Thiele said the following: “Using ACT with my clients is an inner journey, where we help them develop the courage to accept their current situation, to work on the changes they want, to discover which thoughts are helpful and to dare to take actions in line with their values.”
The value-based approach is an integral part of ACT treatment and is a way to move forward in therapy. Marco Thiele also said: “When we live in line with our values, our well-being increases for the better. In the end, our thoughts are just thoughts that cannot be controlled. We can only change our actions”.
If you are interested in attending ACT therapy, please get in touch with any of our therapists who work with this treatment method.
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ACT for anxiety
ACT is an effective treatment method for conditions such as anxiety, depression, stress, and chronic pain. It uses various techniques and exercises to promote these principles and support clients in making meaningful changes. Individual treatment and group therapy is possible with ACT.
Focused ACT (FACT)
Focused ACT is a shorter form of ACT treatment focusing on a specific problem. It can be similar to counselling. FACT treatment takes around 1-5 sessions. FACT works with the assumption that most people can deal with the problems they face with a bit of support. This may involve learning acceptance strategies, practising mindfulness and finding ways forward based on valued direction. FACT is a more straightforward way of working with ACT that can help with more minor problems.
ACT therapy online
ACT can be conducted online via video. At Lavendla, all of our sessions are digital. If you are curious about ACT, please book a session.
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12 FAQs about ACT
What is ACT?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). It focuses on thoughts, feelings, and behaviours but adds elements of acceptance and mindfulness.
How does act therapy work?
Act therapy involves working with the therapist to set goals and work from a valued direction. It uses techniques based on acceptance, mindfulness and cognition to reduce avoidance and live the life you want to live.
What is the purpose of ACT?
In ACT, therapy aims to help clients overcome their problems and live according to what is essential.
How long is an ACT treatment?
The length of ACT treatment can vary depending on the complexity of the problem. It usually ranges from 1 to 20 sessions. Focused ACT (FACT) treatment is shorter.
What exercises and techniques are used in ACT?
ACT uses different exercises and techniques to change thoughts, feelings and behaviours. These include cognitive defusion, acceptance and mindfulness exercises.
What is the basis of ACT?
ACT is based on Relational Frame Theory (RFT), which focuses on language and its development and learning. Language can create suffering, and you can reduce issues by changing how you relate to your thoughts.
Can you get ACT online?
Yes, at Lavendla, all our sessions are held online via video.
What is the difference between ACT and CBT?
The difference between ACT and CBT is that ACT does not focus on changing thoughts but rather on accepting them. ACT also includes more work on mindfulness.
What is Focused ACT (FACT)?
FACT is a shorter form of ACT that focuses on one problem. The therapy usually lasts 1-5 sessions.
What is mindfulness?
Mindfulness is a tool that involves practising being in the present moment without judging or evaluating.
What is ACT helpful for?
ACT is helpful if you suffer from stress, anxiety, depression and pain, among other things.
Where can I turn if I need help?
At Lavendla, we have experienced psychologists and therapists who work with ACT. If you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide, contact the Suicide Crisis Line at 0800 567 567 or your nearest emergency room.
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