What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):

If you find yourself struggling with painful thoughts, feelings, memories or circumstances that are holding you back from living the life you want, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) may be an empowering approach to explore.

At its core, ACT helps individuals develop psychological flexibility – the ability to fully experience the present moment with an open and non-judgmental stance. Rather than fighting difficult internal experiences, ACT teaches mindfulness skills to simply notice and accept them as they arise.

Through metaphors, experiential exercises, and guided mindfulness practices, you'll learn to unhook from the struggle against painful thoughts and emotions that often causes more suffering. ACT helps you make room for difficulty while refocusing on taking action guided by your core values.

A key ACT concept is cognitive diffusion - creating distance from unhelpful thoughts by seeing them as mere words or stories, rather than literal truths or directives to be obeyed. You'll practice viewing thoughts with healthy detachment.

Another vital ACT component involves identifying personal values – those qualities of being that are most important like relationships, growth, integrity. Then committing to taking concrete steps, even when difficult, aligned with living out those values.

Instead of aiming to eliminate discomfort, a guiding ACT principle is making peace with present difficulties while taking value-guided action to create a rich, meaningful life. With curiosity and compassion, you'll develop the flexibility to be fully present - embracing pleasant and unpleasant experiences alike.