I am a chartered clinical psychologist who works with individuals experiencing a wide range of issues including depression, grief, abuse, complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety and self-harm.
I am a chartered clinical psychologist who works with individuals experiencing a wide range of issues including depression, grief, abuse, complex trauma, PTSD, anxiety and self-harm.
- Russ Harris
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a unique and creative model for both therapy and coaching, based on the innovative use of mindfulness and values. The aim of ACT is to maximise our potential for a rich, full and meaningful life while accepting the pain that inevitably goes with it and to cultivate health, vitality and well-being through mindful values-based living.
The name of this therapy comes from two of its key themes: acceptance: learning how to accept those things that are out of your control, and commitment: committing to changing those things that can be changed to make your life better.
From an ACT perspective, emotional problems may develop as a result of struggling to control or avoid painful thoughts, feelings and life experiences. A core assumption of ACT is that problems are maintained by the short term avoidance of painful experiences (thoughts, feelings, memories etc).
ACT also assumes psychological pain can occur when people believe that their private experiences (thoughts & feelings) are accurate descriptions of reality and become “fused” or entangled with the content of their minds.
Acceptance in ACT is not about simply tolerating unwanted experiences, it’s not about ‘soldiering on’ either. Rather, it involves a willingness to experience those distressing emotions and at the same time behaving consistently with important values. Values in ACT refer to your heart’s deepest desires; what matters to you, what you want to do and what you want your life to stand for. Using this information as the main guide for treatment, ACT looks at how you can set goals, overcome obstacles and take action to change your life for the better - and in the process, develop a sense of meaning, purpose and vitality.
Research suggests that ACT can be beneficial for people experiencing a wide range of problems including; depression, chronic pain, physical health, eating disorders, anxiety, stress, self-harm, substance abuse and psychotic symptoms.
ACT has a strong history of empirical evaluation; both outcomes of ACT therapy and processes of change have been researched. There are around 60 randomized controlled trials published or in press. Studies indicate ACT is an effective treatment for a variety of difficulties including anxiety, depression and chronic pain. Further information regarding ACT research can be found on the website of the Association for Contextual Behavioural Science: www.contextualpsychology.org