What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of therapy that helps people improve their mental well-being by teaching them to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or avoiding them. It is based on the idea that struggling with unpleasant emotions and thoughts can make them worse, and that accepting them can lead to a better quality of life.

ACT focuses on mindfulness, which means being aware of the present moment without judgment. The goal is not to get rid of negative feelings, but to learn how to live with them in a healthy way. In ACT, you work on identifying your core values – the things that are truly important to you, like relationships, personal growth, or helping others. By connecting with these values, ACT helps you commit to actions that align with them, even when difficult emotions arise.

A key part of ACT is learning to let go of unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that might hold you back. For example, instead of trying to control or eliminate negative thoughts like “I’m not good enough,” ACT teaches you to notice them without getting caught up in them. This allows you to focus on what truly matters to you.

ACT also encourages you to commit to positive actions that reflect your values, even when it’s hard. Over time, this can help you build resilience, improve your emotional well-being, and live a more fulfilling life.

In summary, ACT helps you accept your thoughts and feelings, focus on your values, and take action toward a life that aligns with what’s truly important to you. It’s a powerful way to improve mental health by building acceptance, mindfulness, and purposeful action.