Do you struggle with unwanted feelings and emotions? Have you tried traditional “CBT” therapy in the past only to find that it didn’t quite work for you? CBT therapy has been tremendously helpful for so many patients, helping them to overcome their inner traumas. However, it’s not the best fit for every patient. Here at Resilient, we offer therapy to help all of our patients to better grow and nurture their inner resilience. For many, the most effective therapy is “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” or “ACT.”
From “FEAR” to “ACT”
Many that we’ve found best benefit from ACT are those who may have negative psychological processes that are holding them back from living a happy life. ACT was essentially constructed around the idea that there are problems that keep us from being able to take necessary behavior steps (in accordance with our core values).
The problems that ACT helps with are usually listed with the acronym “F.E.A.R.” In this context, that stands for “Fusion with your Thoughts,” “Evaluation of Experience,” “Avoidance of your Experience,” and “Reason-giving for your Behavior.”
By that same token, ACT, then, is a healthier, more productive alternative. In addition to standing for “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy,” it can stand for “Accept your Thoughts and Emotions,” “Choose a Valued Direction,” and to “Take Action.” Here at Resilient, we help all of our patients to do exactly that and so much more.
Core Principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
One of the primary goals of ACT is to help patients to, in time, develop a kind of psychological flexibility. This means that the patient learns to “just notice” things, to embrace private events as observing, in particular, those that may have been unwanted in the past.
ACT has six core principles. The first is “Cognitive Defusion.” Essentially, this means developing the skills necessary to not take thoughts, images, emotions, or memories and treat them as if they were real events or physical entities.
“Acceptance” means simply letting unwanted private feelings, urges, and thoughts enter and leave you without battling with them. In time, ACT is meant to help the patient to access an unchanging continuity of consciousness, a transcendent sense of self. This is usually referred to as “The Observing Self.”
Always, ACT is designed to help the patient to keep “Contact with the Present Moment,” by helping them to develop a greater mindfulness, to experience the here and now with an openness, receptiveness, and awareness.
“Values” are an important part of ACT, as they help the patient to find what truly matters to them, and then, ultimately, to take “Committed Action.” That means following those values to make goals and carry them out while living a life with great meaning to the patient.
Treatment for Your Resiliency
ACT can be very powerful and effective, but we’ve found it works best in combination with other therapies, and other treatments. When you or your loved ones arrive at Resilient, we’ll perform a thorough evaluation to determine how best we can help you. Reach out today for more info or to take the next step towards strengthening your resiliency.