Psychology South Essex

Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)

“Accept what is out of your personal control and commit to action that improves and enriches your life” Dr Russ Harris

ACT is a form of behaviour therapy, the goal of which is to create a rich and meaningful life, while accepting that psychological pain or distress is part of it.  ACT encourages the practice of mindfulness, defined here as “consciously bringing awareness to your here-and-now experience with openness, interest and receptiveness” (Harris, 2006). ACT encourages us to accept thoughts and feelings for just what they are - passing events.  Thoughts are not facts, and thoughts and feelings are not harmful or dangerous.  By developing skills such as acceptance, defusion (distancing or disconnecting from mental events or thoughts), maintaining or reconnecting with the present moment, and observing the self, we can learn to live in a more meaningful and connected way.