Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a modern approach to therapy that blends elements of behavior therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Instead of fighting or ignoring your inner thoughts and feelings, ACT encourages you to accept them. ACT empowers you and allows you to choose to not engage with your thoughts. Unlike traditional therapy, which often focuses solely on reducing symptoms, ACT helps you become more psychologically flexible and guides you to take actions that align with your values and goals.

How it works

At the heart of ACT lies a set of core principles aimed at fostering psychological flexibility:

• ACT teaches individuals to acknowledge and accept thoughts as natural and valid aspects of human experience rather than resisting or suppressing unwanted thoughts and emotions.

• ACT teaches individuals to detach themselves from their thoughts, allowing them to see them for what they are – mental events rather than defining truths.

• ACT helps individuals cultivate a heightened awareness of the present moment. By staying present, individuals can better engage with life as it unfolds.

• ACT encourages individuals to recognize that they are more than their thoughts and emotions. By establishing a sense of self that transcends fleeting experiences, individuals can cultivate resilience in the face of adversity.

• ACT helps individuals identify their core values – the guiding principles that give their lives meaning and purpose. By aligning their actions with these values, individuals can create a more fulfilling and authentic life.

• ACT encourages individuals to take purposeful, value-driven actions in pursuit of their goals. By committing to meaningful action, individuals can overcome obstacles and create positive change in their lives.

ACT has been used successfully in tandem with many different treatment modalities. At OnHealing Therapy we use ACT to help our clients learn to both deal with the symptoms of their anxiety and the thoughts that continually fueled by anxiety.

If you’re looking to start your journey to a more accepting you through Acceptance and Commitment therapy in San Antonio, TX, please reach out to OnHealing Therapy.