Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in London

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (known as ACT) is a third wave psychotherapeutic approach that focuses on improving psychological flexibility and utilising mindfulness skills. ACT combines mindfulness techniques with commitment and behaviour change strategies resulting in increased psychological flexibility. Increased psychological flexibility refers to the ability to bring awareness to the present moment and exercising behaviour that reflects your values system.

ACT is rooted in Relational Frame Theory and focuses on self-language used when faced with adversity or challenge and impact this has. Using ACT will help you to accept what is beyond your control and commit to having a healthy response to challenging situations to manage feelings and emotional state.

How does ACT work?

While attending ACT sessions, you will:

• assess the primary areas of your life (such as family, career, educational endeavours, family, spiritual influence) and together, you will create an understanding of your goals for treatment and your values system.
• learn and practise techniques in the office with your therapist and outside of the office on your own. You may be asked to complete practise tasks in the form of “homework” which can entail journaling, making lists, or completing a worksheet provided by the therapist.
• practise using mindfulness (being present in situations) and practice this technique in and out of the office.
• participate in sessions that occur one time per week and last approximately 50 minutes.