Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an action-oriented psychotherapy with roots in behavioral therapy and cognitive behavioral therapy that can be used to help a variety of mental health disorders.
What is ACT?
Negative emotions are a part of the human experience and ACT recognizes that trying to control these emotions is counterproductive. Rather than struggling with these emotions, ACT helps people accept these emotions and experiences as they come and commit to taking the necessary steps for positive change.
ACT uses the goal-oriented approach found in other forms of psychotherapy in order to help clients manage their emotions and reactions. It can help treat a variety of mental health disorder including:
- Anxiety disorders
- Depression
- Stress
- Substance use disorders
- Phobias
- Chronic pain
When negative thoughts, emotions, and memories pop into our head, it is normal to try to avoid or deny them. ACT helps us move past them, rather than spend energy fighting them.
Core Principles of ACT
The goal of acceptance and commitment therapy is to create a happy and meaningful life, regardless of any challenges and pain that comes with it. This is done through expanding one’s psychological flexibility through mindfulness, accepting all aspects of life, and committing to the necessary steps to see positive change that properly aligns with your personal values. ACT recognizes four subsets of mindfulness.
ACCEPTANCE
Acceptance is recognizing and acknowledging your inner thoughts, feelings, urges, and pain without judgment. Accept them as they come and go, rather than avoid, deny, or struggle with them.
COGNITIVE DEFUSION
Clients learn to view thoughts, memories, and emotions as nothing more than bits of language, pictures, or words. This allows an individual to take some of the power away from things that were previously viewed as negative or threatening.
CONTACT WITH THE PRESENT MOMENT
Mindfulness in the present moment Is the practice of being fully engaged in the here and now. Focus on and engage in the present experience with the present people with openness, receptiveness, and interest.
THE OBSERVING SELF
ACT helps clients separate their sense of self from their thoughts, feelings, memories, senses, and physical body. An individual’s unchanging and ever-present consciousness is the core of who they are, all other aspects are ever changing.
What We Treat
If you are struggling with your mental health, substance abuse, or both, we are here to help you regain control over your life. Our inpatient, outpatient, and partial hospitalization programs are designed to treat a wide variety of mental, behavioral, and co-occurring disorders in a comfortable setting.
Mental Health
We diagnose and treat a wide variety of mental health disorders, including trauma effects, dual diagnosis, depression, anxiety, PTSD, bipolar disorder, and codependency.
Addiction
Substance use disorders we treat include addiction to alcohol, opiates, fentanyl and prescription opioids, methamphetamine and other stimulants, benzodiazepines, cannabis, and other psychoactive substances.
Other Behavioral Health Concerns
A mental health crisis can be layered and confusing. If you don’t see your disorder listed—or don’t know exactly why you are struggling—reach out to us to see how we can help. We treat each client at Sequoia on a personal level, and we’re ready to help you overcome whatever you may be facing.
Ready to Start Your Healing Journey?
Our experienced, compassionate team is here for you. Reach out to us today by calling us or scheduling a conversation at a time that works for you. All information will be kept private and confidential.
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