Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) addresses the attempt or desire to suppress negative internal experiences, such as emotions, thoughts, or bodily sensations. These therapy sessions help clients in gradually learning to recognize difficulties instead of denying or ignoring them. Using six main principals, clients achieve greater clarity of personal values and beliefs and then act upon them as they find purpose and meaning in their life.
- Cognitive diffusion: Realize that thoughts are just thoughts, and you do not have to stop them
- Acceptance: Accept all experiences – those that are good and bad
- Mindfulness: Be fully present in the moment
- Self-observation: Look at oneself objectively and recognize that the observant you is separate from your feelings
- Values: Acknowledging what is most important, whether it’s family, career, or personal growth
- Commitment to action: Take actions that are in line with personal values, such as serving others, taking care of family, or mentoring someone
Odyssey Behavioral Healthcare’s AVP of Clinical Services, Kate Fisch,
LCSW, discusses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and eating disorder
treatment.