Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is considered a 3rd wave Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) approach and was founded by Steven Hayes. This form of therapy seeks to increase our capacity to be willing to make room for difficult thoughts, feelings and sensations.

 

As we are only human, pain is inevitable and so ACT works to change the relationship we have with difficult internal experiences so we can be more present in our lives. ACT works to increase psychological flexibility so that we can engage in valued living, even in the face of our difficulties.

 

Values are clarified in ACT, as is whether or not our direction in life is being driven by our values or by a need to avoid difficult internal experiences. This is a non-pathologizing form of therapy that is holistic and utilizes mindfulness based skills. With ACT, there is no need to eliminate symptoms before you start living a more meaningful life.

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I am a Calgary Counselling Psychologist offering sessions in-person or online to those in Alberta and the Northwest Territories.