What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

Man holding a compass

Definition of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of therapy rooted in the field of behavioral psychology and behavior therapy. It's designed to help individuals develop psychological flexibility by accepting their thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that align with their values. Unlike traditional therapy, ACT strongly emphasizes mindfulness and acceptance techniques. 

Key Goals:

  • Psychological Flexibility: ACT teaches the ability to adapt and respond effectively to life's challenges, fostering psychological flexibility.

  • Values-Based Living: The therapy encourages individuals to identify and align their actions with their core values, promoting a more meaningful and purposeful life.

Core Principles of ACT Interventions

ACT theory is guided by six core principles, commonly called the hexaflex. These principles form the foundation of the therapy, providing a framework for understanding and addressing psychological distress.

The Hexaflex:

  1. Cognitive Defusion: Learning cognitive defusion methods to reduce the tendency to "buy into" harmful or ineffective thoughts, images, emotions, and memories. Rather than trying to change the way we think about things or try to talk ourselves out of our opinions, cognitive defusion helps us choose to just not engage with harmful thoughts.

  2. Acceptance: Allowing thoughts to come, making space for them rather than spending all of our energy fighting with them. Acceptance also includes acceptance of uncomfortable emotions and physical sensations. By learning to be more willing to tolerate discomfort, actively pursuing what we want in life becomes easier.

  3. Present Moment Awareness (Mindfulness): Mindful connection to the present, experienced with clarity, interest, and devoid of judgment. Rather than giving in to catastrophic interpretations of what's happening, mindfulness teaches us to connect to the actual reality of the present moment in a more grounded and less painful way.

  4. Self-as-Context: Accessing a transcendent sense of self as an arena where both pleasant and unpleasant events are experienced but have no power actually to harm us. When we have anxiety or other painful internal experiences, it feels as though they're harmful to us if we allow them to be there. Unfortunately, this results in trying to suppress or avoid these feelings, making them more intense and unpleasant. Recognizing that these painful experiences don't actually harm us but are just some of our many internal events can help us act in meaningful ways and not get too embroiled in managing our emotions.

  5. Values Clarification: Discovering what's most important to our true selves. Values are our compass, not the promise of pleasant experiences. Every significant goal inevitably has unpleasant or unpleasant components we'd rather avoid. By clarifying values and acting in ways that realize them, we become less involved in unhelpful emotional avoidance strategies.

  6. Committed Action: Moving toward value-based goals effectively. This is really about making an effort to make our values happen, even when it's difficult or when we experience unpleasant situations. By consistently building the life we want to live, we move in the direction of being vitally engaged in a life that is meaningful and fulfilling.

How Does ACT Work?

Goals of ACT

ACT integrates a variety of therapeutic techniques to achieve its goals of promoting psychological flexibility and values-based living.

Core Components:

  • Values Exploration: Collaborative exploration to identify and clarify personal values that guide meaningful actions.

  • Mindfulness Techniques: Practices to enhance present-moment awareness and detached observation of thoughts and feelings.

  • Cognitive Defusion Strategies: Tools to reduce the impact of unhelpful thoughts by creating psychological distance.

  • Experiential Acceptance: Encouraging the acceptance of thoughts and emotions without judgment or the need for change.

The Role of Language and Cognitive Processes

In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, there's a focus on how the way we talk to ourselves in our minds (our language) and how we think (cognitive processes) can affect how we experience things in life.

Literal vs. Conceptual Language:

  • Literal language means taking everything we think very seriously, as if it's all completely true. For example, if we think, "I'm a failure," we might believe it without questioning.

  • Conceptual language means understanding that our thoughts are just thoughts—they're not necessarily facts. So, instead of taking "I'm a failure" literally, we can see it as a passing thought, not an absolute truth.

The Storytelling Mind:

  • Our minds have a habit of turning our experiences into stories. For instance, if something goes wrong, our mind might create a whole dramatic story about it, which can affect how we feel.

  • ACT encourages us to notice when our mind is doing this and to see these stories as just stories, not necessarily the whole truth.

When we get the hang of these ideas, it helps us be more aware and adaptable in the face of life's challenges. Instead of getting stuck in our thoughts and stories, we can choose to respond in a way that aligns with our values and what's important to us. It's like having a roadmap that guides us in handling life's ups and downs with more flexibility.

Mindfulness Interventions and ACT Therapy

Incorporating Mindfulness Skills

In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, being mindful is a big deal, and it makes the therapy work better. Mindfulness means paying attention to what's happening right now without judging it. A significant portion of ACT sessions involve some form of mindfulness practice:

Mindfulness Exercises in ACT:

Mindful Breathing: This is about paying close attention to your breath. It helps you feel more centered and aware of what's happening around you. It's like taking a moment to focus on your breathing to stay calm and present.

Body Scan: This is like giving your body a friendly check-in. You go through different parts of your body in your mind, noticing any tension or feelings. It helps you become more aware of how your body is doing and can make you feel more relaxed.

Observing Thoughts: Here, you practice looking at your thoughts without getting too caught up in them. It's like watching clouds pass by instead of getting stuck in any one thought. This helps you not react right away and gives you a bit of space to decide how you want to respond.

So, mindfulness in ACT is all about being aware and accepting of the present moment, using techniques like focusing on your breath, checking in with your body, and watching your thoughts without getting carried away by them. It's like having a mental tool kit for staying calm and thoughtful in the midst of life's challenges.

Mindfulness-Based Strategies for Emotional Regulation

1. Emotion Regulation: Mindfulness provides a toolkit for navigating the often challenging landscape of emotions. By cultivating awareness of emotions as they arise, individuals can respond to them with intention rather than reacting impulsively. This supports the development of healthier emotional regulation, allowing individuals to acknowledge, understand, and manage their emotions more effectively.

2. Reduced Reactivity: The practice of observing thoughts and emotions without immediate reaction is a cornerstone of mindfulness in ACT. By creating a mental space between the experience and the response, individuals can reduce reactivity. This reduction in reactivity is crucial for breaking habitual patterns of impulsive and unhelpful responses to challenging situations.

3. Enhanced Self-Awareness: Mindfulness in ACT deepens self-awareness by encouraging individuals to explore their internal experiences without judgment. This heightened self-awareness allows individuals to recognize patterns of thinking and reacting, providing valuable insights into their emotional landscape.

Incorporating mindfulness into Acceptance and Commitment Therapy equips individuals with practical tools for managing stress, enhancing self-awareness, and navigating the complexities of their inner experiences. The benefits extend beyond the therapy session, empowering individuals to apply these skills daily, fostering resilience and a more intentional approach to emotional well-being.

What Can ACT Help With?

Targeted Concerns and Issues

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help with a wide range of mental health and medical conditions, having demonstrated efficacy in addressing:

Anxiety Disorders: ACT therapy for anxiety is particularly effective in helping individuals navigate anxiety disorders. The emphasis on mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based living provides individuals with tools to relate differently to anxiety-inducing thoughts and sensations. This shift allows for a more adaptive and constructive response to anxiety. ACT has been shown to be a particularly effective therapy for social anxiety disorder.

Depression: ACT treatment is well-suited for addressing depression by promoting values-based living. Many individuals with depression experience a cycle of avoidance and disengagement from meaningful activities. ACT interventions help break this cycle, encouraging individuals to reconnect with their values and engage in actions that bring a sense of purpose and fulfillment.

Chronic Pain: Chronic pain often has a significant impact on both physical and emotional well-being. Mindfulness practices in ACT play a vital role in enhancing pain acceptance. By fostering a non-judgmental awareness of pain and its associated sensations, individuals can improve their overall quality of life and reduce the emotional distress often linked with chronic pain.

Stress Management: ACT is specifically designed to address stress management by teaching individuals how to respond to stressors with greater flexibility and resilience. The therapy equips individuals with mindfulness and cognitive defusion techniques, allowing them to approach stressors with a more open and adaptable mindset. This, in turn, contributes to a healthier and more sustainable approach to managing stress.

Trauma and PTSD: Individuals who have experienced trauma or are dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can benefit from ACT principles. The therapy focuses on acceptance and mindfulness, providing individuals with tools to navigate difficult memories and sensations. The emphasis on values-based living also supports the process of rebuilding a meaningful and fulfilling life after trauma.

Eating Disorders: ACT has shown promise in the treatment of eating disorders by addressing the underlying cognitive patterns and emotional struggles. Techniques such as cognitive defusion and values clarification can contribute to a healthier relationship with food and body image. The therapy encourages individuals to connect with their values, fostering a more balanced and sustainable approach to eating and self-perception.

Substance Abuse and Addiction: ACT is adaptable for individuals dealing with substance abuse and addiction. The therapy's focus on mindfulness, acceptance, and values can aid in breaking the cycle of addictive behaviors. It helps individuals build a more values-driven life, reducing reliance on substances as a coping mechanism.

Relationship Issues: ACT can be beneficial for individuals facing challenges in relationships. By promoting mindful and values-based communication, the therapy helps individuals navigate conflicts, enhance emotional intimacy, and foster healthier connections with others.

Workplace Stress and Burnout: ACT principles are applicable to managing workplace stress and preventing burnout. Techniques such as mindfulness and values-based living can contribute to a more balanced and resilient approach to professional challenges.

Is ACT Effective?

ACT has garnered substantial empirical support for its effectiveness across diverse populations and mental health concerns.

Research Highlights:

neurologist reading a brain scan
  • Meta-Analyses: Multiple meta-analyses have shown positive outcomes for individuals receiving ACT, often superior to traditional therapeutic approaches. Clinical trials of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy versus traditional talk therapy regularly find ACT to be superior.

  • Long-Term Benefits: Recent research has shown that ACT and its emphasis on values-based living contribute to sustained positive changes beyond the therapy duration.

  • Client Satisfaction: Many individuals report high levels of satisfaction with ACT, citing its practical and holistic approach.

Benefits of ACT

1. Enhanced Psychological Flexibility: ACT helps individuals develop the ability to adapt and respond effectively to various life challenges, fostering greater psychological flexibility.

2. Values-Based Living: By identifying and aligning actions with core values, ACT supports individuals in leading more meaningful and purposeful lives.

3. Improved Emotional Regulation: Mindfulness practices in ACT assist in recognizing and responding to emotions in a healthier and more intentional manner, reducing reactivity.

4. Effective Stress Management: ACT equips individuals with practical tools to navigate stressors with resilience, promoting a more balanced and adaptive response to life's pressures.

5. Breaks the Cycle of Avoidance: Unlike some traditional approaches, ACT focuses on breaking the cycle of avoidance, encouraging individuals to approach challenging situations rather than retreat.

6. Sustainable Positive Changes: The emphasis on values-based living contributes to sustained positive changes beyond the duration of therapy sessions.

7. Empowerment and Self-Awareness: ACT empowers individuals to become more aware of their thoughts and emotions, fostering a sense of self-awareness and personal empowerment.

8. Holistic Approach to Well-Being: By addressing the interplay of thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, ACT provides a holistic approach to mental and emotional well-being.

9. Applicability to Various Concerns: ACT may address a broad spectrum of concerns, including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and stress management.

10. Personal Growth and Fulfillment: Through its focus on values and committed action, ACT has also been proven to be effective in supporting individuals in their journey toward personal growth, fulfillment, and a more satisfying life.

Understanding the numerous benefits of ACT can inspire individuals to explore this therapeutic approach to enhance their overall well-being and navigate life's challenges with resilience and purpose.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Los Angeles

At Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles, our ACT therapists offer specialized treatment using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Our dedicated team of psychologists, all based in Los Angeles, is committed to providing expert guidance and support to help you navigate life's challenges through the transformative ACT approach.

Expertise Rooted in Excellence

Our therapists are not only psychologists but also esteemed experts in the field of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Some of our practitioners serve as faculty members at top universities, ensuring you receive the highest quality of care and expertise here in Los Angeles.

Comprehensive Psychological Support

Beyond ACT, our practice in Los Angeles addresses a diverse range of psychological concerns. Our psychologists are equipped to assist you with various challenges, providing comprehensive and personalized treatment that extends beyond the principles of ACT.

In-Person and Online ACT Therapy Options

Recognizing the diverse needs of our clients in Los Angeles, we offer both in-person and online therapy options. Whether you prefer face-to-face sessions at our convenient Los Angeles location or the flexibility of virtual sessions from the comfort of your home, our commitment to accessible and effective care remains unwavering.

Welcoming New Clients

Taking the step towards personal growth is important. We want to assure you that we are currently accepting new clients, and our team in Los Angeles is ready to support you on your journey to improved well-being through ACT and CBT.

Specialized in CBT and ACT for Lasting Change

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles specializes not only in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, but other behavioral and cognitive therapies as well, including dialectical behavior therapy, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy, and other cutting-edge evidence-based treatments. We believe in the power of both approaches to empower individuals in Los Angeles with practical tools and strategies for lasting change. Our focus on CBT and ACT ensures targeted and evidence-based treatment in the diverse and vibrant city of Los Angeles.

If you're trying to find an ACT therapist in Los Angeles with a commitment to excellence and a compassionate approach, our team of dedicated psychologists is here for you. Take the first step towards improved well-being by contacting us today to schedule an appointment at Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Los Angeles brings together a team of expert psychologists with extensive experience in evidence-based treatment options and therapies. To ask about acceptance and commitment therapy in Los Angeles or to book an appointment, click the button below.