what is ACT?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is based on the insight that much of our emotional suffering is rooted in a fruitless struggle with our history, beliefs or experience.
That doesn't mean that our pain isn't real, only that the energy invested in trying to eliminate it could be better spent in other ways. From this perspective, the key to a meaningful life is not fighting an unwinnable battle with emotional pain but letting go of struggle in order to live in a more satisyfing way.
With this in mind, ACT-based counseling focuses on helping you:
- be more aware of the present moment,
- recognize the difference between "you" and "your history",
- diminish the power of ideas and beliefs that do not serve you,
- clarify what you want your life to be about,
- make, and act on, values-based choices.
With skills like these, it is easier let go of the struggle with suffering and spend your time in ways that reflect what you value rather than what you fear. In ACT, the point of counseling is to help you lead this kind of life, even when you find yourself in difficult times.
To learn more about ACT and how it might be helpful to you, contact me directly or take a look at the ACT resources page for books and web sites.
