Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
At Seven Lion Yard
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT, pronounced as the word “act”) is a modern form of psychological therapy that helps people live more fully and meaningfully, even in the presence of difficult thoughts or feelings. Instead of trying to eliminate emotional pain or control what you think, ACT focuses on building psychological flexibility – the ability to stay present, open and engaged with life, no matter what is going on inside your mind.
What Is ACT?
ACT is based on the idea that struggling with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings often makes things worse. For example, trying not to feel anxious can make anxiety more powerful. ACT helps people stop fighting their inner experiences and start taking action towards the things that really matter to them.
The approach encourages acceptance of what we cannot change and commitment to values-based living – making choices and taking steps that reflect who we want to be, even when life is hard.
How Does ACT Work?
ACT combines elements of mindfulness, acceptance strategies and behaviour change. In therapy, you will learn skills to:
- Notice and accept thoughts and emotions without letting them control you
- Step back from unhelpful thinking patterns, rather than getting caught up in them
- Focus on the present moment, instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future
- Connect with your personal values – what is truly meaningful to you
- Take committed action, even when it is uncomfortable or uncertain
Rather than asking ‘how can I feel better?”, ACT shifts the question to “what can I do that’s meaningful, even if I don’t feel great right now?” It is about making space for discomfort while moving forward with purpose.
What Can ACT Help With?
ACT has been shown to be effective for a wide range of issues, including:
- Anxiety and stress
- Depression
- Chronic pain and illness
- Trauma
- Low self-esteem or self-criticism
- Workplace burnout
- OCD and other compulsive behaviours
- Grief and loss
It is also used to help people improve wellbeing, build resilience and live with greater clarity and intention.
Is ACT Right for You?
ACT may be a good fit if:
- You find yourself stuck in unhelpful thinking or avoidance habits
- You have tried to get rid of anxiety, sadness or self-doubt without much success
- You want to learn how to handle difficult emotions differently, rather than avoid them
- You care about living a meaningful life, even if it comes with challenges
- You are interested in mindfulness and open to trying new ways of thinking and behaving
ACT can be especially helpful if you are tired of trying to “fix” your thoughts and are ready to explore a new way of relating to them.
Summary
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a practical and compassionate approach that helps people stop battling with their inner experiences and start living more freely and purposefully. By learning to accept what you cannot control and commit to what matters most, ACT can help you build a richer, more fulfilling life – even in the face of pain or uncertainty.
