Acceptance Commitment Therapy

Acceptance Commitment Therapy emphasizes mindfulness, acceptance of difficult thoughts and feelings, and commitment to taking action consistent with one's values. It aims to help individuals develop psychological flexibility, which involves being present in the moment, clarifying personal values, and taking action guided by those values rather than being controlled by thoughts and emotions. This therapy is particularly effective for treating anxiety disorders, depression, substance abuse, and chronic pain. It can help clients learn how to make healthy contact with thoughts, feelings, memories, and physical sensations that have been feared and avoided. Clients gain the skills to recontextualize and accept these private events, develop greater clarity about personal values, and commit to needed behavior change.