Embrace Change Today

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of psychotherapy that helps people to create a rich and meaningful life while accepting the pain that inevitably occurs along the way. It is based on the idea that psychological flexibility is key to mental wellness. Psychological flexibility involves being present, open, and engaged in life.

Here are the six core principles of ACT:

1. Acceptance: This involves learning to accept unwanted private events, such as thoughts, feelings, sensations, and memories, rather than trying to avoid or suppress them. Acceptance does not mean approval or resignation; it means allowing these experiences to be there without judgment or struggle.

2. Cognitive Defusion: This involves learning to step back from unhelpful thoughts and see them for what they are: just thoughts, not facts. Techniques like mindfulness and metaphors can help to create distance between oneself and one's thoughts.

3. Contacting the Present Moment: This involves learning to be fully present in the here and now, rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, can help to cultivate 1 present moment awareness

4. The Observing Self: This refers to the awareness that you have of your thoughts and feelings, rather than being fused with them. It is the sense of yourself as the conscious observer of your experience.

5. Values: This involves identifying what is truly important to you in life. Values are your guiding stars, the things that give your life meaning and direction.

6. Committed Action: This involves taking action in accordance with your values. It means setting goals, making plans, and taking steps to move towards a life that is meaningful to you.

By cultivating these six core principles, ACT can help people to live a more fulfilling life, even in the face of challenges and difficulties.