Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based therapy that focuses on helping people accept the difficulties and stresses that are a natural part of the process of life. It has a different focus to CBT as it aims to help people accept thoughts as thoughts, rather than aiming to change or modify current ways of thinking. It does not try to find alternative ways of thinking or understanding things but aims to help people accept their current experiences and find new ways of managing them.
Acceptance of difficult experiences, events and feelings does not mean giving up or becoming defeated by these things. It is an acknowledgement of these experiences and a willingness to allow them to be part of life. ACT has its roots in Buddhist traditions and is informed by many of the approaches used within this philosophy.
ACT focuses on three areas: Accepting reactions and being present; Choosing a valued direction; Taking action. ACT works by helping people focus on their values – the things that are truly important to them in life, what gives it purpose and meaning – and helping them live life in accordance with these values, despite their difficulties. Identification of values helps focus how we want to live our lives and helps us live it despite the difficulties and challenges that arise.
ACT is a short-term therapy but aims to help people develop strategies that they can carry forward throughout their lives, to meet their values and to live life in the ways that are important and meaningful to them.