Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), based on Relational Frame Theory (RFT), is a third wave behavioral therapy that utilizes mindfulness and acceptance-based interventions to enable active engagement with life with greater psychological flexibility, clarity of values, and effective action. Within ACT’s framework, psychological suffering tends to be the result of maladaptive interactions between human language and thoughts, attempts to exert control, attachment to the conceptualized self, disconnection from the present moment, and unwillingness to engage in behaviors driven by one’s true values.

ACT is focused on letting go of fusion or attachment to thoughts, embracing the present moment, and engaging in effective patterns of behavioral action to move toward value-based goals. The idea is that life can be painful, and attempts to reduce pain through control and avoidance only result in additional unnecessary suffering. The ultimate goal of practicing the basic principles of ACT is to build a rich, vibrant, and meaningful life while accepting the inevitable pain that comes with it.

Mindfully Befriending Fear

“One of the greatest discoveries a man makes, one of his great surprises, is to find he can do what he was afraid he couldn’t do.” – Henry Ford It’s natural to feel a powerful, even overwhelming urge, to avoid people, places, or things that tend to elicit fear or worry. There are times when…

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ACT on the Paradox of Depression

“In order for the light to shine so brightly, the darkness must be present.” – Francis Bacon Depression can manifest itself in a variety of forms and impact people’s lives in a multitude of ways. It’s quite different from feeling sad every now and then, or even grief-stricken in the face of loss. For some people,…

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5 Ways to Let Go of Judgment & Fear

“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves.” – Carl Jung Judgment and fear have a tendency to hold you back from living a rich and meaningful life that is based on your true values and establishing harmony in relationships. There is often a high price to pay for living…

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