Later in life, people often realize that our childhood experiences have much to do with how they view and react to today’s world. Many of our behaviors result from the trauma people experienced growing up. If you’re struggling with your mental health, you may have heard of a type of therapy called ACT. But what is ACT therapy? Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health is here to help you understand “What is ACT therapy?” and how it can benefit you. Our mental health therapies are designed to help you work through your trauma to live a healthier, happier life. Call us at 855.520.0531 to learn more about ACT therapy.
What Is ACT Therapy?
ACT is an acronym that stands for “acceptance and commitment therapy.” ACT is a type of psychotherapy that was developed in the 1980s. The main goal of ACT therapy is to help people become more aware of their thoughts and feelings, learn to accept them, and move on. People who undergo ACT therapy learn to observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment and let go of the ones causing them distress. ACT therapy effectively treats various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, traumas, and addictions.
What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT therapy focuses on six main principles.
1. Acceptance
One of the core principles of ACT is acceptance. Acceptance doesn’t mean that you have to like your thoughts and feelings, but rather that you acknowledge them and let them be. This can be a difficult concept to grasp, but it’s important to remember that your thoughts and feelings are not facts.
2. Mindfulness
Mindfulness is being present in the moment and observing your thoughts and feelings without judgment. This means that you’re not trying to change or control anything; instead, you’re just noticing what is.
3. Defusion
Diffusion is the process of detachment from your thoughts and feelings. This means that you recognize that your thoughts are just thoughts, and they don’t have to control you.
4. Self-Compassion
Self-compassion is the practice of being kind and understanding to yourself, especially in times of distress. This means that you don’t beat yourself up for having negative thoughts and feelings; rather, you accept them as part of being human.
5. Values
Values are the things that are most important to you in life. ACT therapy helps you to identify your values, make choices, and take actions that align with them.
6. Committed Action
Committed action is taking actions that are in line with your values, even if they’re difficult. This means that you don’t let your fear of failure or discomfort stop you from doing what’s important to you.
ACT therapy is effective because it helps you focus on the present moment and the things you can control. This can lead to a greater sense of peace and well-being. Additionally, ACT therapy can help you to build healthy coping skills and to develop a more positive outlook on life.
Benefits of ACT Therapy
There are many benefits of ACT therapy. These skills can help individuals become more aware of their thoughts and emotions and make choices that align with their values. The benefits include:
- Improved mental health
- Increased sense of control over thoughts and feelings
- Improved relationships
- An Increased sense of purpose and meaning in life
ACT therapy may be a good option if you’re struggling with mental health. It can help you to learn how to manage your thoughts and feelings more constructively.
Find ACT Therapy at Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health
Our team of expert mental health professionals at Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health is here to help you heal and recover. We offer a variety of services, including ACT therapy. Acceptance and commitment therapy is an effective addiction treatment. ACT therapy focuses on using acceptance and commitment strategies to help individuals identify negative thoughts and behaviors that may be contributing to their addiction. Once these factors have been identified, patients can take action toward recovery by learning how to alter their actions accordingly. We offer addiction services to help our patients recover from substance use.
Rockland Recovery Behavioral Health is committed to providing compassionate and effective treatment. Contact us today at 855.520.0531 to learn more about how we can help you on your journey to recovery.