Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
The aim of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is to help you accept what you can’t change and change what you can. ACT helps you accept the things out of your control and work towards living a life you value. This includes popular techniques such as mindfulness.
Where Can I Get Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in the UK?
The Oak Tree Practice is based in London, with physical offices in Finchley (N3 1QB), Brixton/Clapham (SW2 5UL) and Stratford (E15 1NT). We also have a new office in Leeds (LS7 4NY). Home visits are also available on request.
However, if you are based outside of London and need “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Near Me”, then we can certainly help! Our psychologists offer over the phone and online zoom sessions across the UK. So whether you are based in Cardiff, Devon, Durham, Hull, Leicester, Manchester, Milton Keynes, Ripon, Warwick or anywhere else in between, we can certainly offer you an ACT session whenever you need.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in 3 Steps
Step 1: Acceptance
Acknowledging and accepting one’s thoughts and emotions without judgment is the first step in ACT. Instead of engaging in a struggle against unpleasant thoughts or feelings, individuals are encouraged to accept them. This acceptance creates a foundation for psychological flexibility, allowing individuals to detach from unhelpful thought patterns.
Step 2: Mindfulness
The second step emphasises mindfulness techniques. Mindfulness involves being present in the moment and observing thoughts and feelings without becoming entangled in them. This helps individuals to create distance from their thoughts, reducing their impact on behaviour and emotions.
Step 3: Commitment
The final step revolves around clarifying personal values and committing to actions aligned with those values. Individuals are encouraged to identify what truly matters to them in life – whether it be relationships, career, personal growth or other aspects. Once values are defined, the focus shifts to taking committed actions that align with those values.
What Can Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Help With?
Issues that are often looked at within ACT include:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Anxiety
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) For Chronic Pain
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) For OCD
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Stress
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) For People Who Stammer
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Addiction
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For ADHD
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Autism
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Anger
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Depression
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Eating Disorders
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Grief
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Health Anxiety
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Pain
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Psychosis
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For PTSD
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Trauma
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Insomnia
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Intrusive Thoughts
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy For Social Anxiety
What Are Some Common Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Exercises?
Common exercises include:
- Mindfulness Meditation – Individuals observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment, fostering a non-reactive awareness.
- The Values Clarification Process – Individuals identify and prioritise their core values, helping guide their actions and decisions.
- The Cognitive Defusion Technique – This encourages participants to view their thoughts as passing events rather than absolute truths, reducing their impact on behaviour.
Frequently Asked Questions About Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
What Are Key Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Components?
Key ACT components include accepting one’s emotions, choosing valued life directions and exploring past attempts at deflecting from emotional challenges and recognising them. Taking action and being committed to making valued changes is at the core of ACT.
Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy CBT?
No, ACT is a therapeutic approach that falls under the broader umbrella of CBT. While both ACT and CBT share some similarities, they have distinct principles and methodologies.
What Does Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Do?
ACT helps individuals to recognise ways in which their attempts to suppress, manage and control emotional experiences are creating indirect challenges. By identifying and addressing these challenges, individuals can understand what is affecting them and be better equipped to support their mental well-being.
How Many Sessions Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
We do not offer a minimum number of appointments, as if you feel like you are where you want to be after one or two sessions, we’d be delighted! Of course if you need more sessions, then we are very happy to assist for as long as you need.
Are ACT Therapy Sessions Covered By Insurance?
Most of our team of therapists are covered by the main healthcare insurers. Examples include Bupa, Aviva, AXA, Vitality and Cigna. Get in touch to find out if your therapy session would be covered.
Do You Offer Fast Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
We can work at whatever pace is best for you. Our aim is to help you get to where you want to be in the shortest amount of time possible.