About ACT
The core conception of ACT is that psychological suffering is usually caused by the interface between human language and cognition, and the control of human behavior by direct experience. Psychological inflexibility is argued to emerge from experiential avoidance, cognitive entanglement, attachment of a conceptualized self, loss of contact with the present, and the resulting failure to take needed behavioral steps in accord with core values. Buttressed by an extensive basic research program on a associated theory of language and cognition, Relational Frame Theory (RFT), ACT takes the view that trying to change difficult thoughts and feelings as a means of coping might can be counter productive, but new, powerful alternatives are available, including acceptance, mindfulness, cognitive defusion, values, and committed action.
Research seems to be showing that these methods are beneficial for a broad range of clients. ACT teaches clients and therapists alike how to alter the way difficult private experiences function mentally rather than having to eliminate them from occurring at all. This empowering message has been shown to help clients cope with a wide variety of clinical problems, including depression, anxiety, stress, substance abuse, and even psychotic symptoms. The benefits are as important for the clinician as they are for clients. ACT has been shown empirically to quickly alleviate therapist burn-out. In addition, we are learning that these same processes help us understand and change a variety of other behavioral problems, including such areas as human prejudice, work performance, or the inability to learn new things.
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Upcoming Community Events
- Introductiecursus ACT in Blooming te Bergen (Noord Holland)(Event)(15 days)
- Introductory Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Workshop(Event)(15 days)
- ACT Practical Skills Development Sessions with Mary Sawyer(Event)(20 days)
- ACT Core Skills and Competencies Workshop: Utilizing Acceptance and Mindfulness in Your Practice(Event)(23 days)
- Ciclo Formativo sull'ACT: Workshop introduttivo Teorico ed Esperienziale all'Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (due giornate)(Event)(28 days)
- Openings for ACT Supervisor Consultation Group - Robyn Walser, Ph.D., September 19, 2:00 EASTERN(Event)(29 days)
- Two-day Introductory Experiential ACT Workshop with Russ Harris in Boulder, Colorado September 28, 29 2008(Event)(38 days)
- Introductiecursus ACT in Blooming te Bergen (NH)(Event)(43 days)
- ACT 3-day workshop w/Kelly Wilson; Bath, UK(Event)(43 days)
- ACT in Italy: Kelly Wilson due giornate di Workshop a Milano(Event)(47 days)
- Kelly Wilson 3 days in France (Aix-Les-Bains)(Event)(49 days)
- ACT Core Skills and Competencies Workshop: Values-Directed Behavior Change(Event)(51 days)
- Using Mindfulness & Acceptance to Create a Powerful Therapeutic Relationship - Tempe, AZ, Steve Hayes(Event)(64 days)
- Portland, Maine: Introduction to ACT by Joel Guarna & Elizabeth Kubik(Event)(64 days)
- L'émergence de la 3e vague en thérapie cognitive et comportementale:Implications théoriques et pratiques- F. Dionne PhD-Montreal(Event)(72 days)
- ACT Core Skills and Competencies Workshop: Case Conceptualization in ACT with Application to Difficult Clients(Event)(79 days)
- ACT introductiecursus Amersfoort/Utrecht - Netherlands(Event)(92 days)
- Brief Therapy Conference - San Diego(Event)(112 days)
- ACT introductiecursus Utrecht - Netherlands(Event)(281 days)
