Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a powerful form of psychotherapy. It helps individuals accept difficult emotions and thoughts. Additionally, ACT increases psychological flexibility, enabling individuals to manage their emotions more effectively. Moreover, ACT emphasizes committing to actions that align with personal values. This, in turn, leads to a more fulfilling and meaningful life.
Life changing treatment, backed by science
Unlike traditional therapy methods, which focus primarily on symptom reduction, ACT seeks to change how we relate to our thoughts and emotions. It promotes mindfulness, acceptance, and behavior change. Additionally, the goal is not to eliminate discomfort. Instead, ACT helps individuals live a meaningful life despite any emotional struggles.
60-70% of individuals with anxiety and depression experience significant improvement in symptoms after undergoing ACT.
75% of people with chronic pain report improved psychological flexibility and a better quality of life after participating in ACT.
80% of individuals with PTSD show a reduction in symptoms after engaging in ACT, according to some studies.
How Does Acceptance and Commitment Therapy work?
When you begin ACT, you can expect a supportive and collaborative environment. Typically, sessions are one-on-one, where you engage in meaningful discussions with a licensed therapist. During these conversations, you will gradually develop a deeper awareness of your thoughts, emotions, and core values.
More importantly, ACT focuses on the idea of acceptance. Instead of avoiding or suppressing painful feelings, ACT teaches you to embrace them. As a result, this approach helps reduce the emotional impact of distressing thoughts. For example, you may learn mindfulness techniques that allow you to observe your feelings without judgment or resistance, ultimately fostering greater emotional resilience.
In addition, one key technique in ACT is cognitive defusion. This involves separating yourself from negative thoughts so they no longer control your behavior. Furthermore, behavioral exercises may help you take intentional steps toward meaningful action. Through these practices, you will gradually learn how to live in alignment with your values despite the internal barriers you may face.
If you or a loved one are struggling with challenging thoughts or emotions, we encourage you to reach out to our team. Through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, we can help you develop resilience, embrace your experiences, and take meaningful steps toward a more fulfilling life.
Key goals of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
The primary goals of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy revolve around increasing psychological flexibility. In other words, this means learning to stay present and engaged in life, even when uncomfortable emotions arise. By consistently practicing mindfulness and acceptance, individuals can significantly improve their mental well-being. In fact, research shows that these approaches effectively reduce symptoms of anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Moreover, mindfulness and acceptance are core concepts of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. As you develop the ability to observe your thoughts and emotions, you also learn not to react impulsively to them. This approach helps you break free from habitual responses that may limit your growth. Consequently, you can become more present, adaptable, and intentional in your actions.
In addition, Value-Based Living is another significant goal of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. This involves identifying what truly matters to you—your values—and making choices that align with them. Rather than being driven by temporary emotional states, ACT encourages you to act based on long-term priorities that bring meaning to your life.
Finally, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy emphasizes the importance of commitment to action. It empowers you to take consistent, meaningful steps toward goals that enhance your overall well-being. As a result, this clear sense of direction fosters motivation and a deeper sense of fulfillment. Ultimately, by staying focused on your values, you create lasting, positive change in your life.
Disorders Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can address
ACT is versatile and can address a wide range of issues, including:
Anxiety and depression
ACT helps individuals manage anxiety and depression by defusing negative thoughts and accepting uncomfortable emotions. This approach reduces distress and emotional reactivity. By practicing mindfulness, individuals create space between themselves and their thoughts, allowing them to focus on values and take meaningful actions, leading to improved well-being.
Chronic pain and health conditions
By teaching acceptance of pain, ACT helps individuals shift their focus from suffering to meaningful actions. This approach encourages living fully despite physical limitations. Through mindfulness and value-based living, individuals learn to manage discomfort while pursuing activities that align with their personal goals and improve overall life satisfaction.
PTSD and trauma
ACT supports individuals in processing and making peace with traumatic experiences by fostering acceptance and emotional resilience. Through mindfulness and cognitive defusion, individuals can observe traumatic thoughts without becoming overwhelmed. This approach helps reduce the emotional hold of past events, allowing individuals to focus on healing and moving forward meaningfully.
Substance abuse
ACT encourages sobriety by promoting value-driven actions, even when cravings or triggers arise. By fostering acceptance, individuals learn to face these challenges without resistance. Additionally, ACT helps people focus on their long-term goals and values, empowering them to make choices that align with a healthier, more meaningful life.
Stress and life transitions
ACT helps individuals adapt to new circumstances with greater flexibility and a value-driven mindset. By encouraging mindfulness it enables people to stay present and grounded during challenging changes. Additionally, ACT teaches acceptance of uncertainty, empowering individuals to navigate transitions with confidence while staying aligned with their personal values.
Self-esteem and identity issues
ACT helps individuals accept themselves fully and live in alignment with their authentic values. By fostering self-compassion and reducing self-criticism, it promotes greater self-confidence. Additionally, ACT encourages individuals to focus on what truly matters, helping them build a stronger sense of identity and emotional resilience over time.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy at Park Mental Health
At Park Mental Health, we are deeply committed to helping individuals lead more flexible and meaningful lives through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Furthermore, our therapists are highly skilled in guiding clients through the ACT process with care and expertise.
In addition, we offer personalized therapy plans designed to meet each individual’s unique needs. This ensures that every client receives support tailored to their specific goals and challenges.
By embracing ACT, we help clients identify their core values, accept difficult emotions, and take meaningful actions toward personal growth. Moreover, we provide a safe and compassionate environment where you can comfortably explore and address your challenges with confidence.
Take the first step to regain control of your life
Mental health disorders and addiction can deeply impact your emotional, physical, and psychological well-being. Without proper treatment, you may feel trapped, as if there’s no way forward. However, this couldn’t be further from the truth. At Park San Diego, we rely on decades of research and evidence-based treatments—especially Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)—to carefully design individualized treatment plans tailored to your unique needs.
More specifically, through ACT, we help individuals accept their emotions, break free from unhelpful thought patterns, and take meaningful steps toward a fulfilling life. Although acknowledging that you need help and seeking support may feel overwhelming at first, it is the most important step in your healing process. Once you reach out to our team, you will never be alone. In addition to support from your loved ones, a dedicated therapist or psychiatrist will be by your side every step of the way.
Moreover, ACT provides powerful tools such as mindfulness techniques, cognitive defusion, and value-driven actions, all of which empower you to move forward with confidence. By incorporating these strategies, you will gain the skills needed to navigate challenges and build a life that aligns with your true values.
Ultimately, healing is possible. Let’s break the cycle together. With the right support and tools, you can regain control and start living a life filled with meaning and purpose.
Your most frequently asked questions, answered.
What areas do you cover?
Park Mental Health Treatment covers the San Diego, California area. If you are unsure of whether you are near our facility, please either submit an online form or alternatively contact a member of our team today on 866-420-2524.
Do you provide outpatient care?
Yes, Park Mental Health Treatment has the facilities to cater for outpatient care. Alternatively, if you require inpatient care, we also have partnerships with facilities around the San Diego, CA area that can cater for inpatient therapies.
How do I get in contact?
To contact a member of our team, either complete an online form or call us directly on 866-420-2524.