Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Ken has received accreditation in Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), attending workshops and training presented by Russ Harris, one of the world’s most renowned Acceptance Commitment Therapy practitioners. Acceptance Commitment Therapy is a form of clinical behaviour analysis used in psychotherapy. Acceptance Commitment Therapy uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies, and does not have happiness as a primary objective, but rather allows one to be present with what life brings us and move toward valued behaviour.  It has been described as getting to know unpleasant feelings, then learning not to act upon them and to not avoid situations where they are present.

Acceptance Commitment Therapy helps clients move forward and engage in purposeful behaviour that’s aligned with their personal vision and associated goals.  This allows one to manage troubling thoughts and behaviours, clearing the way to move forward and progress with meeting their personal goals and live a life that is consistent with one’s values.  ACT helps break down emotional roadblocks that can interrupt living a life that is consistent with ones values.

Acceptance Commitment Therapy helps one better understand themselves, and in the process clarifying their personal values.  The aim of Acceptance Commitment Therapy is to create a rich, full, meaningful life while accepting the pain that invariably goes with it.

The six core processes in Acceptance Commitment Therapy are contacting the preset moment, defusion, acceptance, self as context, values and committed action.  This psychological flexibility is best highlighted in the following diagram: