Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Calgary

Traditional therapy approaches don’t work for everyone. Studies show that 40% of people struggle with conventional therapeutic methods. ACT therapy brings a fresh perspective to mental health treatment. Traditional cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on changing thoughts, while ACT helps people accept their thoughts and feelings as they work toward meaningful goals. Let’s explore ACT therapy’s core concepts, model, and practical techniques you can apply. This piece will help you find valuable exercises that mental health professionals use to help their clients lead more fulfilling lives. ACT can help people manage anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and workplace stress. You’ll learn to apply these principles across different settings and situations that matter to you.

Understanding ACT Foundations

Let me walk you through the foundations of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), a therapeutic approach that emerged from behavioral psychology.

Origins and Development of ACT

ACT’s story began in 1982 when Steven C. Hayes created it by combining cognitive therapy with behavior analysis ^[1]. The therapy started as “comprehensive distancing” and evolved through Hayes’ personal experiences and academic research ^[2]. ACT became a key part of the “third wave” of behavioral therapies that emphasized a contextualistic approach to psychological phenomena ^[3].

Core Philosophical Principles

Psychological flexibility stands as ACT’s central concept. This involves being present in the moment and adapting behavior to match personal values ^[4]. The therapy builds on six key principles:

• Acceptance of thoughts and emotions
• Cognitive defusion (viewing thoughts as just thoughts)
• Present moment awareness
• Self-as-context (observing self)
• Values identification
• Committed action toward meaningful goals

Differences from Traditional Therapy

ACT is substantially different from traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT aims to change thought patterns, while ACT encourages accepting thoughts and feelings as natural human experiences ^[5]. Research reveals interesting outcomes – an 18-month follow-up study showed that 81.8% of CT patients versus 60.7% of ACT patients managed to keep their recovery from depression ^[6]. ACT’s unique perspective suggests that psychological suffering comes from fighting difficult emotions rather than the emotions themselves ^[7]. The focus shifts from eliminating negative thoughts to helping clients develop psychological flexibility as they work toward their valued goals ^[1].

The Science Behind ACT

The science behind acceptance and commitment therapy shows compelling evidence that supports its effectiveness in multiple domains.

Psychological Flexibility Model

The life-blood of ACT’s scientific foundation is the psychological flexibility model. Psychological flexibility means knowing how to stay connected with the present moment and adjust behavior based on chosen values ^[8]. This model blends cognitive and behavioral principles and focuses on six interconnected processes:

• Acceptance of experiences
• Cognitive defusion
• Present moment awareness
• Self-as-context
• Values clarification
• Committed action

Evidence Base and Research

Research shows substantial support for ACT’s effectiveness. Meta-analyzes covering 12,477 participants showed ACT works well in conditions of all types, including anxiety, depression, substance use, and pain ^[9]. Studies indicate that ACT performs better than standard treatments and waiting lists, and matches the effectiveness of traditional cognitive behavioral therapy ^[10].

Neurobiological Mechanisms

The sort of thing i love is how fMRI studies of ACT participants reveal changes in brain function. Research points to increased activation in the bilateral insula and superior temporal gyri after ACT intervention ^[11]. These changes point to boosted interoceptive awareness and improved emotional processing. It also reveals stronger connectivity between the left insular and left inferior frontal gyrus regions ^[11], which suggests better integration of emotional and cognitive processes. Science shows that ACT works beyond behavioral change through measurable changes in brain function and connectivity ^[12]. These findings explain ACT’s effectiveness in a variety of conditions.

The Six Core Processes of ACT

The six core processes are the foundation of acceptance and commitment therapy. These processes work together to create psychological flexibility that enables us to live more meaningful lives.

Acceptance and Cognitive Defusion

Acceptance involves willingly experiencing automatic and sometimes unwanted emotions without trying to control them ^[13]. This is different from mere tolerance – we actively embrace our experiences. Cognitive defusion, a defining concept of psychological flexibility, helps us see thoughts as simple bits of language rather than absolute truths ^[13]. Defusion techniques reduce the effect of negative thoughts without attempting to eliminate them.

Mindfulness and Self-as-Context

Present moment awareness enhances mindfulness by bringing full attention to our here-and-now experience ^[14]. This connects with self-as-context, where we access the “observing self” – a continuous consciousness that stays unchanged despite our shifting thoughts and feelings ^[14]. This viewpoint helps us maintain psychological flexibility as we face life’s challenges.

Values and Committed Action

Chosen qualities of purposive action shape our approach to values ^[13]. These qualities transcend simple goals – they become guiding principles for behavior. Values combined with committed action create broader patterns of effective behavior ^[13]. A person who values education might commit to studying three hours daily ^[15]. This commitment extends beyond achieving goals – it reflects living according to our deepest values. These processes help clients develop psychological flexibility. They learn to respond better to life’s challenges while staying connected to what matters most.

Clinical Applications and Benefits

Our clinical practice reveals the remarkable ways acceptance and commitment therapy works in healthcare domains. Research-backed findings show its adaptability and effectiveness in multiple settings.

Mental Health Conditions

ACT proves especially effective for several mental health conditions:

• Anxiety disorders and depression
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Eating disorders and substance use disorders ^[16]

Chronic Pain and Medical Conditions

ACT shows exceptional promise in chronic pain management. Research consistently proves that ACT-based approaches lead to improved functioning and quality of life in chronic pain patients ^[8]. The treatment benefits extend to patients with diabetes, multiple sclerosis, and inflammatory bowel disease ^[8].

Workplace and Performance Issues

ACT implementations in workplace settings have produced remarkable results. Our interventions reduced symptoms of psychological distress substantially, with 48% of participants showing reliable improvements at four-week post-intervention ^[17]. The therapy works exceptionally well to reduce burnout and improve overall well-being in organizational settings ^[17]. ACT’s unique strength lies in its adaptable delivery formats. The therapy adapts seamlessly to one-day group workshops, online applications, or telehealth sessions ^[8]. This flexibility will give a perfect match for each patient’s needs while maintaining treatment quality. ACT’s emphasis on psychological flexibility helps people sustain their improvements beyond the treatment period.

Implementation and Practice

Our approach to acceptance and commitment therapy starts with getting a full picture and structured delivery. Success rates depend on proper original evaluation and continuous monitoring.

Assessment and Case Formulation

We begin with a detailed assessment of anxiety symptoms and their mechanisms ^[18]. The Hexaflex model helps us assess psychological flexibility across six core processes. This gives us insights into each client’s unique challenges and strengths. We look at workability by perusing what strategies clients have tried and their long-term results.

Treatment Planning and Progress Monitoring

Early monitoring can substantially affect treatment success. Research shows clients who get systematic guidance and feedback early in treatment demonstrate higher college and career readiness rates – 74% compared to baseline measurements ^[19]. Regular assessments of psychological flexibility and valued living are the foundations of our progress monitoring. Certified therapists and recorded sessions help us keep treatment integrity ^[20].

Delivery Formats and Settings

ACT is available through several formats to serve clients with different needs:

• Individual therapy sessions
• Group workshops
• Digital delivery platforms
• One-day intensive workshops

Data reveals impressive adherence rates of 82.6% in these formats ^[21], which is substantially higher than traditional CBT approaches. Presenting ACT as a “workshop” instead of “therapy” reduces stigma and makes it more accessible, especially for rural communities ^[22]. These varied formats help us deliver effective treatment while reaching more people who need support.

Conclusion

Acceptance and commitment therapy revolutionizes the way we help people tackle life’s challenges. ACT’s six core processes work together and build psychological flexibility. This significant skill helps people navigate difficult thoughts and emotions while they pursue meaningful goals. Scientific evidence backs ACT’s effectiveness in a variety of conditions. The approach works well with mental health challenges and chronic pain management. Brain imaging studies show actual changes in neural connectivity. These changes explain the lasting positive outcomes we see when working with patients. ACT’s adaptability stands out in both individual therapy sessions and workplace workshops. Success rates reaching 82.6% across different delivery formats prove its wide appeal and flexibility. People achieve psychological well-being not by eliminating negative thoughts but by accepting their full range of experiences. They learn to focus on what matters most to them. This radical alteration in viewpoint makes ACT a valuable tool. Both clinicians and clients benefit as they work toward lasting positive change. ACT’s principles, scientific foundations, and practical applications explain its growing recognition in mental health treatment. We see firsthand how people develop psychological flexibility through this approach. ACT helps them create richer, more meaningful lives that match their values.

FAQs

Q1. What are the main principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)? ACT is based on six core processes: acceptance, cognitive defusion, being present, self as context, values identification, and committed action. These principles work together to build psychological flexibility, helping individuals navigate difficult thoughts and emotions while pursuing meaningful goals. Q2. How does ACT differ from traditional cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)? While CBT focuses on changing thought patterns, ACT emphasizes accepting thoughts and feelings as natural parts of human experience. ACT helps clients build psychological flexibility and move towards valued goals, rather than trying to eliminate negative thoughts. Q3. What conditions can be effectively treated with ACT? ACT has shown effectiveness in treating various mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, OCD, and eating disorders. It’s also beneficial for managing chronic pain and medical conditions like diabetes and multiple sclerosis, as well as addressing workplace stress and performance issues. Q4. How is ACT typically implemented in practice? ACT can be delivered through various formats, including individual therapy sessions, group workshops, digital platforms, and one-day intensive workshops. Treatment usually begins with a comprehensive assessment, followed by tailored interventions based on the six core processes, with regular progress monitoring throughout the therapy. Q5. Are there any limitations to using ACT? While ACT is versatile and effective for many conditions, it may not be comprehensive enough for individuals with deeply rooted trauma. As a present-focused therapy, ACT acknowledges past experiences but primarily concentrates on what clients can do in the present, which may not fully address the needs of those with complex trauma histories.

References

[1] – https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acceptance_and_commitment_therapy [2] – https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy [3] – https://files.eric.ed.gov/fulltext/EJ844315.pdf [4] – https://contextualscience.org/the_six_core_processes_of_act [5] – https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/philosophy-and-therapy/202111/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy-philosophical-view [6] – https://beckinstitute.org/blog/long-term-comparison-of-traditional-cbt-and-acceptance-and-commitment-therapy/ [7] – https://psychcentral.com/lib/whats-the-difference-between-acceptance-and-commitment-therapy-mindfulness-based-cognitive-therapy [8] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5509623/ [9] – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2212144720301940 [10] – https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/10503307.2020.1802080 [11] – https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/psychological-medicine/article/neural-mechanisms-of-acceptancecommitment-therapy-for-obsessivecompulsive-disorder-a-restingstate-and-taskbased-fmri-study/E057A23754CE7294BFFB0D9CD9BC2FFF [12] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4842257/ [13] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5769281/ [14] – https://www.psychotherapy.net/article/Acceptance-and-Commitment-Therapy-ACT [15] – https://www.mindfulnessmuse.com/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy/how-to-translate-values-into-committed-action [16] – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/treatments/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy-act-therapy [17] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9020690/ [18] – https://empowercounselingllc.com/what-does-an-act-treatment-plan-for-anxiety-look-like-by-empower-counseling/ [19] – https://www.act.org/content/dam/act/unsecured/documents/Staying-on-Target.pdf [20] – https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-019-2109-4 [21] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5039035/ [22] – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s13311-017-0521-3