Exploring Modalities: ACT (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy)

by Patricia McGuire, LPC-MHSP

6/16/25

My therapeutic approach is integrative and eclectic, which means I utilize different therapy modalities (or processes) in my counseling work with clients. I believe treating each individual uniquely and holistically is key to the therapeutic relationship and path of healing. (Take a look at all my modalities here).

I have discussed aspects of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in other blogposts here and here and here. I use it frequently in therapy with clients and also in my own life! It’s chock-full of action-oriented mental wellness skills and built on helpful philosophical frameworks.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that focuses on taking values-based actions to alleviate personal suffering and foster psychological flexibility. ACT is building on six core practices that help you learn to stop fighting your unwanted emotions and instead, accept all emotions as normal responses to life situations. With this understanding, it becomes easier (but not easy!) to accept life’s struggles and choose to change your behavior, no matter your thoughts or emotions.

Trying to control painful thoughts and feelings usually makes things worse. Instead of attempting to control your emotions or alter your thoughts, ACT focuses on being mindful, knowing what matters to you, and taking action. By accepting emotions as they are and taking values-based actions, you can improve how you feel and think.

The six core processes of ACT that promote psychological flexibility and wellness:

1. Acceptance — Accept all your thoughts and emotions instead of avoiding, ignoring, or changing them.

2. Cognitive Defusion— Distance yourself from upsetting thoughts and emotions by changing your response to reduce their impact. (Techniques include noticing a thought without judging it, singing the thought, or naming your automatic reaction.)

3. Being Present— Pay attention to the present moment and notice your thoughts and feelings without judging or changing them.

4. Self as Context — Remind yourself that your are more than your thoughts and emotions. Your sense of self is comprised of many things, including your history, relationship experiences, and current life situation.

5. Values— Pick what matters most to you and trying to live by those beliefs. This is different from attempting to meet others’ expectations or avoiding uncomfortable emotions.

6. Committed Action —Take clear actions aligned with your values to confront challenges and move through discomfort.

Applying these tenets of ACT is not always easy, however with time and practice, it can reduce your suffering and increase your sense of well-being. By being nonjudgmental and taking one step at a time, you’ll find greater ease and growth, even in life's challenges.

Go deeper: https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy

If you’d like to explore these ideas further, connect with Patricia McGuire here