Ever wondered what ACT is and how to get it working for you? Look no further as LSC breaks it down.
ACT, Mental health care plan, online therapy.
Welcome, Hello!
Hi all, welcome back to LSC, where we believe in supporting you in your journey to well-being. Today I want to share with you a powerful therapeutic approach we sometimes integrate into your counselling journey with us, it's ACT - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. This short read explores the key principles of ACT and how it can help you navigate life challenges with resilience and growth.
At LSC, we believe that you have the power to walk your own path to well-being, and ACT is the perfect tool to help you along the way. Let's get to it.
ACT - an overview
ACT is a form of therapy that combines mindfulness with action. It encourages you to accept your thoughts and feelings as they are, whilst committing to action that aligns with your values and goals. To ACT in a way that is authentically you.
5 Steps of ACT
1. Acceptance
It should be no surprise that this is the first step. Accept your thoughts. ACT encourages you to observe your emotions without judgement. Many of us try to avoid or deny our emotions and that leaves us feeling weary, worn out, and out of control. Acceptance allows you to create a space for them to just be, which reduces their impact on your overall well-being.
2. Cognitive Diffusion
This can be where it gets tricky. Cognitive diffusion is the practice of detaching yourself from unhelpful thoughts, it's the art of observing your thoughts as clouds passing overhead rather than absolute unshakeable truths. By distancing yourself from your thoughts, you gain more freedom to chose how you'd like to respond, rather than responding automatically.
3. Mindfulness
Mindfulness is fundamental, but it doesn't mean you have to sit and meditate for an hour each day. LSC values the practice of being in the present moment. We can guide you on quick techniques to ground yourself and be aware of your surroundings instead of being on autopilot. In this way, you can develop non-judgemental awareness of your experiences and enhance your ability to respond consciously. Mindfulness cultivates self-compassion and allows you to move towards self-discovery.
4. Values
ACT invites you to explore and identify your deeply held values - what matters most to you. Understanding these qualities and behaviours provides a compass for how to make meaningful choices and take action that aligns with your most authentic self.
5. Committed Action
Of course, it ends with commitment. We encourage you to take action that truly aligns with your values and goals, and helps you come closer towards them. Committed action empowers you to overcome obstacles and make positive change in line with your aspirations.
"In ACT, our main interest in a thought is not whether it's true or false, but whether it's helpful; if we pay attention to this thought, will it help us create the life we want?" - Russ Harris, author of The Happiness Trap.
The benefits of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
After discovering ACT, your whole life might change for the better. When you start paying attention to acting in ways that serve your values and goals, you lead a more rich and meaningful life.
Side effects might include:
Increased self-awareness & self-acceptance.
Improved Resilience in the face of challenges or setbacks.
Enhanced emotional regulation and stress management.
Stronger relationship through improved communication.
More clarity and focus in pursuing your goals.
Heightened ability to make decisions based on your values, what matters most to you.
LSC + ACT
At Lavender Sky Counselling, we believe in Acceptance and Commitment therapy and the benefits it can bring to you. It can be a transformative journey that your LSC counsellor can guide you on to embrace your most meaningful life and overcoming hardship. ACT empowers you to navigate life's challenges with grace and authenticity.
If you've come this far and think ACT might be right for you, book an obligation free consult with our counsellors today to chat about what you're struggling with and allow us to help you make those first steps on your pathway to well-being. Together we can explore ACT and help you create a life that aligns with your deepest values and authentic self.
The last word
Remember, it all begins with acceptance. Embrace it, commit to it, and watch yourself bloom into your best version.
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