Steven Hayes' therapeutic approach that helps clients accept difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to actions aligned with their values. It uses mindfulness and behavioral strategies to increase psychological flexibility rather than eliminating symptoms.
Developed by Steven Hayes in the 1980s-90s, based on Relational Frame Theory and functional contextualism. The name emphasizes two key processes: accepting internal experiences (thoughts, feelings) that can't be controlled, and committing to behavioral changes that move toward valued life directions.
ACT flips traditional therapy on its head—instead of trying to feel better, you learn to feel better! It teaches that the problem isn't having negative thoughts or feelings, but getting stuck trying to control or avoid them, which actually makes them stronger and limits your life.
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