Tackling Anxiety with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – A Simple Guide for Everyone.

Anxiety is a common issue that affects countless people, making it hard to live their daily lives in peace. But what if there was a way to manage anxiety that doesn’t rely on complicated techniques or jargon? Enter Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a method that helps you deal with anxiety by changing the way you relate to your thoughts and feelings. Let’s break down what ACT is all about and how it can help you conquer anxiety. Plus, we’ll share how you can book a session with a psychotherapist to start your journey.

Understanding ACT in Plain English

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, is a type of therapy that combines mindfulness, accepting your thoughts and feelings, and making behaviour changes. It was created in the 1980s by a psychologist named Dr. Steven Hayes and has been used to treat a bunch of mental health issues, like anxiety, depression, and stress.

The Six Main Ideas of ACT

1. Cognitive defusion: This simply means learning to see your thoughts as separate from yourself. Instead of believing everything your mind says, you realize that thoughts come and go, and they don’t define you. This helps lessen the power of negative thoughts over your emotions and actions.
2. Acceptance: Embrace your thoughts and feelings, even the uncomfortable ones, instead of trying to run from them. This helps you make room for the discomfort and focus on what’s really important in life.
3. Present moment awareness: Focus on the here and now, enjoying what’s happening right in front of you, instead of stressing about the past or future.
4. Self-as-context: Develop a sense of who you are that’s separate from your thoughts, feelings, and experiences. This way, you can become stronger and more resilient when dealing with anxiety.
5. Values clarification: Figure out what truly matters to you and let those values guide your decisions and actions. By living in line with your values, you can create a more meaningful and satisfying life.
6. Committed action: Take real steps towards your goals and live by your values, even when anxiety or other obstacles show up.

How ACT Helps with Anxiety

Imagine you’re afraid of public speaking, and you have a presentation coming up. With ACT, you’ll learn to accept the anxious thoughts and feelings that arise while still preparing and delivering your presentation. By not avoiding the situation, you teach yourself that anxiety doesn’t have to control your life.

Ready to give ACT a try? Book a session with a psychotherapist!

If you’re curious about how ACT could help you with your anxiety, why not book a session with a psychotherapist? They can guide you through the process, tailoring it to your specific needs and concerns. To get started, book a free initial session.

In conclusion, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a down-to-earth and powerful approach for anyone struggling with anxiety. By focusing on acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based living, you can develop a healthier relationship with your thoughts and emotions, leading to a more enjoyable life. If you’re ready to tackle your anxiety, consider booking a session with a psychotherapist and starting your ACT journey today.