ACT therapy is based on several core principles:

Acceptance: You'll learn to accept your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment or avoidance, even when they are distressing.

Cognitive Defusion: You'll work on "defusing" or distancing yourself from unhelpful thoughts, recognizing that thoughts are just mental events, not necessarily reflections of reality.

Present Moment Awareness: Mindfulness and awareness exercises will help you stay grounded in the present moment, fostering a deeper connection with your experiences.

Values Clarification: You'll explore your core values and what truly matters to you in life. This helps guide your actions and decisions.

Committed Action: ACT encourages you to take purposeful actions aligned with your values, even in the face of discomfort or fear.

Self-as-Context: You'll develop a broader sense of self that isn't solely defined by your thoughts and emotions, fostering greater emotional resilience.

What to Expect as a Client:

Assessment and Goal Setting: At the beginning of therapy, your therapist will assess your current struggles, values, and goals. Together, you'll set meaningful objectives for your treatment.

Mindfulness and Acceptance Practices: You'll engage in mindfulness exercises and learn acceptance techniques to become more aware of your thoughts, emotions, and sensations while letting go of the struggle to control or eliminate them.

Values Exploration: Your therapist will guide you in identifying your values, helping you clarify what you want your life to stand for.

Commitment to Action: You'll work with your therapist to develop a plan for taking committed actions aligned with your values, even when it feels challenging.

Regular Sessions: ACT therapy typically involves regular sessions with a trained therapist. The frequency and duration of therapy may vary depending on your needs and goals.

Homework and Practice: Your therapist may assign exercises or practices for you to do between sessions to reinforce the skills you're learning.