In a world where mood disorders and mental health issues are becoming more and more common, it’s never been more important to have a variety of treatments. After all, mental health issues are complex and, sadly, a one-size-fits-all solution doesn’t exist.
What works for one person might not work for another, which is why therapy is a great option as there are many different therapeutic models that can all be tailored to create a personalised treatment plan.
One of those options is acceptance and commitment (ACT) therapy, which is a relatively new type of therapy that’s making waves due to its versatility and ability to help treat a wide range of conditions.
In this post we’ll take a close look at ACT therapy, what it involves and which conditions it’s shown it can help improve.
When And Where Did ACT Originate?
ACT was developed in the late 20th century by psychologist Steven C. Hayes. This relatively new form of psychotherapy is rooted in behavioural and cognitive principles, but with a distinctive twist.
Rather than attempting to reject negative thoughts and feelings, ACT focuses on promoting psychological flexibility by encouraging individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings as a typical part of life, rather than fighting against them.
Unlike other models, ACT is not about eradicating pain or distress, but about living a meaningful life, irrespective of the challenges that come one’s way.
Benefits Of ACT
Before we dive into the different conditions ACT is known to help with, let’s take a look at what this therapeutic model involves. Perhaps the biggest draw of ACT is its ability to guide individuals towards psychological flexibility, which is a key step in improving mental well-being.
By encouraging acceptance, ACT empowers individuals and provides a road map for them to navigate the choppy waters of their mind. Rather than attempting to suppress or deny their feelings, ACT encourages the person to acknowledge them, allowing them to confront their difficulties head-on which fosters resilience and adaptability.
Another fundamental component of ACT is mindfulness, which uses techniques like meditation and diaphragmatic breathing to teach individuals to be more present, unshackling them from distressing thoughts and emotions.
Conditions
So now we’ve gone over the main benefits of ACT and briefly covered what it involves, let’s take a look at the multiple conditions it’s shown to be efficacious in treating.
Depression
Worryingly, the number of people suffering from depression across the country is rising, as is the demand for mental health treatment, which is putting a huge strain on the NHS’s already threadbare services.
Although many still turn to anti-depressants for reprieve, more sufferers of depression are now undergoing therapy, and one increasingly popular option is ACT.
Rather than solely targeting the reduction of depressive symptoms, ACT attempts to rebuild a sense of meaning in spite of the persistent shadows being cast by depression. CBT teaches an individual to accept the fluctuations of mood and behave in a way that fosters a sense of purpose.
Anxiety
Another increasingly prevalent mental health condition that’s destroying the life of many is anxiety. Although it’s difficult to pinpoint precisely why, many believe that the increase can largely be attributed to austerity, poor sleeping habits and the negative effects of social media.
Helping many individuals battle their inner demons is ACT, which helps those suffering from anxiety embrace their anxious thoughts and sensations without the desperate need for their eradication.
This can instil resilience and individuals are taught to step back and observe their anxiety in real time, empowering them to alter their behaviour to enjoy a calmer and more fulfilling existence.
Psychosis
Psychosis is another condition that’s found itself in the crosshairs of ACT. A condition that’s often stigmatised and heavily misunderstood, psychosis can result in delusions, hallucinations and erratic behaviour
While ACT doesn’t seek to eliminate hallucinations or delusions, it aids individuals in accepting these experiences and helps them avoid succumbing to their overbearing influence.
ACT can also be used in conjunction with other types of therapy, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Psychosis (CBTp). ACT can provide mental flexibility, while CBTp uses techniques such as psychoeducation, cognitive therapy and behavioural skill training for a comprehensive approach to treat psychosis.
Chronic Pain
Chronic pain is an unrelenting brought on the lives of those who suffer from it,which can cause major disruption to everyday life and make even the most straightforward of tasks a challenge.
Thankfully, this is another condition that ACT has demonstrated efficacy in treating. Rather than fixating on the physical pain, ACT encourages individuals to accept these sensations and instead commit themselves to participating in activities that bring joy and meaning.
By attempting to live life to the full in the face of this pain, ACT can create a sense of resilience, breaking down boundaries and increasing confidence.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD is a complex and often misunderstood condition. While nobody knows for sure what causes OCD, common theories suggest that it can be caused by a range of factors, including genetic predispositions, abnormalities in the brain and compulsive, learned behaviours, which become repetitive over time.
Characterised by intrusive thoughts and compulsive rituals, OCD is a condition that ACT approaches with compassion and acceptance. Instead of engaging in an endless fight with these obsessive thoughts, ACT therapy teaches individuals to accept these thoughts and disengage from the compulsive rituals.
This reduces shame and frustration, while also allowing individuals to instead redirect their energy towards actions that align with their values.
So those are the main conditions ACT is efficacious in treating. As you can see, this wide-ranging treatment is as adaptive as the techniques it teaches, meaning it’s suitable to help a variety of people with various conditions and requirements.