ACT is a talk therapy for treating :
- Feeling sad, depressed or hopeless
- Loss of interest or pleasure in activities
- Feeling worthless or having extreme guilt
- Being irritable or agitated
- Difficulty making decisions or concentrating
- Loss of energy or fatigue
- Increase or decrease in appetite or sleep
ACT-D can help individuals make changes such that they can have fuller and richer lives guided by what is personally meaningful and helpful. In ACT, the therapist works with the individual to assist them in becoming more accepting of themselves, to have better relationships with others, and to improve functioning in their personal situations. Individuals learn to identify and take part in activities that are in line with what they care about and that make a difference in their lives as well as their emotional experience. By participating in ACT, the individual learns to: Accept, Choose, and Take Action
- Be more present to the “here-and-now.” This focus helps to decrease being caught up in what happened in the past. It also frees individuals from worrying about the future. Being present helps one to more fully connect and enjoy the moment.
- Observe thoughts and feelings in such a way that they no longer keep one “stuck” in life. Learning to observe through openness and acceptance can help individuals find a sense of freedom from negative thoughts and feelings such that they no longer control one’s life.
- Clarify values and then take action. Finding what is most meaningful to the client and choosing to act on these values are important parts of the therapy. This will be part of the process of building a rich and full life.