Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

The goal of acceptance and commitment therapy, often known as ACT, is to help patients stop judging themselves and start acting in ways that are consistent with their values. The fact that ACT is regarded as a “third wave” cognitive behavioral treatment dramatically enhances the cognitive-behavioral work we conduct with all of our clients at Connected Care Behavioral Health LLC. The foundation of ACT is the knowledge that many of us are prone to be preoccupied with our ideas and mistaking them for objective truths rather than what they are—thoughts. ACT uses prescribed exercises to free clients from the weight of their racing thoughts and help them concentrate on the here and now rather than dwelling on the past or the future. Clients learn what is truly important to them through these processes and gain the freedom to live their values. Many patients value this type of care because it can help them overcome emotional issues and lead more satisfying lives. Any of the tasks listed below, singly or in combination, could be performed during a regular ACT session:

  • Meditation to help with thought awareness
  • Diffusion techniques that help you stop thinking
  • Exercises in acceptance to aid in accepting reality as it is
  • Clarification of values
  • Setting objectives to assist clients in living ethically

Recent studies have shown that ACT is effective in managing a variety of emotional and behavioral issues. ACT has shown promise in the following conditions:

  • Generalized Anxiety Disorder
  • Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
  • Depression

At Connected Care Behavioral Health LLC, we tailor treatment and the types of exercises we use in session to fit you and your specific concerns. Each staff member has received extensive training in applying these tried-and-true, research-based techniques. Contact us at 443-219-9236 if you or someone you know could benefit from A&C therapy.