Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
What Is ACT?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT, pronounced “act” as in: “to take action”) was developed to help people reduce suffering by increasing psychological flexibility. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult thoughts and feelings, ACT teaches us to change our relationship with them, enabling us to respond with intention rather than automatic reactivity.
How ACT Differs from CBT
While traditional CBT aims to modify unhelpful thoughts through logic and reasoning, ACT emphasizes mindful acceptance and values-based action. The goal isn’t to change what we think, but to change how we relate to what we think. This shift reduces the power of distressing inner experiences and fosters more adaptive behavior.
Core Principles of ACT
ACT draws on mindfulness, defusion techniques, acceptance strategies, and behavioural science. Skills include observing thoughts without attachment, letting emotions come and go, and committing to actions that align with personal values—regardless of internal discomfort. This cultivates resilience and meaning-driven living.
