Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapeutic approach that focuses on developing psychological flexibility by accepting what is
beyond one's control and committing to actions that enrich one's life.
Dr. Swaroop was formally trained in ACT while serving veterans with
chronic pain at Jesse Brown VA Medical Center. Here, she ran formal
(ACT protocols for research) and informal (sessions structured by ACT
theory) groups and individual treatment. In her clinical experience,
Dr. Swaroop has found clients like ACT because it offers a
compassionate, empowering, and practical approach to navigating life's
challenges and creating a more fulfilling existence. It provides tools
and strategies that can be applied to various aspects of life, leading
to greater resilience, well-being, and authenticity.

Here's how ACT works for clients seeking therapy:

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• Clarifying Values: Clients begin by identifying their core values —the qualities and experiences they consider most important and meaningful in life. This process involves reflecting on what matters most to them in various domains such as relationships, work, health, and personal growth.

 

• Mindfulness: Mindfulness techniques are central to ACT and are used to help clients cultivate present-moment awareness and nonjudgmental acceptance of their thoughts, emotions, and sensations. Through mindfulness practices, clients learn to observe their internal experiences without getting caught up in them or trying to suppress them.

 

• Defusion: ACT helps clients recognize that thoughts are not necessarily true or accurate representations of reality. Defusion techniques are used to create distance from unhelpful thoughts and beliefs by viewing them as passing mental events rather than absolute truths. This allows clients to respond to their thoughts with greater flexibility and openness.

 

• Acceptance: Acceptance involves acknowledging and making room for uncomfortable emotions, sensations, and experiences without attempting to change or control them. Clients learn to tolerate distress and discomfort while staying committed to their values and taking meaningful action in line with their goals.

 

• Commitment to Action: Clients are encouraged to identify specific, values-based goals and take committed action towards achieving them. This involves breaking goals down into manageable steps and persisting in the face of obstacles and setbacks. Clients learn to move towards what matters most to them, even in the presence of difficult thoughts and feelings.
   

 

• The Observing Self vs. The Thinking Self: ACT distinguishes between the observing self, which is the aspect of consciousness that can observe and experience thoughts and emotions, and the thinking self, which is the part of the mind that generates thoughts and beliefs. Clients learn to connect with their observing self and cultivate self-awareness and perspective-taking skills.
   

• The Present Moment: ACT emphasizes the importance of focusing on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future. Clients learn to engage fully in their experiences and make conscious choices in each moment, rather than getting caught up in rumination or avoidance.

 

• Values-Driven Action: Ultimately, the goal of ACT is to help clients live more meaningful and fulfilling lives by aligning their actions with their values. Clients learn to make choices that are consistent with their values, even when faced with difficult thoughts, emotions, or external circumstances.

Overall, ACT provides clients with practical tools and strategies for
developing psychological flexibility and resilience in the face of
life's challenges. By fostering acceptance, mindfulness, and
values-driven action, ACT empowers clients to create a rich and
meaningful life, even in the presence of adversity.

Dr. Swaroop's recommended links for ACT:

Association for Contextual Behavioral Science: 

https://contextualscience.org/act

 

Free Practical Audio ACT Exercises: https://contextualscience.org/free_audio

Positive Psychology & ACT: 
https://positivepsychology.com/act-therapy/

 

Psychology Today & ACT:
https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/therapy-types/acceptance-and-commitment-therapy