Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based behavioral treatment that has been shown to be effective for youth and adults from diverse ethnic and cultural backgrounds to cope with a range of psychological and medical conditions including depression, anxiety, OCD, chronic pain, and substance use.

ACT is based on the idea that our “go-to” strategies to manage difficult thoughts and feelings–typically, pushing away thoughts/feelings or allowing thoughts/feelings to control our behavior–do not work in the long run. In ACT, an individual learns how to effectively understand, accept, and cope with difficult emotions and situations, “loosen the grip” of unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, and take action based on what is most important in their life (their “values”).

ACT is designed to:

1. Reduce suffering through use of mindfulness, self-compassion, and acceptance-based coping skills;
2. Help individuals identify their values;
3. And, use behavioral skills to increase values-consistent behaviors in everyday life.

These treatment goals are achieved through understanding an individual’s unique current and historical context and utilizing mindfulness practice, concrete metaphors and externalizing strategies that reduce the power of unhelpful thoughts, and “behavior experiments” that help the individual engage in the behaviors they currently avoid. ACT begins in the therapist’s office and continues outside of sessions with daily practices designed to be consistent with each individual’s unique goals and values. These practices set the foundation for an individual to live their life in a meaningful and fulfilling way.

Click here to learn more about our ACT program at BCSC.

To schedule an intake, contact us at info@bostonchildstudycenter.com or 857-400-9211.