Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a unique and creative model for both therapy and coaching, based on the innovative use of mindfulness. The aim of ACT is to create a rich, full and meaningful life, cultivating vitality and well-being through mindfulness and values-guided action. Although ACT was created over 10 years before 'positive psychology' existed, it is increasingly seen as a part of that movement.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) gets it name from one of its core messages: to accept what is out of your personal control, while committing to do whatever is in your personal control to improve your quality of life.
The aim of ACT is to help people create a rich full and meaningful life, while effectively handling the pain and stress that life inevitably brings. ACT (which is pronounced as the word 'act', not as the initials) does this by:
a) teaching psychological skills to deal with painful thoughts and feelings effectively – in such a way that they have much less impact and influence. (These are known as mindfulness skills.)
b) helping to clarify what is truly important and meaningful - ie your values - then use that knowledge to guide, inspire and motivate to change life for the better.
In all, a very enjoyable two day workshop, which was run by the renowned ACT trainer Dr Russ Harris. I learned many new techniques which will help my clients and myself live rich, full and more meaningful lives.