Compass Center’s philosophy is that recovery requires treating the whole person. That’s why we integrate evidence-based approaches like acceptance and commitment therapy into our comprehensive treatment plans. ACT is a dynamic therapeutic approach designed to help you manage negative thoughts and emotions while building a more fulfilling, values-driven life.
What Is ACT?
Acceptance and commitment therapy shares similarities with cognitive behavioral therapy, as both techniques aim to help people identify and manage negative thought patterns. However, while CBT focuses on changing your inner monologue, ACT emphasizes acceptance, mindfulness, and action. Instead of avoiding or suppressing painful emotions, ACT teaches you to embrace them, allowing you to focus on what matters most in your life.
ACT helps you stop dwelling on the past and worrying about the future, encouraging you to stay grounded in the present moment. By equipping you with healthy coping strategies, it empowers you to face challenges and live in alignment with your values and goals.
What to Expect From Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT is an evidence-based therapy that has proven effective in addressing a wide range of issues, including trauma, substance abuse, generalized anxiety disorder, and relationship difficulties.
Through ACT, you’ll work with a skilled therapist to confront complex emotions, memories, or situations you typically avoid. Instead of trying to eliminate negative feelings, ACT helps you develop a more compassionate and positive relationship with your experiences.
Here’s what you can expect during ACT sessions.
Tuning Into Your Inner Monologue
You’ll learn to observe the inner narrative you’ve built around traumatic events or ongoing challenges and recognize how your thoughts influence your emotions and behavior.
Identifying Unhelpful Strategies
Your therapist will help you reflect on past coping strategies that haven’t worked. Together, you’ll break the cycle of repetitive thought patterns and behaviors that may be holding you back.
Committing to Change
Once you’ve faced and accepted your current challenges, you’ll shift your energy toward meaningful action. This step involves practicing behaviors aligned with your values, rather than being stuck in a cycle of avoidance or denial.
How ACT Works
ACT’s core principle is simple – avoiding pain or complex emotions will eventually lead to additional turmoil. When we suppress or run from uncomfortable feelings, they tend to resurface, often in more harmful ways. ACT flips this approach by encouraging you to lean into your experiences, acknowledge your pain, and embrace what you can learn from them.
Through mindfulness exercises and other ACT techniques, you’ll develop the tools to stay present, even during challenging moments. Over time, ACT helps you:
- Accept your emotions rather than fighting them.
- Develop healthier thought patterns about yourself and your past.
- Focus on the present moment to reduce anxiety and stress.
- Commit to positive behavioral changes rooted in your values.
The goal of ACT is to help you achieve emotional resilience and maturity. Instead of struggling against your feelings, acceptance and commitment therapy encourages you to view them as learning and growth opportunities.
Why Choose Compass Center for ACT?
At Compass Center, we know everyone is unique and comes to us from a different background. That’s why our team takes the time to thoroughly understand your history, challenges, and treatment goals. When we incorporate acceptance and commitment therapy into your care plan, we will tailor it to your specific needs.
ACT is more than a treatment – it’s a path to freedom. Start building the future you deserve by learning to embrace the experiences that have shaped you. Contact us today to learn more about our holistic approach to recovery and how ACT can help you reach your full potential.