What is ACT?

ACT stands for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Hayes, Wilson & Strosahl). This is a third generation behavioural therapy that helps clients to deal with the obstacles they encounter in a flexible way (Acceptance), so that they can continue to invest in the things they really consider important (Commitment). ACT consists of six different processes / skills, often depicted in the ACT hexaflex:

- Acceptance: Making room for annoying experiences.

- Defusion: Distancing yourself from your thoughts.

- The Self: Flexible handling of your self (image).

- Here and Now: Attention for the Here and Now.

- Values: To dwell on what really matters to you.

- Dedicated Action: Investing in your values. 

Together, these ACT skills make a person psychologically more flexible. The aim of ACT is therefore not to reduce complaints, but to develop personal resilience. ACT makes extensive use of metaphors and exercises; in this way, the various ACT skills are developed in an experiential manner. 

 

Does ACT work?

ACT has been recognised as evidence-based therapy for the depressive disorder, various anxiety disorders, compulsive disorder, psychosis and chronic pain (APA, 2010). ACT has also proven to be effective in increasing the general wellbeing of a client, so there does not have to be any psychopathology to benefit from this form of therapy. 

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