At Sacramento Mental Health, we offer Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a cornerstone of our treatment approach. ACT is a modern, evidence-based psychotherapeutic intervention that incorporates acceptance and mindfulness techniques alongside commitment and behavioral change strategies. This integration aims to develop psychological flexibility, which involves fully embracing the present moment with awareness and responsiveness. Psychological flexibility enables individuals to adapt or persist in behaviors that align with their core values, depending on situational demands.
At our facility, clients engage deeply with ACT’s dynamic philosophy and the practical skills it fosters. These tools are designed not only to manage psychological distress but also to build a fulfilling life based on personal values and goals. By embracing ACT at Sacramento Mental Health, clients learn to navigate life’s challenges with greater ease and commitment to their well-being.
At Sacramento Mental Health, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is rooted in the understanding that psychological distress often arises from the inherent interactions between human language, cognition, and the experiential control of behavior. ACT posits that psychological rigidity—which manifests through avoidance behaviors, cognitive fusion, excessive self-identification, disconnection from the present, and actions misaligned with personal values—can exacerbate distress. Supported by a solid body of research into the underlying principles of language and cognition, ACT emphasizes that trying to alter challenging thoughts and emotions as a coping strategy might be ineffective. Instead, ACT introduces transformative coping techniques that foster healthier, more adaptive responses.
These effective ACT strategies include:
As a form of psychotherapy, ACT at our center encourages mindfulness practices that align thoughts and behaviors with personal values, thereby enhancing psychological flexibility. Clients engaging with our ACT practitioners gain insights into how their efforts to suppress or control emotional experiences may be counterproductive. Through ACT, individuals learn to create room in their lives for actions that reflect their values, enhancing overall well-being by recognizing and addressing their unique challenges.
At Sacramento Mental Health, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is not just a theoretical approach but a set of practical skills that can be seamlessly integrated into daily life to enhance psychological flexibility. This flexibility is cultivated through six core principles each designed to foster a different aspect of mental resilience and well-being:
Contact with the Present Moment: This principle is about fully immersing oneself in the current experience with openness and curiosity, a fundamental aspect of mindfulness. It involves making a conscious effort to engage with the realities of the present, rather than getting lost in thoughts about the past or future.
Acceptance: Learning acceptance involves creating space for painful emotions, urges, and sensations to exist without resistance. This skill teaches individuals to acknowledge their difficult thoughts and feelings without struggling with them, allowing these experiences to surface and pass naturally, which can bring relief and the freedom to act despite them.
Cognitive Defusion: Defusion involves stepping back from harmful thoughts, beliefs, and memories. Rather than being dominated or overwhelmed by these thoughts, individuals learn to observe them as they come and go—much like watching cars pass by outside a window. This skill helps people respond to their thoughts more effectively, rather than being entangled by them.
Self as Context: ACT distinguishes between the ‘thinking self’—the part of the mind engaged in constant thought—and the ‘observing self,’ which is capable of awareness of these thoughts, feelings, or actions in the moment. Developing an awareness of the observing self through mindfulness enhances this perspective, allowing a more detached and compassionate viewpoint.
Values Clarification: This component focuses on discovering what truly matters to an individual—their core values and desired directions in life. It involves deep reflection on one’s life intentions and the legacy they wish to create, guiding how they wish to behave and interact with the world around them.
Committed Action: Reflecting the idea that actions speak louder than words, this principle is about making a commitment to live out one’s values through consistent actions. It teaches evaluating actions not as good or bad but based on whether they align with personal values, thereby facilitating a values-driven life.
If you or a family member are seeking a path to a healthier future, learning about various treatment options can be a crucial step. Gaining self-confidence and independence through life skills is part of navigating the road to recovery. To find out more about connecting with services that can offer support, consider reaching out to professionals in the field today.
