Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Anxiety
|
As an ACT trained therapist, I collaborate with military members and veterans to refocus their life from fighting anxiety to pursuing what is truly important to them. Whether from loss of a loved one, dealing with separation from deployment, or traumatic injury, we all have a tendency to want avoid uncomfortable and painful emotions like anxiety. While this is normal, just like wanting to avoid physical pain, avoiding anxiety and emotional pain can actually increase suffering and get in the way of building a meaningful life. Research has shown that individuals utilizing ACT can effectively move from anxiety to a life of meaning and fulfillment.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has the power to improve more than just anxiety and depression. ACT Therapy can help individuals feel courageous and bolder in taking on new life challenges. This can spiral into opportunities at work, forming new healthy relationships, and becoming a more confident, happier person overall. |
ACT Explained
STRENGTHS OF ACT
GOALS OF ACT
SUGGESTED RESOURCES:
- ACT is based on clear, explicit conceptualizations of human suffering. These conceptualizations are supported by empirical research.
- ACT is collaborative and respectful of clients combining experiential techniques with behavioral interventions.
- Change strategies and interventions are specified.
- The change processes have been mapped into six core psychological processes: acceptance, cognitive defusion, present moment focus, flexible perspective taking or self as context, values clarification, and committed action.
- ACT is considered an empirically supported treatment and has over 60 randomized controlled trials validating its effectiveness.
- ACT has been applied to many different kinds of problems and populations.
GOALS OF ACT
- To mindfully contact the present moment as a fully conscious human being.
- To accept thoughts and feelings.
- To choose valued direction in life (ex., trustworthiness, compassion, loyalty, etc.)
- To pursue patterns of living that are linked to chosen values.
SUGGESTED RESOURCES:
Book. Heal. Grow.
Elizabeth Polinsky, LCSW, currently works at The Relationship Center at East Beach in Norfolk, Virginia.
Online Therapy is available for Virginia, South Carolina, and Arkansas.
Online Therapy is available for Virginia, South Carolina, and Arkansas.
4615 Pleasant Ave., Suite B
Norfolk, Virginia 23518 |
Elizabeth.Polinsky@relationship-center.com
info@relationship-center.com |
MAIN: (757) 788-2800
FAX: (757) 788-2778 |