The Core Principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Welcome back!
Now that we've introduced the concept of acceptance, let's continue our journey by exploring the core principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In ACT, these principles serve as guiding lights on the path to improving your life.
Acceptance. ACT teaches us to stop struggling against our emotions and make peace with them. It's not about liking or enjoying them - it's about releasing their grip on us. When we stop fighting with our emotions, we can be more present and engaged in our lives.
Self-Compassion. Self-compassion is the foundation of ACT, teaching us to treat ourselves with warmth and understanding, even in the face of our flaws and imperfections. Self-compassion encourages us to embrace our humanity and to practice treating ourselves like we would a friend or loved one.
Defusion. Defusion allows us to create distance from unhelpful thoughts, which can reduce their power over our actions and emotions. Through defusion techniques, we learn to observe our thoughts without becoming entangled in them.
Mindfulness. In ACT, mindfulness goes beyond traditional meditation practices. It's about being fully present in each moment, without getting caught up in our thoughts or emotions. Mindfulness enables us to connect more deeply with ourselves and others - an essential skill that paves the way for us to build more fulfilling lives.
Values & Committed Action. ACT helps us identify our core values, or what truly matters to us. Once we've clarified our values, ACT empowers us with the skills to take committed action in line with those values. This process allows us to live more authentically, and to create a life full of purpose and meaning.
As we explore these principles further, remember that ACT is not just a theoretical framework—it's a practical approach to living a rich and fulfilling life. Stay tuned for tips and exercises to help you bring these principles to life and start living your best, most authentic life.
Until next time,
Jayne