Seeking Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Adelaide
At Adelaide Clinical Psychology, we offer Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), using evidence-based methods to address unhelpful behaviours and promote long-term change. Our experienced psychologists offer a supportive and understanding environment where you can explore your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy will help you understand and accept difficult thoughts and feelings while learning to stay present, manage challenges, and take purposeful action towards your values and goals.
Understanding Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness behavioural therapy that encourages people to accept difficult thoughts and feelings as they come up without evaluating or attempting to change them. This shift can help people manage their thoughts and feelings more effectively, allowing them to focus on their desired behavioural changes that are aligned with their values.
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ACT is structured around six core processes designed to help you deal with challenges in a healthier way:
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Acceptance: This involves allowing your unwanted thoughts, feelings, and sensations to come and go. Acceptance is not about giving up; it’s about making room for your experiences so you can respond to them with openness as opposed to resistance.
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Cognitive Defusion: This process teaches you to observe negative thoughts from a distance rather than getting entangled in them. You learn to see your thoughts as passing events, not as facts or instructions you have to follow.
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Being Present: ACT encourages a strong connection with the present moment. Through mindfulness, you learn to stay connected to what’s happening right now, rather than getting caught up in worries about the past or future.
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Self-as-Context: You learn to connect with yourself as an observer of your thoughts and emotions, rather than getting lost in them. We help people realise that you are more than your experiences.
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Values: Your values are what you find most important in life. ACT helps you clarify what truly matters to you, whether it’s compassion, creativity, connection, or personal growth. These values become your guide.
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Committed Action: The final step is to take effective action guided by your values. This allows you to set meaningful goals and behave in ways that are consistent with what you care about, even when it’s difficult.
What Conditions Respond Well to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
ACT is an evidence-based approach that has proven effective for a wide range of psychological and emotional difficulties. Our kind and experienced psychologists utilise ACT to support individuals with a range of concerns.
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Some of the conditions that respond well to ACT include:
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Stress and Anxiety Disorders: This includes Generalised Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and social anxiety. ACT helps individuals change their relationship with anxious thoughts and feelings, reducing their impact.
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Depression: ACT offers skills to manage feelings of hopelessness and low mood by helping individuals reconnect with their values and take meaningful action, even when motivation is low.
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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): For individuals managing OCD, ACT offers strategies to reduce the struggle with intrusive thoughts and compulsions while focusing on meaningful activities.
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Substance Use Issues: This therapy assists individuals in managing cravings and urges by accepting their presence without acting on them, while committing to a life of recovery based on personal values.
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Workplace Stress and Burnout: ACT offers practical strategies for navigating high-pressure environments, clarifying professional values, and promoting a healthier work-life balance.
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Relationship Difficulties: It can help individuals navigate interpersonal challenges by promoting mindful presence, acceptance of others, and actions guided by relational values like kindness and connection.
What to Expect from ACT Therapy Sessions
We conduct an initial therapy session to understand your history and goals. This allows us to develop a personalised plan and determine if ACT is the best therapeutic process for you.
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Your initial sessions will focus on building a trusting relationship with your psychologist. We will take the time to understand your story and what you hope to achieve. This is a collaborative process where we explore how your current coping strategies may be holding you back.
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As therapy progresses, you will be introduced to the six core principles of ACT through discussions, metaphors, and experiential exercises. These are not just intellectual concepts; they are evidence-based skills you can learn and apply to everyday life.
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Our psychologists create a supportive and understanding environment where you can safely explore complex thoughts and emotions. There is no pressure to banish these feelings; instead, the focus is on changing your response to them. You will learn to identify unhelpful thought patterns and make conscious choices based on your values.
Integrating ACT with Other Evidence-Based Approaches
Many individuals benefit from combining Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with other evidence-based treatments. ACT integrates well with approaches such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based interventions.
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Your experienced psychologist will work with you to determine whether a combined approach might be beneficial based on your specific needs and goals. This integrative approach ensures that you receive the most comprehensive and effective care possible.
Find the Right Support in Adelaide
Contact us today to discuss how ACT therapy in Adelaide can facilitate meaningful, lasting change. Our psychologists use evidence-based strategies to address your concerns and guide you toward practical, lasting outcomes.