ACT
ACT is a values and mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioural therapy that aims to help people move toward valued life directions or what really matters to them so they can live a meaningful life.
ACT was originally developed in the United States by Stephen Hayes, Kelly Wilson, Kirk Strosahl and their colleagues in the late 1980s.
ACT focuses on helping people to use their minds more flexibly (psychological flexibility) and to lead a more meaningful life through developing the following six core processes or skills:
- Clarifying values (what matters most)
- Taking committed actions or actions toward what matters most
- Connecting with the present moment
- Observing all experiences, thoughts and feelings (through observing self)
- Accepting all experiences, thoughts and feelings
- Defusing or unhooking from unhelpful, or limiting thoughts, mind stories or commentary.
The last four of these processes are mindfulness skills. They can help people to pay attention to their moment-by-moment experiences, openly, receptively, curiously, accepting them for what they are.
ACT supports people to try out and develop new ways and skills to handle their concerns and challenging situations, including unpleasant, uncomfortable and unwanted thoughts, sensations and feelings.
The processes and strategies of ACT can be helpful to people with various concerns and conditions, if they are willing and committed to practising them.
ACT can be beneficial to people who may simply want to enhance their quality of life, vitality and relationships and to move toward valued life directions.
Transformative Psychology is committed to ACT. It is accessible to individuals and couples seeking counselling, learning or coaching services.
Charles Thermos is ACT trained and has a strong interest and commitment to, as well as extensive experience in ACT.
Further information
If you are interested in learning about ACT please contact Charles on 0438 055 565 or email charles@transformativepsychology.com.au
For information about ACT programs and resources go to the Resources and News section.
Mindfulness
Mindfulness-Based Interventions (MBI) is an umbrella term referring to psychological and behavioural interventions, strategies and practices that support and cultivate the process of paying attention on purpose in the present moment with an attitude of openness, curiosity and acceptance.
MBI incorporate principles, attitudes and practices of mindfulness to assist people with noticing, acknowledging and allowing their internal experiences, including sensations, feelings, urges, thoughts and images, to be what they are, without avoiding, resisting or disconnecting from any of them.
MBI can help people to develop practices and strategies for relating to their experience, aspirations and challenges in helpful ways, supporting the process of living life fully and more deeply with vitality in the present.
The interest of MBI has grown through the pioneering work of Jon Kabat-Zinn and other mindfulness practitioners and teachers since the late 1970s.
Historically MBI have their roots in the Buddhist mindfulness meditation tradition, and more recently in the Western Insight Meditation tradition.
Within the traditions of Western psychology and psychiatry MBI are being applied to the management of a range of psychological and emotional conditions and concerns including depression, anxiety, stress, pain, substance use, grief and relationships.
MBI can be beneficial to people who are not impacted by these conditions but would like to enhance their quality of life, vitality and relationships.
Examples of MBI include Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT); Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR); and, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
MBI are accessible to individuals and couples seeking counselling, learning or coaching services.
Charles Thermos is ACT, MBSR and MBCT trained with a strong interest and extensive experience in MBI.
Further information
If you are interested in learning about MBI please contact Charles on 0438 055 565 or email charles@transformativepsychology.com.au
For information about mindfulness programs and resources go to the Resources and News section.
