What are Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) & Behavioral Activation (BA)?
ACT is a 3rd generation cognitive behavioral approach that is deeply rooted in contemporary research on how humans process symbols and meanings. It is also strongly informed by behavioral psychology and the rich traditions of philosophy and religion. The founder of this approach, Dr. Steven Hayes, is a world-renowned psychologist who has spearheaded the development of a psychotherapeutic treatment that has as its overarching goal: helping humans live bigger, more vital lives through values-directed action.
The objective of ACT is to lean into difficulty, retraining the brain that they are not dangerous. As a result, we learn to be present with what life brings us and to "move toward valued behavior". ACT invites people to open up to unpleasant feelings & sensations, which come and go, learn not to overreact to them, and to not avoid situations where they are invoked. Its therapeutic effect is a positive spiral where feeling better leads to a clearer perception of the present moment, emotional regulation, awareness of choices and improved decision-making.
