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Dr. Jeanne Jakob integrates interventions from a variety of theoretical foundations. She has found Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to provide the most generalizable framework for tackling various psychological challenges. As such, she regularly incorporates the ACT framework and ACT experiential exercises into therapy sessions.

ACT is non-pathologizing, transdiagnostic, and values-driven. A vibrant, evolving community of researchers and clinicians backs ACT. As of December 2022, more than 1,000 randomized controlled trials exist on ACT or its components.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes acceptance, mindfulness, and commitment to value-based actions. It was developed in the late 1980s by Steven C. Hayes, PhD, Kelly G. Wilson, PhD and Kirk Strosahl, PhD. ACT helps individuals develop psychological flexibility by learning to allow difficult thoughts and emotions to be present while committing to actions that align with their values and what are most effective given present circumstances.

At its core is the belief that suffering arises from the struggle to control or avoid unwanted thoughts, feelings, and sensations. Instead of trying to eliminate or suppress these experiences, ACT encourages individuals to accept them as natural and inevitable aspects of being human. ACT is based on Relational Frame Theory (RFT), which regards human language and cognition as relevant and influential components of human behavior and experience.

ACT utilizes various techniques, metaphors, and experiential and didactic strategies to cultivate psychological flexibility:

  1. Mindfulness: ACT incorporates mindfulness practices to develop nonjudgmental awareness of present-moment experiences. Mindfulness helps individuals observe their thoughts and emotions without getting caught up in them. CHECK OUT JEANNE’S MINDFULNESS ZOOMS
  2. Acceptance: ACT promotes acceptance of internal experiences, including distressing thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. It involves letting go of the struggle against these experiences and allowing them to be present without judgment.
  3. Defusion: Defusion techniques aim to help individuals distance themselves from their thoughts. By recognizing that thoughts are not necessarily accurate or helpful, individuals can reduce their impact and influence on their behavior.
  4. Values Clarification: ACT emphasizes identifying and clarifying personal values—what is truly important and meaningful to an individual. Understanding one’s values provides a foundation for making committed choices and taking actions that align with those values.
  5. Committed Action: ACT encourages individuals to take purposeful, value-driven actions. It involves setting goals and taking steps toward them, even in the presence of distressing thoughts and emotions.

ACT is used to address a range of psychological issues, including anxiety, depression, substance abuse, chronic pain, and relationship problems. By fostering psychological flexibility, individuals can develop a more mindful, accepting, and values-based approach to life, improving well-being and greater fulfillment.

More reading on ACT, RFT, and CBS and Common Misunderstandings about ACT can be found on the ACBS website.

The above core ACT processes can be represented visually by the hexaflex below:

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