What is Acceptance and Committment Training ? ACT

Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) is a highly effective and researched behavioral intervention that helps you become more flexible in how you respond to difficult thoughts, feelings, and situations; it focuses on action and is different from talk therapy.  At Momentum, we use a behavioral analytic approach. Unlike some therapies that focus mainly on reducing symptoms, ACT teaches you to accept your experiences and commit to actions that align with your personal values, so you can live a more meaningful and fulfilling life. 

How Does ACT Work?

ACT combines acceptance and mindfulness strategies with commitment and behavior change techniques. The goal is to increase your psychological flexibility- the ability to stay present, adapt to challenges, and act in ways that support what matters most to you. This isn’t just about learning information; it’s about practicing new skills and building real-life capabilities.

What Is Psychological Flexibility?

Psychological flexibility means being fully present in the moment, even when it’s uncomfortable, and choosing actions that move you toward your values and goals. This approach helps you adapt to life’s ups and downs without getting stuck or overwhelmed by negative thoughts or emotions.

What Are the Benefits of ACT?

• Improved Mental Health: ACT is proven to help with depression, anxiety, trauma, chronic pain, and more.
• Reduced Struggle with Difficult Emotions: You learn to accept emotions instead of fighting them, which can lower your overall suffering.
• Increased Self-Awareness: ACT helps you notice how your thoughts and feelings influence your actions, supporting positive change.
• Stronger Relationships:  By understanding yourself better, you can communicate more effectively and build healthier connections.
• Greater Resilience and Well-Being: Psychological flexibility helps you bounce back from setbacks and      live more authentically.

What Should I Expect from an ACT Program?

ACT is an experiential, skill-building process. There’s no final “endpoint”-the more you practice, the more you benefit. Some exercises may only need to be done once, while others, like mindfulness practices, can become part of your daily routine, much like physical exercise. The focus is on “knowing how” to live according to your values, not just “knowing that” certain ideas are true.

Is ACT Right for Me?

ACT can help if you want to:

• Handle stress, anxiety, or depression more effectively
• Build resilience and self-awareness
• Live a life guided by your values, even when things are tough.
• ACT works with children - adults

If you have more questions or want to know how ACT could fit your specific needs, feel free to ask!