Recently1 I have been doing work for my psychology registration and examining what is known as Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT - pronounced as the word, 'ACT') more thoroughly than hitherto I had done. I don't think it has won me over as yet but it's been mentally stimulating.
ACT begins by affirming that life is painful at times and for some, a good deal of the time. ACT not only affirms this fact but ACCEPTS pain as often something that is beyond our control.
Furthermore, it would say that sometimes, our efforts to get rid of psychological painful feelings (anxiety, depression, stressful feelings, anger) and thoughts ('I hate myself', 'Everyone hates me and nobody loves me' etc.) only make life worse.
However, ACT doesn't leave it at that. It teaches clients a skill of dealing with painful thoughts and feelings so that their impact is reduced. This skill is mindfulness which Harris (2009) defines as 'paying attention with flexibility, openness, and curiosity' (p.8).2
Harris is a wonderful teacher who puts things clearly as you'll find in this video from YouTube which if you follow it carefully will explain mindfulness better than anything I can say about it.
1. I know I haven't continued my last two posts from February. Please forgive me. Had to do other things. I do take up the 'mindfulness' topic in this post but in a different context.
2. First two chapters of Russ Harris', ACT made simple can be found HERE for free. Well worth reading but it needs to be read critically!
Furthermore, it would say that sometimes, our efforts to get rid of psychological painful feelings (anxiety, depression, stressful feelings, anger) and thoughts ('I hate myself', 'Everyone hates me and nobody loves me' etc.) only make life worse.
However, ACT doesn't leave it at that. It teaches clients a skill of dealing with painful thoughts and feelings so that their impact is reduced. This skill is mindfulness which Harris (2009) defines as 'paying attention with flexibility, openness, and curiosity' (p.8).2
Harris is a wonderful teacher who puts things clearly as you'll find in this video from YouTube which if you follow it carefully will explain mindfulness better than anything I can say about it.
1. I know I haven't continued my last two posts from February. Please forgive me. Had to do other things. I do take up the 'mindfulness' topic in this post but in a different context.
2. First two chapters of Russ Harris', ACT made simple can be found HERE for free. Well worth reading but it needs to be read critically!
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