As a development of CBT, ACT therapy uses acceptance, mindfulness and values-based techniques to increase psychological flexibility, becoming aware of counterproductive patterns of thoughts and behaviours. ACT differs from CBT in that rather than trying to control or change thoughts, ACT seeks to help people change their relationship to these internal events. In this space we then move forward with a deeper sense of calm, clarity and purpose about what matters and what brings fulfilment.
ACT differs from CBT as it inherently recognises that trying to control or avoid ‘bad’ thoughts and feelings is an unwinnable war; these internal experiences are unavoidable and a part of life. A key target within ACT is to help clients let go of the struggle with their personal history as well as unwanted feelings, thoughts, sensations, we are freer then, to engage with the ongoing flow of life which is happening in the here and now, moment by moment.
ACT therapy will help you identify these internal struggles (which present as depression, anxiety, insomnia etc) and learn to approach them differently; with skills and tools based in evolutionary psychology and evidence based behaviour change techniques.
ACT highlights how the mind through language, ensnares us in a struggle against our own inner experiences, thoughts, sensations and emotions. An underlying principle of ACT is noticing that it is within this struggle with emotional pain, there lies only more pain, more suffering.
Many studies have shown ACT to be highly effective in treating any number of conditions including addiction, anxiety and depression. Shifting the attention away from focusing on causes of symptoms to a focus on a deeper understanding of human nature and how human nature ensnares us in an unwinnable tug of war. ACT can help us notice this struggle and through this noticing, drop the rope. If you would like more information about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Southampton, please contact me for a free consultation.
CBT is a psychotherapy, a form of counselling that is frequently used for treating emotional difficulties. It focuses on the development of strategies to notice unhelpful patterns in cognitions and behaviour. The core principle being that thoughts and feelings influence our behaviour, which influence our thoughts and feelings. CBT is short-term and focused on helping clients with a very specific problem.
If you would like to know more about Cognitive and Behavioural Psychotherapies and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Southampton, please don't hesitate to get in contact.
ACT is a fusion of western science with eastern philosophy. ACT draws upon ancient wisdom and utilises behavioural change strategies grounded in science. It is a holistic approach based in evidence shown to be highly effective. ACT delves deeply into human nature and seeks to navigate through some of our deepest philosophical and spiritual questions. You don’t necessarily have to be religious, but if you would like an effective therapy that is spiritual in nature, ACT could be the right approach for you.
If you wish to be more engaged in the here and now and would like to increase your ability for task focussed attention. If you would like to increase your inner awareness, an observer of your own thoughts and feelings from a truer, greater sense of self.
If you wish to open up and make room for thoughts and feelings and allow them to flow more freely. If you would like to learn to unwind, detach and make space for thoughts and feelings and in so doing, experience a deeper sense of self.
If you desire greater clarity and connection with your values and would like to increase your ability to take and sustain value-guided actions, and improve the skills necessary to achieve your goals.
If you would like more information or would like a free consultation for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Southampton, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
