Acceptance Commitment Therapy

What is acceptance and commitment therapy?

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a new, evidence-based psychotherapy that helps individuals learn to self-accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fight them. In contrast to older techniques that aim to stop difficult experiences, ACT is a process of accepting those experiences as a necessary cost of doing what matters.

Clients go through ACT therapy to develop psychological flexibility, the capacity to remain in the present moment, adjust when conditions change, and pursue meaningful goals while still experiencing difficult or other forms of actions that may pose as roadblocks. This method works very well for anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress-related disorders.

Why ACT in London, Ontario?

If you live in London, Ontario, then the hustle and bustle of work life mixed with family and personal interests may lead to a very hectic daily environment. While stress, fear, and emotional baggage are pretty common experiences in this time period, you can learn skills to cope with these challenges by working with an experienced ACT therapist.

Therapists at Vital Minds Psychotherapy will work ACT principles into your individual treatment plan. We specialize in supporting clients struggling with self-doubt in London to see how acceptance and mindfulness reduce suffering, and nurture growth and bounce.

Core principles of ACT therapy

At the core of acceptance and commitment therapy are six key processes:

• Mindfulness: Learning not to judge the present moment.
• Acceptance: Not pushing away thoughts and feelings
• Cognitive diffusion: Getting away from thoughts that are not relevant to us.
• Self-as-context: Understanding that you are more than your thoughts and your feelings
• Values: Realizing what you truly value.
• Committed action: Committed action refers to actions taken in accordance with your values despite the barrier of discomfort.

Through working with an ACT therapist in London, you will learn how to take these principles and incorporate them into your life, building resilience and clarity.

Benefits of ACT therapy

Reasons to choose ACT therapy at Vital Minds Psychotherapy:

• Less anxiety: Accept thoughts of anxiety, let the thoughts drift while you carry on with life.
• Better emotional control: Learn to cope with strong emotions in a healthy way.
• More resilient: Become stronger through adversity.
• Greater connections: Be true to yourself and connect better with others.
• Personal development: Use your values to live a meaningful life.

ACT therapy within Vital Minds Psychotherapy

You can get support for the specific ways acceptance and commitment therapy in London is able to help your unique challenges, as a team of compassionate professionals is devoted to finding what works best for you. From anxiety and depression to trauma and relationship challenges, our ACT therapists provide evidence-based tools for living better.

At Vital Minds Psychotherapy, we think therapy should be accessible, helpful, and empowering. For this reason, we provide flexible scheduling, virtual visits, and customized care plans that fit your life.

What to anticipate in ACT sessions?

The following is what you can expect when beginning ACT therapy at Vital Minds Psychotherapy:

• An environment of a community to feel safe, supported, and heard.
• Exercises that teach an acceptance and valuing of the moment.
• Guide from an effective ACT therapist to discover values & commit to pursuing values-consistent goals.
• How to cope with difficult emotions without avoiding, stuffing down, or feeling helpless.
• Continuous support to facilitate the transition and long-term sustainability.

For whom can ACT be helpful?

Acceptance and commitment therapy is applicable to everyone. This can be especially useful for people suffering from:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Trauma recovery
• Stress management
• Relationship challenges

If you are located in London, Ontario, and looking for a caring, evidence-based psychotherapy practice to work with, reach out to Vital Minds Psychotherapy.

Why Vital Minds Psychotherapy?

The right therapist is crucial to some meaningful progression. What makes us different at Vital Minds Psychotherapy:

• Therapists trained and experienced in ACT therapy.
• We offer individualized treatment designed for you.
• Our sessions are delivered in-person or online, depending on your need.
• We are passionate about helping London clients live their most authentic and fullest lives.