Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals increase their psychological flexibility and live a more fulfilling life. ACT is an evidence-based treatment approach proven effective in treating various mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, and addiction.
Many addiction therapy programs have adopted ACT as a viable treatment for substance use disorders, often used in tandem with other therapies. At Evoke Wellness, acceptance and commitment therapy is just one of the treatments we use to help our patients lead happier, healthier lives.
ACT Programs
In an acceptance and commitment therapy program, individuals learn to identify and challenge the negative thoughts and behaviors that are holding them back and preventing them from living a fulfilling life. They also learn to cultivate a more accepting and compassionate relationship with themselves and others.
ACT is based on the idea that individuals can become stuck in negative thought patterns and behaviors that prevent them from living a happy and healthy life. For example, an individual may struggle with anxiety and avoid social situations because of their fear of being judged or rejected. In an ACT program, people learn to identify these negative thought patterns and behaviors and to accept them as part of their experience.
How Does It Work?
One of the critical components of an ACT program is mindfulness. Mindfulness is a state of awareness in which individuals focus on their present-moment experiences and observe their thoughts and feelings without judgment. By practicing mindfulness, individuals can increase their ability to recognize and accept their thoughts and feelings and reduce the power that these thoughts and feelings have over their lives.
Another critical aspect of an acceptance and commitment therapy program is value clarification. In this process, individuals identify what is most important to them in life, such as relationships, personal growth, or a sense of purpose. This helps them focus on what matters most to them and make future choices that align with their values.
ACT Programs For Addiction Treatment
Acceptance and commitment therapy also incorporates the use of committed action. In this process, individuals set goals aligned with their values and take concrete steps toward achieving them. This helps individuals move past negative thoughts and behaviors and take control of their lives. When treating addiction, the committed actions will align with recovery and keep the patient on the path of long-term sobriety.
Some other benefits of ACT include the following:
- Acceptance of negative thoughts and feelings without judgment
- Increased psychological flexibility
- Greater self-awareness and understanding
- Improved ability to cope with stress
- Increased motivation for positive change
In an ACT program, individuals work with a therapist to develop their unique treatment plan. This plan is tailored to the individual’s needs and goals and may include a combination of mindfulness practices, behavioral interventions, and talk therapy.
ACT challenges those facing addiction to identify and re-wire those negative thoughts and beliefs that keep them using the problematic drug, hoping to prevent relapse and live happier lives.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Florida at Evoke Wellness at Miramar
ACT is one way individuals can learn to cope with life more easily and healthily. It is imperative for someone seeking help with a substance use disorder to find ways to relate more positively to themselves and others, and ACT is a great place to start.
At Evoke Wellness, we offer ACT to try and help our patients unlearn the negative thought patterns that may have led to their addiction and keep them on the right path with new, more positive solutions. If you or a loved one is searching for acceptance and commitment therapy in Florida, contact us at 866.931.9312 today to learn more about how we can help.
