Acceptance and commitment
therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that teaches patients the importance of living in the moment and accepting themselves for who they are. Acceptance is a necessary step in treating substance use disorders and mental health conditions. It can help individuals stop obsessing over past or future events and teach them how to live in the present moment.
At Outreach Recovery, we welcome people from all walks of life who are struggling with addiction, depression, and other treatable conditions. We have treatment centers up and down the East Coast to help as many people as possible live their best lives. Our outpatient programs include a healthy mix of behavioral and holistic therapies along with medication-assisted treatment and management. Reach out to our administrative team today at 888.897.9284 to learn more about our mental health treatment programs.
What Is an ACT Program?
One of the key symptoms of many mental health conditions is overthinking past experiences and future events. The constant worrying and obsession distract people from living in the moment, which can lead to poor work performance, declining grades, and worsening depression and anxiety symptoms. It can also increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder if they do not face the reasons behind their unhealthy thoughts and feelings.
An ACT program teaches people how to focus on the present moment and accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment. Instead of getting upset over their obsessive thinking, they focus on what’s happening around them at the present time. Acceptance and commitment therapy is a proven therapeutic technique that can treat:
- Major depressive disorders
- Anxiety disorders
- Eating disorders
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Substance use disorders
Patients will work privately with a therapist to discuss the original reasons behind the condition and develop new coping skills for staying in the present. This program teaches them a number of beneficial coping skills, such as keeping a balanced perspective and identifying their personal values and goals.
Outreach Recovery is a fully accredited outpatient treatment center that includes acceptance and commitment therapy and other proven therapeutic techniques. Each program is tailored to the individual’s unique experiences and symptoms and can greatly improve their ability to lead productive lives.
What to Expect During Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
An ACT program for mental health is essential for teaching patients how to spend more time focusing on the present instead of dwelling on negative emotions, thoughts, or experiences. This program can help patients accept who they are and how they think and be OK with it.
Here are the five stages of an acceptance and commitment therapy program:
- Building a rapport – The first stage in this program is where you and your therapist will work together to better understand what is causing negative thoughts and feelings. You will open up about what those feelings are and what triggers them.
- Deeper awareness – In this stage, therapists will identify the disturbing thoughts or experiences that cause the most conflicts. They will help you learn how to process those feelings instead of ignoring them and letting them fester.
- Core values – The third stage involves identifying your core values and what’s crucial to you. Your therapist will use these values to encourage you to improve your mental health and build the life you have always wanted.
- Actions – Therapists create an action plan for addressing those issues that are causing problems so you can begin to make positive changes. They will teach you how to change those things that can be changed and how to accept the things about you that cannot change.
- Commitment – In the final stage of an ACT program, therapists will help you incorporate your new coping skills into your everyday life. They will develop a plan that focuses on using the skills you’ve learned to stay mentally health and live in the present moment.
Acceptance and commitment therapy is a beneficial type of psychotherapy that many treatment facilities are using to support their patient’s improved mental health. When combined with other therapies and medical support, it gives patients an even greater chance of reaching their goals.
Join Outreach Recovery for Compassionate Mental Health Treatment
Outreach Recovery provides outpatient treatment programs for individuals who are struggling with depression, PTSD, bipolar disorder, or other psychological conditions. We utilize a number of behavioral therapies in our treatment programs that can include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
- Motivational Interviewing (MI)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
Our programs are ideal for those who want to continue working or caring for families while participating in quality mental health care.
Call Outreach Recovery Today
To see how our ACT program for mental health can benefit you or a loved one, call 888.897.9284 today or reach out online. Let’s start a conversation about better mental health. We are here to address your questions and help you or a loved one live a happier, healthier life.