Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based treatment aimed at increasing psychological flexibility and helping individuals live a meaningful life based on their core values. ACT is a powerful experiential approach that encourages individuals to practice mindfulness and acceptance, allowing difficult thoughts and emotions to exist as they are rather than trying to immediately change, suppress, or cling to them.

Six core components of ACT include:

• Acceptance (holding space for our experiences, even if they are painful or we do not approve of them)

• Cognitive Defusion (stepping back from our thoughts without letting them consume or define us)

• Contacting the Present Moment (being in “the now” rather than living in the past or future)

• Self as Context (recognizing ourselves as an observer of what goes on in our mind and body)

• Values (identifying what we care about and stand for)

• Committed Action (creating a fulfilling life by using our values to guide our behaviors)