Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, otherwise known as “ACT,” was created by Dr. Steven Hayes in the mid 1980s with further development with colleagues Kelly Wilson and Kirk Strosahl (Harris, 2019). It is based on Relational Frame Theory (RFT) and is an evidence-based, third-wave behavioral therapy focusing on values, goal-setting, defusing thoughts, mindfulness, and behavioral change (Harris, 2019). Scientific studies show this therapy has been effective for the following areas: anxiety, depression, OCD, social phobia, chronic pain, workplace stress, & more (Harris, 2019)

This therapy includes homework, emphasizes being in the present (rather than digging into the past), and is generally a great therapy for folks who feel stuck.

Harris, R. (2019). ACT Made Simple (2nd ed.). New Harbinger Publications, Inc.

Books

The Happiness Trap

by Russ Harris

Get Out of your Mind and into your Life

by Steven Hayes & Spenser Smith
Act on Life not on Anger

by Georg Eifert and Matthew McKay

ACT Resources

Ted Talks

To see a list of TED talks, see a list posted on the ACBS website here.