Act psychology, also known as action and awareness therapy, is a comprehensive psychological framework that emphasizes acceptance, mindfulness, and commitment to change. Derived from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), act psychology is based on the premise that human suffering arises from attempts to avoid painful emotions, thoughts, and experiences, which prevents individuals from fully engaging and participating in valued activities and living a meaningful life.
Act psychology posits that psychological distress can be reduced by cultivating psychological flexibility, which involves developing mindful awareness of one's thoughts and emotions, accepting them without judgment, and actively choosing behaviors that align with personal values. This approach encourages individuals to become more present-focused, allowing them to fully experience and engage in the present moment.
There are six core processes within act psychology:
1. Acceptance: Acknowledging all thoughts and feelings rather than avoiding or suppressing them.
2. Defusion: Detaching oneself from unhelpful thoughts and seeing them as separate from reality.
3. Contact with the present moment: Engaging fully in the present moment, rather than being caught up in worries about the future or regrets about the past.
4. The observing self: Developing a non-judgmental awareness of one's thoughts and feelings.
5. Values: Identifying and clarifying what truly matters to an individual.
6. Committed action: Taking daily actions that align with one's values, even in the presence of obstacles or discomfort.
By incorporating these processes, act psychology aims to help individuals create a rich, meaningful life while effectively navigating the challenges and uncertainties that arise.
