ACT
My Approach: ACT – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a modern, scientifically grounded approach aimed at promoting psychological flexibility and personal growth. Developed in the 1990s by Prof. Dr. Steven Hayes, ACT is based on behavioral analysis. While ACT shares many features with traditional cognitive behavioral therapy, it goes a crucial step further: its focus is not just on reducing psychological suffering, but on living a meaningful, authentic life.
What Makes ACT Unique?
At the heart of ACT is a mindful and intentional way of dealing with thoughts and emotions – including the unpleasant ones. Instead of fighting against inner experiences, clients learn to accept them while actively committing to personal values and goals. The central question is:”Does this behavior help me be the person I want to be? Does it support me in living a life that matters to me?”
This focus on the functionality of behavior makes ACT especially effective not only in psychotherapy, but also in coaching. Numerous studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of ACT in treating psychological symptoms – including anxiety disorders, depression, and stress-related issues.
ACT as a Tool in Mental Coaching and for Building Resilience
ACT does not focus on rigid diagnoses or mental disorders, but rather takes a holistic view of the person. Instead of categorizing people as “healthy” or “ill,” ACT focuses on what gives the client meaning and direction – their individual values.
This is precisely why ACT is not only suitable for psychotherapeutic work but also highly effective in mental coaching and resilience training. Personal development, gaining clarity about one’s goals, and working through internal blocks or distressing emotions and memories are key components. ACT helps identify unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior and fosters an attitude that allows committed action to continue – even in the presence of difficult emotions, thoughts, or physical sensations.
Ultimately, it’s about consciously choosing one’s direction in life and taking concrete steps toward a fulfilling, values-driven life – whether in your career, relationships, or when facing personal challenges. Thanks to its flexible and practical approach, ACT offers valuable insights for anyone seeking meaningful change.
If you want to learn more about the scientific background and areas of application for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, you can find further information on the website of the German-speaking Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (DGKV):
👉 www.dgkv.info/act-co/akzeptanz-und-commitment-therapie-act/
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