Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Here at Vantage Point
Several of our therapists at Vantage Point have specialized training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and incorporate it into their treatment approaches.
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of behavioral therapy influenced by mindfulness practices and Relational Frame Theory. ACT is based on the idea that much of human suffering is caused by psychological inflexibility—patterns that keep us stuck and disconnected from a meaningful life.
Common signs of psychological inflexibility include:
- Difficulty identifying and living according to your values
- Avoiding uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, or experiences
- Losing connection with the present moment
- Becoming entangled in distressing thoughts and emotions
- Rigidly holding onto a fixed sense of self
research on act
What do ACT Therapists do?
ACT therapists help clients build psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present with difficult thoughts and feelings while taking meaningful action aligned with personal values.
Key skills taught in ACT include:
- Mindfulness (Connection): Learning to stay present, aware, and engaged in the current moment.
- Defusion: Developing the ability to step back from unhelpful thoughts and feelings rather than becoming overwhelmed by them.
- Expansion: Opening up to uncomfortable emotions and sensations instead of fighting or avoiding them.
- The Observing Self: Connecting with the part of yourself that can notice thoughts and feelings without being defined by them.
- Values: Clarifying what truly matters to you and what gives your life meaning.
- Committed Action: Taking steps guided by your values—even when it feels challenging.