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ACT therapy methods

How Does Act Therapy Work?

When we ask, “How does ACT therapy work?” we’re diving into more than just another talk therapy technique. ACT, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, is based on accepting rather than fighting uncomfortable thoughts. For Chicago residents, life can get complex and challenging, but ACT therapy offers practical methods to face difficulties and live fully in the moment. In this article, we’ll cover how ACT differs from other therapies, share surprising insights, and explore how it can make a real impact on those seeking mental health care here in the city. With Wellman Psychology’s ACT Therapy services in Chicago, this powerful approach becomes accessible to all.

A Unique Approach to Therapy: What is ACT?

ACT Therapy’s Foundation: Created by Dr. Steven C. Hayes, ACT combines mindfulness and behavioral techniques with a focus on living a life aligned with personal values, even in the presence of discomfort.

ACT in Comparison to CBT: Unlike Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which emphasizes changing negative thoughts, ACT focuses on accepting them. For example, in a study published by Behaviour Research and Therapy, researchers found that ACT was highly effective for treating anxiety and depression because it allowed people to “unhook” from negative thoughts rather than combatting them directly.

Statistics Highlighting ACT’s Efficacy: Research shows ACT as effective as CBT for various issues, with a 2021 meta-analysis indicating that ACT improved outcomes in about 80% of patients with anxiety and depression disorders.

How ACT Works: Breaking Down the Six Core Processes

  • Acceptance: Embracing rather than avoiding difficult emotions. ACT encourages Chicago residents to recognize their emotional experience without trying to change it immediately.

  • Cognitive Defusion: This involves altering the way people relate to their thoughts, helping them gain mental flexibility.

  • Mindfulness in the Present Moment: Mindfulness is at the heart of ACT, allowing clients to observe their thoughts without judgment. For instance, a Chicago resident might use mindfulness techniques to observe and process anxious thoughts rather than react to them.

  • Self-as-Context: ACT introduces a sense of perspective, where clients learn to see themselves beyond their thoughts or emotions. Research in Psychological Bulletin (2022) found that self-as-context exercises reduced symptoms in trauma survivors by 35%.

  • Values Clarification: ACT helps individuals to clarify what truly matters to them. At Wellman Psychology, our therapists guide clients in identifying values like family, creativity, or social responsibility, which serve as beacons in their healing journey.

  • Committed Action: This final process encourages people to take value-aligned actions, even if they face setbacks or challenges.

ACT Therapy’s Unique Impact on Mental Health for Chicago Residents

Managing Urban Stress and Anxiety: City life can intensify feelings of stress, but Act Therapy Chicagoequips people with tools to manage these effectively. Research indicates that 60% of individuals experience reduced stress after six weeks of Act Therapy Chicago.

Relieving Trauma and PTSD: Trauma-related conditions are often resistant to traditional forms of therapy, but ACT’s acceptance-based methods allow clients to confront these painful memories safely. For Chicagoans, dealing with urban trauma or past abuse, ACT offers a path to recovery that emphasizes healing without re-traumatization.

Increasing Psychological Flexibility: Psychological flexibility is the core of ACT, enabling clients to cope with unexpected changes or life challenges. In a 2023 study in Journal of Clinical Psychology, patients demonstrated a 45% increase in resilience after 12 sessions of Act Therapy Chicago.

How Wellman Psychology Can Help Chicago Residents through ACT Therapy

Specialized ACT Therapy in Chicago: Wellman Psychology offers ACT therapy services uniquely adapted to Chicago’s diverse population. Our therapists work closely with clients, helping them apply ACT’s six processes in a way that’s realistic for their daily lives.

Focus on Values-Based Living in an Urban Setting: ACT helps individuals to stay true to their values despite environmental stresses. At Wellman Psychology, our approach is personalized, working with each Chicago resident to craft a values-driven life path amid the city’s fast-paced environment.

Accessible Care and Commitment: With flexible scheduling and accessible online or in-person appointments, Wellman Psychology makes ACT therapy available to those who might not otherwise have access.

How Does ACT Therapy Work Differently than Other Therapies?

An Alternative to Symptom Reduction: Where many therapies focus solely on reducing symptoms, ACT promotes a more holistic approach. Studies in Psychotherapy Research indicate that ACT achieves sustainable mental health improvements by fostering resilience and values-based behavior.

Emphasis on Values Rather Than Goals: ACT isn’t goal-driven in the traditional sense. Instead of setting rigid goals, Wellman Psychology’s therapists work with clients to identify values, which serve as motivation for consistent, healthy behaviors. This creates a therapeutic experience more tailored to life in an unpredictable city like Chicago.

Long-Lasting Mental Health Benefits: ACT’s focus on mindfulness, acceptance, and resilience makes it effective for long-term outcomes. A recent study found that ACT led to a 30% decrease in relapse rates for anxiety patients after treatment ended.

ACT’s Potential to Help Chicago Residents Navigate Life’s Unique Challenges

Stress-Reduction in an Urban Environment: Chicago is known for its bustling lifestyle, which can lead to high stress. By applying ACT’s techniques, clients learn to navigate the city’s fast pace with greater ease and less emotional turmoil.

Workplace and Career Stress: Chicago is a hub for competitive industries, which often leads to work-related stress. ACT’s techniques are ideal for managing workplace anxiety, helping individuals maintain focus and composure under pressure.

Parenting and Family Life: Parenting in a city can be uniquely challenging, and ACT’s acceptance and values-focused methods can help parents lead by example and manage family life with compassion and resilience.

Want to know “How to Facilitate a Group Therapy Session?” Visit our blog page now to learn more!

Conclusion: Is ACT Therapy Right for You?

ACT therapy’s emphasis on acceptance, values, and mindfulness makes it a powerful tool for Chicago residents looking to overcome mental health challenges without needing to change everything about themselves. At Wellman Psychology, our team is dedicated to making ACT accessible and impactful for Chicagoans from all walks of life. Our therapists understand the unique demands of city life and use ACT’s methods to help clients thrive and find greater fulfillment in their daily lives.

If you’re a Chicago resident interested in overcoming mental health challenges, Wellman Psychology is here to help. Our ACT Therapy services are designed to help you navigate life’s ups and downs, stay grounded in your values, and build resilience for long-lasting well-being. Reach out to us today to learn how ACT therapy can be the right fit for you. Book an appointment with our experienced therapists and start your journey toward a more fulfilling life. For ACT therapy in Chicago that’s tailored just for you, visit Wellman Psychology and see the difference ACT can make.

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