Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) NYC

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in NYC

Suffering is a common human experience.

Even when we have fulfilled our basic needs and achieved apparent success, sometimes we realize that’s not quite enough.
You may go through difficult situations with your family or friends that hurt you deeply.  Workplace stress or anxiety can challenge you to the core.  Perhaps you are so consumed by anger and mood swings that you are frustrated and exhausted.  Or maybe a lack of purpose leaves you feeling empty and in a desperate search for meaning.
We are all suffering creatures.  The trick is finding healthy strategies to accept and navigate what troubles us so we can carry on with our journey.
If you or your loved ones are struggling in any way, you are not alone. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (also known as ACT) is a type of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) infused with mindfulness skills and other psychological processes.  The goal is to help you acknowledge and distance yourself from painful experiences, embrace the present and live by your values.
At Madison Park Psychological Services, we provide ACT therapy to teens and adults living in NYC and its surrounding areas.
If you are curious about ACT and how it can help you and your family, keep reading or contact us for more information.

Do You Need Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

Denying or suppressing your pain does not make it less real.  It can actually create further challenges.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (or ACT) helps you recognize and accept distressing thoughts and emotions. It also encourages you to commit to mindful actions that align with your values.
The purpose of ACT is not to reduce or replace negative experiences, but to help you defuse from these events while engaging in habits that support your goals.
ACT therapy is a behavioral approach used to address various mental health challenges, including but not limited to:

• Anger issues
• Anxiety (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, etc.)
• Chronic pain
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Loneliness or isolation
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Trauma or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Relationship problems
• Stress
• Risky behaviors
• Workplace conflict

If these issues are impacting your home, career, and relationships, or if you are interested in finding your purpose, ACT therapy is a powerful alternative to consider.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Procedure & Techniques

ACT therapy aims to help individuals build healthier practices by improving their psychological flexibility.
Psychological flexibility refers to the capacity to embrace the present moment, observe your thoughts and emotions, and decide whether to persist or change certain behaviors.  It is the conscious willingness to make space for all internal experiences and adapt to your context in light of your values.

ACT involves six core therapeutic processes:

Acceptance

Acceptance means acknowledging and welcoming your thoughts, emotions, or circumstances without attempting to control or change them.  This allows you to endure all inner events regardless of how pleasant or unpleasant they might be.

Defusion

Defusion involves taking a step back and separating yourself from negative thoughts and feelings.  This skill helps you change how you attach and relate to unhelpful beliefs or thinking patterns while reducing their impact on your behaviors.  You will look at your thoughts for what they are: ideas or words versus facts or truths.

Contacting the Present Moment

Contacting the present moment refers to embracing the “now.”  Becoming aware of your surroundings, thoughts, and feelings lets you focus and respond mindfully, instead of worrying about past situations or future “what ifs.”

Self as Context

Self as context consists of discovering and developing your “observing self.”  Playing the role of the observer can help you recognize and accept your thoughts and feelings and actively separate them from yourself and your actions.

Values

Defining your values involves identifying what matters to you and what principles you would like to live by.  Having clear values allows you to make informed decisions and draws a path to follow throughout your journey.

Committed Action

Committed action is all about putting these core therapeutic processes into play.  This includes engaging in value-based activities and behavior changes that will help you achieve your goals.

What to Expect From Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

Some of the main benefits of ACT therapy include:

• Accepting what you can’t control nor change
• Distancing yourself from negative thoughts and emotions
• Learning mindfulness skills (awareness, curiosity, compassion, etc.)
• Gaining resilience, self-confidence, and flexibility
• Assessing your values
• Changing behaviors and forming healthier habits
• Taking value-oriented action towards your goals

Here at Madison Park Psychological Services, our staff is trained in different types of behavioral therapy, including ACT.
The first step is an initial consultation, where we’ll talk about your concerns and what you’d like to accomplish in therapy.  We’ll explain our process and gather your information to match you with the right therapist for your needs. You will meet one-on-one with our ACT therapist, typically once a week.  Our therapist will create a safe space for you to open up and explore yourself.
As treatment unfolds, we will guide you to engage in the core therapeutic processes (acceptance, defusion, contacting the present moment, self as context, values, and committed action). Sessions may include exercises, skills training, and homework to practice what you have learned.  Defining your values and goals will also be a crucial part of the process.

Booking an Appointment for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy NYC

At Madison Park Psychological Services, we offer a wide range of therapy services to support teens and adults in NYC, including ACT therapy. You don’t have to carry pain on your own.  Let us help you navigate it so you can truly savor your life. Call us at 212-506-5935 or contact us to book an ACT therapy appointment today! 

Related Therapy

• Behavioral Therapy
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• Mindfulness-based Therapy

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy FAQs

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy used for?

ACT therapy is used to treat various mental health challenges, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), trauma, and many more.

What is an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy exercise?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy exercises can vary depending on your specific concerns and needs.  Some of the standard practices used in ACT therapy include metaphors, mindfulness skills training, and value assessments.

How effective is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

ACT therapy is incredibly effective when addressing anxiety disorders, depression, chronic pain, and other challenges—mainly because it doesn’t focus on simply reducing symptoms but on accepting and changing your relationship with difficult thoughts, emotions, and situations. ACT can also guide you to identify what matters most and take the necessary steps to enjoy a value-based life. If you are unsure whether ACT therapy is the best fit for you and your needs, contact us.  We will work with you to find the best therapy approach and therapist for you.

Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy a form of CBT?

Yes, ACT therapy is a form of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy.  ACT is part of the “third wave” or “new wave” of psychotherapy, which also includes Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT). The third wave is an extension of traditional CBT that focuses on the holistic side of therapy rather than the mere reduction of symptoms.

Does Acceptance and Commitment Therapy work?

Research shows that ACT therapy is an effective treatment for many mental health conditions and life challenges.  It combines behavioral therapy with mindfulness practices to help individuals navigate hardship, thus improving their quality of life.