Introduction to Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Flashcards
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What is ACT based on?
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Functional Contextualism - a philosophy of science used to guide research and administration. Relational Frame Theory (RFT) - functions of language and cognition.
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What are psychological events viewed as?
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Interaction between whole organism and a context that is defined as both historical and situational.
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RFT
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Premise that humans learn to relate event under arbitrary contextual control. Responding/controlling language = experiential avoidance, attentional inflexibility and reduced efforts to purse valued behaviour = inflexibility
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The Commonality of Human Suffering
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Destructive elements of "normality" e.g. divorce, sexual concerns, abuse etc.
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Destructive elements of normality
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Normal language and cognitive processes are often destructive and can amplify unusual pathological processes. We use language tools when they are not always helpful. We rely on our mind over our experience even though out thoughts are not as accurate.
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Experiential Avoidance
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Avoidance of negative thoughts and emotions Trying to control anxiety involves thinking about anxiety = evoking anxiety.
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Cognitive Fusion
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The fusion of thoughts with feeling. Caught up in the content of thinking. Attentional focus is narrowed.
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Past and Future
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Fusion and avoidance pull you out of present moment. Difficulty in seeing new possibilities.
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Attached to conceptualised self
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Narrow and cage-like view of self - inflexible behaviour patterns. The suit metaphor
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Lack of contact with values
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Experiential avoidance leads to loss of contact with one's values
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Inaction, Impulsivity
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Short term goals over long term goals Focus is on relief from psychological pain rather than what they want.
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Six Core Therapeutic Processes of ACT
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Conceptualised as positive psychological skills NOT just a method of avoiding psychopathology.
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ACT model
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Contact with present moment - past and future Values - lack of contact with values Committed Action - inaction Self as context - conceptualised self Defusion - fusion Acceptance - experiential avoidance
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ACT in practice
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Is a model of therapy not a set of techniques
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Clinical Methods
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Use of metaphors Therapeutic paradoxes Experiential exercises Behavioural assignments
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Research on ACT
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Significant positive effect sizes for: - acceptance - defusion - present moment awareness - values ACT is more effective than control conditions and treatment as usual.
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CBT and ACT similarities
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Both have commitment to scientific empiricism Both want to reduce human suffering Data to suggest equivalent efficacy in the treatment of some disorders.
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CBT and ACT differences
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CBT wants to control symptoms, whereas, ACT wants to accept. CBT wants symptom reduction, whereas, ACT wants valued living.
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Values
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Free choice Determined by history Ongoing Dynamic Evolving Values are built, there are no "true" values. Values are chosen life directions.
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Values Interventions
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Critical questions to explore values Metaphors - directions on a compass, lighthouse e.g. Lighthouse - values are the light that shines and guides. Experiential exercises - 80th birthday party exercise. e.g. 'I spent too much time worrying about...', 'If I could go back in time, I would...'.
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Difference between values and goals
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Values is something you want to keep doing. Goals is something you want to get or have.
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Committed Action
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Behaviour in the service of values. Determining goals along one's valued path. Intervention - Taking a willing risk. White knuckling your way through. Joe the bum metaphor - unwanted party guest - deal with it.
