CCChat-Magazine_Issue-15

Instead of challenging distressing
thoughts by looking for evidence and
coming up with a more rational
response (CBT), in ACT, the thought is
accepted as a thought and then
defused using a variety of techniques,
which may include mindfulness,
metaphors and language with
a commitment to values-based living.
ACT is based on the idea that trying to
rid ourselves of pain and distress only
increases it, and turns it into
something traumatic. We learn to
make room for painful feelings,
thoughts, and sensations - allowing
them to be there, coming and going
without us struggling against them.
AWARENESS
One of the ways of healing from abuse
is to have a better understanding of
what abuse is and how and why it
happens. We may not be able to get the
answers we seek and we should be
prepared for that, but what we will get
is a deeper understanding that this is
something that happened to us, does
not define us. It is an acknowledgment
of what has happened and recognising
the impact it has had.
ACCEPTANCE AND
COMMITMENT THERAPY (ACT)
ACT is a form of behavioural analysis
developed by clinical psychologist Dr
Steven Hayes and others, that builds
psychological flexibility. It differs from
traditional cognitive behavioural
therapy (CBT ) in that, unlike CBT, it is
not about controlling or eliminating
thoughts, feelings and memories, but
about accepting that they are there and
learning how to live with them in a
meaningful way.
Resources:
ACT in context: The Acceptance and
Commitment Therapy Podcast
www.contextualscience.org
www.stevenhayes.com
A Liberated Mind:
The essential guide to ACT
by Dr Steven C Hayes
AUDIOBOOKS
When in a heightened state of anxiety,
it can be difficult to muster enough
concentration to be able to focus on
the task of reading. When this
happens, I find that audiobooks are an
excellent way of getting the
information that I am unable to glean
from reading and find it especially
soothing to listen whilst driving down
secluded country lanes, in bed or when
cooking and tidying.
Making The Invisible Visible