Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Developed in the late 1980s by Steven C. Hayes, Kelly G. Wilson, and Kirk Strosahl, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based therapy that practices strategies to live life more in the present, focused on important values and goals, and less focused on painful thoughts, feelings and sensations. Unlike traditional CBT, which focuses on changing one’s distorted or unrealistic thoughts, ACT aims to change our relationship with thoughts, feelings and sensations, so that they have less control over our actions. ACT helps people to develop self-compassion and flexibility, connecting more fully with the present moment, with awareness and openness, by choosing to live a life based on what matters most.