ACT stands for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help individuals develop psychological flexibility and live more meaningful lives.
ACT is based on the idea that trying to avoid or control negative thoughts and emotions often leads to further distress and suffering, and that acceptance of these experiences, as well as commitment to one's personal values, can lead to greater well-being.
The therapy typically involves a range of techniques, such as mindfulness exercises, values clarification, and cognitive defusion (i.e., learning to observe and distance oneself from thoughts and beliefs). Through these techniques, individuals can learn to accept their inner experiences and focus on taking committed action towards their values, rather than being caught up in unhelpful patterns of thought and behavior.
ACT has been found to be effective for a range of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, and chronic pain. It has also been used in a variety of settings, such as individual therapy, group therapy, and workplace interventions.