ACT as been proven effective in the treatment of eating disorders, disordered eating and body acceptance.

 

ACT does not attempt to directly change or stop unwanted thoughts or feelings. ACT uses mindfulness skills to help individuals build acceptance and develop compassionate interactions with oneself and others. The focus is to identify personal values, cultivate psychological flexibility and learn to live and behave is a way that is consistent with those personal values.

 

The fundamental theme in ACT is that it is counterproductive to try to control painful emotions or psychological experiences, because suppression of these feeling ultimately leads to more distress. ACT emphases techniques to accept those things that are out of your control, and commit to changing those things that can be changed. This shift from trying to control ones experiences to acceptance of those experiences not within our control allows us to become more open to actions consistent with our values.

 

Psychological flexibility, the main goal of ACT, typically comes about through

• an opportunity for individuals to recognize their true values, in life, and act in a manner more consistent with what is most important to and in a way that moves them closer to those things they value.

• learning to experience and allow the full-range of human emotions with a kind, open and accepting perspective.

• setting committed intention to make changes and engage in behaviors moving one in the direction of what is most valued.

 

Recommended Reading:

• The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living by Russ Harris

• Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Steven C. Hayes (workbook).