Acceptance and commitment therapy
The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT, pronounced like the English word act) is a newer form of psychotherapy that combines the classical behavioral techniques with mindfulness and acceptance- based strategies and interventions to values clarification. ACT is based on the reference frame theory ( Relational Frame Theory ), a contextualist explanation for linguistic and conceptual processes, which is a further act of analytical explanations skinnerscher embossing.
Basics
The problems that burden the patient, a distinction is made between " clean " and " dirty pain ". Dirty suffering arises through the attempt, with the help of different strategies ( withdrawal, escape, stun, argumentation, exaggerated safety behavior, stress reducing rituals, etc.) to avoid unpleasant internal experiences ( " experiential avoidance" ). The strategies applied not only have the disadvantage that they do not work or only temporary, but are also associated with significant negative consequences for the life of the patient. The treatment is primarily to assist the patient is to reduce its dysfunctional control experiments by increasing its willingness to experience unpleasant sensations - " than what they are, not for what they pretend to be " as often express ACT therapist. For this purpose, different techniques are used, some Buddhist meditation practices and the methods repertoire of other therapeutic schools come (eg, Gestalt therapy ) loan. A large room takes in a therapy according to the ACT model, a clarification of values and life goals are derived from which then concrete action intentions ( commitments ). As with other approaches of cognitive behavioral therapy is being worked on dysfunctional thoughts. However, no attempt is made to modify the contents of thoughts (such as " negative " to " positive " or " irrational " be replaced by " rational " thoughts). Perform such tests, as well as derive from the Relational Frame Theory is often only to a strengthening of the underlying " frame of reference " - with the effect that the relevant thoughts in intensity and frequency increase. Rather, an attempt is made to modify the function of cognitive reactions by the patient learns techniques that put him in a position to his own thoughts equanimity ( " mindful " ) to consider, without having them to " merge ", ie, without having to believe it or necessarily align his behavior to them.
Application
ACT is used in a number of disorders and problems and has been studied many times in terms of its effectiveness. Thus, for example, studies on the treatment of persons with psychotic symptoms, social anxiety, depressive and anxiety symptoms, borderline personality disorder or diabetes. Currently available evidence suggests that ACT may be at least as effective as other empirically examined established therapeutic approaches, such as cognitive therapy according to Beck.
Recording
The basic ideas of ACT and procedures are encountered mainly in the USA, Australia and some countries in Western Europe (eg the Netherlands, Spain and the Scandinavian countries ) with great interest. Numerous books have been published, both those aimed at experts, as well as books for people with certain mental health problems such as eating disorders, post-traumatic stress, chronic pain or burnout.