Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT treatment in Morpeth, Northumberland with a Clinical Psychologist
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
We say ACT as the word ‘act’. This is because ACT is about taking action. In ACT, the focus is on acting in the direction of our values. Put simply, this means that our choices, actions, and behaviours are guided by the things in life that are really important to us. Sarah has advanced training in ACT and it is available in Morpeth, Northumberland.
During ACT therapy the therapist helps the client to reflect on and understand what really matters to them, deep in their heart. That can be quite an emotional process, because when we struggle it is common to have lost sight of our values. Through the therapy, we learn to connect with what’s important to us by setting goals that move us in the direction of values
However, what tends to get in the way of valued behaviours this difficult thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations. For example, anxiety might move us away from socialising or depression might move us away from a important relationships. At the centre of ACT is an assumption that these difficult thoughts and feelings do not have to create suffering. ACT teaches us psychological skills to handle thoughts and emotions effectively, so we can unhook from them and be less ‘pushed around’ by them. ACT draws on mindfulness skills to enable us to be fully ‘present’ when we are engaging in those valued activities.
It might sound complicated but your therapist should guide you through exercises and explanations to enable you to apply this to your daily life.
What an ACT help with?
ACT is ‘transdiagnostic’, which means it can be used for any diagnosis. The aim is to create a rich, full, and meaningful life while accepting that pain and difficulty inevitably goes with it. In ACT the negative thoughts and feelings are seen as normal, and the problem is not that they are there, but how we are responding to them. It does not therefore distinguish between diagnoses and applies the same underlying principles across all conditions.
There is strong evidence for the use of ACT for persistent / chronic pain, depression, workplace stress, anxiety and other difficulties.
How many sessions will I need?
This will depend on a few factors such as your goals and the history of your difficulties. It will vary but an indication can be given at initial assessment.
What is the next step?
Sarah has attended several ACT training courses and spent many years using it with clients and supervising others in the use of it.
If you think ACT could be a fit for you, or if you have any questions, please get in touch to book your free initial consultation today. You can contact us through the website, call 07870 241970 or email hello@nepsychology.co.uk.
My Qualifications
I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). I hold doctorate in Clinical Psychology from Leeds University (2008) and a Batchelor of Science (honours) degree in psychology from Newcastle University (2003). I am an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner and a member of the
Expert Witness Institute.
I keep my skills up to date and have completed post qualification training. This includes advanced training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and accredited EMDR training. I have also completed Bond Solon and Expert Witness Institute training for Expert Witness Reporting.
Who we work with
Contact Us
We can arrange an initial conversation to discuss whether psychology might help and you can ask any questions. It is confidential and there is no obligation to book.