Question
What is Acceptance and Commitment Theory (ACT)?
Answer
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a framework that is used to understand and address the relationship between communication deficits and mental health factors that can mutually influence and exacerbate each other within our patients. ACT is a modern form of third-generation psychotherapy, and is a variant of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) due to its emphasis on understanding thoughts and cognition, as well as facilitating behavioral change.
In ACT, the experience of suffering is considered a common human phenomenon, affecting everyone, albeit to varying degrees and in diverse ways. A fundamental principle of ACT is that suffering itself is a normal aspect of psychology. One of ACT's frequently cited principles is that clients are not “broken;” suffering is not seen as pathological but rather as a state of being "stuck."
Individuals typically seek counseling because they're suffering, struggling, or dealing with mental health symptoms. However, rather than solely focusing on reducing symptoms, ACT aims to change the relationship with symptoms and struggles so they no longer impede living according to one's values. The objective in ACT isn't to feel happy constantly and avoid struggle altogether because that's an unrealistic aim. Instead, the aim is a fulfilling, meaningful life, even amidst painful thoughts, feelings, and sensations. By trying to alter our relationship with unwanted experiences, mental health symptoms often diminish as a secondary effect. However, even if symptoms persist, individuals still have the capacity to progress and lead a profound, purposeful life, even amidst ongoing struggles.
What is particularly helpful in this model, especially for SLPs, is that most of the individuals we work with are dealing with chronic conditions such as developmental disorders and acquired brain injuries. For many of them, these are core issues and struggles that are lifelong. Therefore, having a model that can assist them without relying on the premise of eliminating those struggles provides them with a multitude of pathways forward.
This Ask the Expert is an excerpt from the course, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: An Introduction for SLPs, presented by William S. Evans, PhD, CCC-SLP.
