Our thoughts and feelings can become fused, and when they are, they become distressing to us, but we don’t have to let them rule our actions and the meaning we get from life. Fusion happens when we create the following within our minds: Rules Reasons and justifications Judgements Thoughts about the Past Thoughts about the […]
ACT
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – Committed Action
When we are faced with challenging situations, distressing feelings, emotions and even pain and fatigue it is important to continue living a life which is as close to our values as possible. This can allow us to gain meaning, achievement and enjoyment from life despite these obstacles. Values Values can be imagined as a direction, […]
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – Part II
We can find great examples of those who found meaning, purpose and vitality in the midst of suffering in Mandela’s biography or those about holocaust prisoners. They, like people with long term pain or fatigue, are stuck but not broken. So when we look at people’s behaviours and thoughts, we don’t ask whether they are […]
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – Part I
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of behavioural therapy which helps us deal with some of the harsh realities of life so that we can live it in a rich and fulfilling way. It’s particularly useful for those who are struggling with situations which may not change such as long term health conditions […]