ACT Techniques

Question 1

What techniques do ACT practitioners generally use?

Answer 1

Worksheets
Homework
Metaphors

Question 2

What do these techniques promote?

Answer 2

Psychological flexibility

Question 3

Is there a particular order though which the six processes should be worked through?

Answer 3

No. There is no particular order for each of these six core processes needs to be focussed on first and which should follow - each can be fostered as a stand alone intervention, or in combinations.

Question 4

Are ACT techniques flexible?

Answer 4

Yes, there is allowance built in for creativity and adaptation. ACT practitioners are encouraged to create, adapt, and improvise activities to use with clients.

Question 5

What is creative hopelessness?

Answer 5

Clients who are excessively experientially avoidant, strongly attached to the agenda of emotional control: I must feel good; I must get rid of these unwanted thoughts and feelings.
Also know as “confronting the agenda”.

Question 6

Is the term “creative hopelessness” used with clients?

Answer 6

No

Question 7

What is the goal of use by techniques?

Answer 7

To get the client to examine the steps they have taken to control their thoughts / feelings; examine whether it has made things better or worse, and open up the possibility of using alternative methods to handle them.

Question 8

What questions need to be explored with the client?

Answer 8

1. What have you tried?
2. How has it worked?
3. What has it cost?
4. What’s showing up?
5. Are you open to something new?

Question 9

Do Counsellors work on creative hopelessness across sessions?

Answer 9

Yes. Especially with those clients who are strongly attached to their need / desire to control their inner experiencing.