Week 6: ACT and Mindfulness Flashcards
What is ACT and what does it do?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Unites biological, cognitive and behavioural psychology along with evolutionary science.
Describe functional contextualism in ACT
No actions or private experiences are inherently problematic or positive; it all has to do with how they function for the person
What are three similarities between CBT & ACT?
- scientific empiricism
- Importance of learning processes
- Behavioural intervention techniques (e.g., exposure, behavioural activation)
What are three differences between CBT & ACT?
- Symptom control (CBT) vs acceptance (ACT)
- Symptom reduction (CBT) vs valued living (ACT)
- Role of cognitions in psychopathology
The theory of ACT is based on Relational Frame Theory (RFT) by Hayes.
Describe RFT
RFT describes how we learn to relate stimuli symbolically (e.g., relating objects to names)
What is the ACT model of psychopathology?
A trans-diagnostic model rather than a specific disorder.
What are the six core ACT processes?
- Acceptance
- Cognitive diffusion
- Self as context
- Present moment
- Values
- Committed action
What is The Choice Point (Harris, 2017)
The choice point allows us to make away (hooked) or towards (unhooked) moves.
Describe the benefits of ACT in therapy?
- Therapist not required to take long client histories
2. Therapists don’t attempt to diagnose
Describe the characteristics of values
- Are not static - context dependent, change over time
2. Create a sense of meaning and direction
What are two methods of connecting clients to values?
Experiential exercises - eulogy exercise, birthday exercise, metaphors
Metaphors - direction on a compass, lighthouse
What is committed action?
Commitment to persistence and change / The goals you set in service of your values.
