Acceptance and Commitment Therapy NYC
"We as a culture seem to be dedicated to the idea that ‘negative’ human emotions need to be fixed, managed, or changed—not experienced as part of a whole life. We are treating our own lives as problems to be solved as if we can sort through our experiences for the ones we like and throw out the rest”
—Steven C. Hayes, inventor of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and how does it differ from other forms of talk therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, otherwise known as ACT or “act”, is a type of talk therapy centered around taking action. Specifically, ACT encourages you to accept your vulnerabilities and inner struggles, and commit to behaviors that will help you become present in your life and move forward.
ACT can be useful for treating a range of mental health conditions, including:
Evidence-based research has validated ACT to be an effective treatment for a range of mental health conditions.
What does Acceptance and Commitment Therapy look like?
Clinical trials have suggested that 12-16 sessions of weekly ACT (i.e. 3-4 months) are effective for treatment; however, treatment duration may vary based on your mental health condition and treatment goals. ACT can be conducted in individual sessions with your therapist or in group settings.
There are three main components to ACT: acceptance, commitment, values, and mindfulness.
Acceptance
Instead of avoiding difficult emotions, acceptance teaches us to experience these thoughts and emotions as they are, without putting a label on whether they are positive or negative. By being able to accept your vulnerabilities and ‘negative’ emotions, you will be more ready to commit to positive behaviors and goals, which is the next step.
Commitment
The commitment component of ACT pushes to achieve your goals in life, including short and long term goals. Committing to these goals can be done by taking concrete steps towards making changes in your life which can lead to positive change. Examples include setting goals, finding ways to deal with difficult thoughts and barriers, and development of other additional skills.
Values
Your actions and commitment to your goals are guided by your values. Clarifying your values is a core component of ACT. With your therapist, you can uncover and discuss your values in many aspects of your life such as family, friends, career, hobbies, and spirituality.
Mindfulness
Fundamentally, ACT is driven by mindfulness, which is the idea of living life in the present—being proactive rather than reactive. Being open to the moment, flexible, and forward looking, can help achieve your ACT goals of acceptance, commitment, and values.
Work with a ACT Therapist at Integrative Psych
Integrative Psych is an NYC-based private practice specializing in Acceptance and Commitment therapy. Many of our clients are based in Brooklyn, Queens, New Jersey, Manhattan (Chelsea, Village, Lower East Side, Upper East Side, Upper West Side, Tribeca, SoHo), Connecticut, Westchester but our therapists are licensed to treat anyone in the state of New York.
Integrative Psych takes a compassionate, comprehensive and holistic approach to diagnosis and treatment. We will carefully explore your present life and early life, evaluating all factors that could be contributing to your mental health condition.
When making recommendations, treatment may involve tailored medication and likely include a blend of therapy, depending on what works best for you.
Decisions about what treatment or treatments to pursue are made as a team, between you and your therapist. Once you have begun care with us, we will see you regularly to monitor your progress and make any adjustments necessary to ensure that you benefit fully from your treatment at Integrative Psych.
At Integrative Psych, we are your premier destination for integrative and evidence-based therapy in New York City. Our team of experienced and compassionate therapists specializes in a wide range of mental health services, tailored to meet your unique needs. Whether you are seeking assistance with psychodynamic therapy nyc, bipolar disorder nyc, high-functioning anxiety nyc, complex PTSD nyc, or any other mental health concerns, we are here to support you on your healing journey.
At Integrative Psych, we firmly believe in the power of mindfulness-based therapy nyc to promote emotional well-being and personal growth. Our therapists are adept at integrating mindfulness-based techniques into their practice to help individuals cultivate present-moment awareness and develop healthier coping mechanisms for stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
If you’re seeking NYC Acceptance and Commitment Therapist and interested in working with one of our therapists, book an appointment here.
