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Acceptance and commitment therapy is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help individuals develop psychological flexibility by teaching them to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than trying to control them. 

Acceptance and commitment therapy or ACT draws heavily from relational frame theory or RFT and functional contextualism, which suggest that language and cognition play key roles in human behavior. Unlike traditional cognitive-behavioral therapies that focus on changing the content of thoughts, ACT targets the process of thought itself.

Acceptance: embracing one's inner experiences

One of the core components of ACT is acceptance, which involves acknowledging and making room for difficult thoughts, emotions, and sensations without attempting to alter or suppress them. This does not mean resignation or approval but rather a willingness to experience whatever arises without judgment or avoidance. By learning to accept unpleasant experiences, individuals can reduce the struggle against them, leading to decreased psychological distress.

Commitment: taking purposeful action

In addition to acceptance, ACT emphasizes commitment to action. This involves clarifying personal values and taking steps toward living a meaningful life guided by those values. By identifying what truly matters to them, individuals can make choices aligned with their deepest aspirations, even in the presence of discomfort or fear. Through committed action, individuals can build a sense of purpose and fulfillment, promoting psychological well-being.

Mindfulness: being in the present moment

Practicing mindfulness involves paying attention to the present moment with openness and curiosity. Mindfulness techniques such as meditation and mindful breathing help individuals cultivate awareness of their thoughts and emotions without becoming entangled in them. By practicing mindfulness, ACT enables individuals to observe their experiences more objectively, enhancing their ability to respond more flexibly to life's challenges.