Acceptance and commitment therapy exercises. Embrace SAC for a more meaningful life.

Acceptance and commitment therapy exercises Some of these examples also fall under the category of experiential exercises; they were included as they too contain elements of metaphor. Each tool is designed to help clients develop psychological flexibility, emotional resilience, and values-based action, especially during periods of uncertainty, stagnation, or recovery from adversity. Tools for integrating ACT techniques into daily life and overcoming common obstacles We will explore this through clarifying client values using the “True North” ACT-based exercise. These worksheets can strengthen psychological and emotional openness within patients. Features include: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), poses an interesting idea for thoughts; instead of trying to change, fight, or repress our inner experiences (e. And who knows? You might find that as you guide your clients through these mindfulness journeys, you too are transformed in the process. Our minds tell us different stories because that’s what minds do. Breathing mindfully Breathing Meditation (UCLA – 5 minutes) Our Favorite Values Exercises from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Jenna T. Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research and Training Center Mar 26, 2024 · Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) combines acceptance and mindfulness strategies with commitment and behavior change techniques. It incorporates acceptance and mindfulness strategies alongside change strategies, in recognition that change is not always possible or desirable. Learn how to develop psychological flexibility, manage stress & anxiety, and live a values-driven life. Free Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) worksheets for therapists to download. Aug 27, 2025 · Discover simple acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) exercises you can practice daily. Acceptance & Commitment Therapy aims to reduce suffering and enrich life, as shown in the diagram below. Sep 19, 2021 · Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) groups support psychological flexibility by encouraging participants to embrace their thoughts. Self compassion makes a huge difference in combatting shame and stress. What are ACT worksheets? ACT worksheets, short for Acceptance & Commitment Therapy worksheets, are invaluable resources for individuals seeking to transform Crisis Support Services – Introduction to Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Defusion and Acceptance Exercises 7 Defusion exercises Use whichever exercise gets the best results for you. Through various exercises, ACT can help us become more accepting and stop judging our thoughts or feelings, which can then be accompanied by taking actions that align with our values. This pack includes 17 evidence-based Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) exercises for use in therapy, coaching, and group settings. For related ACT tools, see our Thought Defusion and Becoming Psychologically Flexible worksheets. com www. COMPENDIUM OF ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY METAPHORS This collection of ACT metaphors was created as a resource for clinicians. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is about helping people to relate to their thoughts and feelings in a more flexible and effective ways and to focus their attention on living well, in line with their deepest values. Who are you? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) draws a distinction between two senses of self - self as content and self as context. Practice lessons learned during Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in your daily life. Learn core ACT principles and techniques for lasting change. Rather to make it feel less important when it appears. What are some common Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques? ACT worksheets Browse our free collection of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy worksheets. ACT has two major goals: • To foster acceptance of unwanted private experiences which are out of personal control • To facilitate commitment and action towards living a valued life Values Exercises In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we use the term values to refer to activities that give our lives meaning. Jul 25, 2025 · Acceptance & commitment therapy emphasizes accepting thoughts & feelings without judgment & commit to actions aligned with personal values. The journey with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy involves an initial consultation, practicing core ACT principles, and ongoing support and progress evaluation. The 10 exercises outlined in this article can be integrated into treatment plans to promote well-being and alleviate suffering. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy encourages commitment and change processes to create psychological flexibility. ACT WITH LOVE: Using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy for Common Relationship Issues Dr Russ Harris, 20 www. SAC, rooted in Relational Frame Theory (RFT), offers resilience, mindfulness, and emotional control. ACT, or Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, is a mindfulness-based approach that helps individuals develop greater psychological flexibility and live a more meaningful life. Learn more about how it works and more here. Metaphors and exercises play an incredibly important part in the successful delivery of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Second Edition: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change (2011) by Steven Hayes, Kirk Strosahl, and Kelly Wilson. Feel free to check them out. Oct 1, 2024 · For therapists considering incorporating ACT group therapy into their practice, the possibilities are endless. These include better resilience, emotional tolerance, and overall well-being. It can be a useful resource when used alongside or after a values identification exercise. Letting Go Exercise Use this exercise to assess the costs of holding onto difficult or distressing thoughts. Sep 5, 2023 · Conclusion Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a holistic and practical approach to addressing mental health issues and health problems. Aug 15, 2025 · 6 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Techniques Acceptance and commitment therapy is based on a model of six core processes called the hexaflex. This treatment was originally developed by Steven Hayes and has Psychological flexibility is the capacity to adapt to difficult experiences while remaining true to one’s values. Psy. Start your patience's journey to a healthier mind today. , thoughts, emotions, sensations, etc. actmindfully. This flexibility is achieved through six core processes: acceptance, defusion, being in the present moment, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action. D. Good examples include acting out the ‘Passengers on the Bus’ metaphor, the ‘Lifeline Steps’ exercise and the use of physical metaphors like Chinese Finger Traps. By experiencing our thoughts, physical feelings, and What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a psychological therapy that aims to help people create a meaningful life while also accepting the things they cannot change. Examples of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Exercises that can be effective in individual therapy sessions include: Walk your client through a 10-15 minute visualization exercise. Our Favorite Values Exercises from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Jenna T. 4K subscribers Subscribe Acceptance And Commitment Therapy (ACT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is one of the ‘third wave’ cognitive and behavioral therapies. Aug 20, 2023 · Discover ACT: Learn about Acceptance Commitment Therapy techniques, exercises, and more for improved mental well-being. Learn how acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can help patients drop the struggle with chronic pain. At the heart of ACT is the concept of leading a value-driven life. Use this worksheet to help you or your client design long-term life goals that are based on personal values. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Tombstone Exercise This exercise is about exploring what you want your life to stand for. Your responses can be used to support your personal development, or as part of an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) process under the guidance of a trained therapist. Call us today! Feb 13, 2024 · Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a contemporary psychotherapeutic approach that emphasizes mindfulness and behavioral change to enhance psychological flexibility. In the left tombstone, write down some things that you want to control or avoid. Values are not goals in that we never “accomplish” a value. Instead, values are like a compass–they help us make choices based on the directions in which we want our lives to go. Learn to detach from your thoughts, embrace your values, and find purpose in your journey. Derived from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), these defusion techniques work by shifting attention away from the content of thoughts to the process of thinking. Try engaging in this 3-step Acceptance & Commitment Therapy exercise towards setting values-based goals to get started (Harris, 2009): Step 1: The area of my life that I choose to work on is (choose one or two): work, social, health, parenting, family, spiritual, environment, personal growth, leisure, education, romantic relationship, or community. Mindfulness and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy aims to reduce suffering and enrich life, as shown in the diagram below. The overall idea of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, is that trying to avoid the pain of PTSD comes at a cost: that cost is the ability to really engage in a life that is meaningful to YOU. In this PsychologyFor article, we will learn in depth about the acceptance and commitment therapy, its background, principles, components, techniques and exercises. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) & Values Work ACT has lot to say about values and walking in meaningful directions in life. com. Discover the power of Self-as-Context (SAC) in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to break free from limiting thoughts and feelings. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT; Hayes, et al. Start your journey today! • The name “acceptance and commitment therapy” reflects a key message: accept what is out of your personal control, and commit to action that improves your life. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ACT is a mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioral therapy that utilizes an eclectic mix of metaphor, paradox, and mindfulness skills, along with a wide range of experiential exercises and values-guided behavioral interventions. LeJeune, Ph. Jul 29, 2024 · 1. Mar 6, 2025 · Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a distinctive form of psychotherapy that encourages individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fight against them. These powerful tools go far in helping clients connect with their values and give them the motivation needed to make a real, conscious commitment to change. This is in addition to helping provide a pathway for clients to acknowledge their Feb 15, 2024 · Conclusion Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a revolutionary approach to mental health and personal growth, emphasizing mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based action. It offers exercises, tools, information, and tracking logs so you can practice what you're learning in your daily life. au The aim of ACT: to create a rich, full and meaningful life, while accepting the pain that inevitably goes with it. S. Use these ACT worksheets and exercises with your patients as session work or homework. Based on tools for working with values from acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), this practical guide is written to be accessible to any therapist of any Aug 4, 2025 · In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the concept of values is central to the therapeutic process. Jason Luoma, Ph. Below we provide links to a variety of exercises that many people have found helpful. ACT focuses on six core processes, several of which are addressed by the audio files and exercises that we have compiled below. The core idea of this group is that we can learn new ways to live with pain, while making more room for the important things in our lives. View 3 components of self compassion ACT Therapy here. Remember the purpose of the exercise is not to stop the thought happening or to get rid of it. It focuses on being open towards difficult emotions and experiences without allowing them to take control of your life. ACT incorporates mindfulness exercises to help individuals become more attuned to their thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment [4]. Thought defusion techniques provide a way out of this trap. Commitment, Obstacles, and Strategies Worksheet Commited action is an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy process that involves goal-seting. Creative practitioners can find ways of physicalising any of the concepts in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), although the technique is probably most frequently applied to the defusion and acceptance processes. The exercise involves writing your epitaph, which is an inscription written on a tombstone summarizing what your life and behavior has been about. Practical exercises for developing mindfulness, cognitive defusion, and acceptance skills 3. For years, I battled anxiety without . Acceptance and commitment therapy increases resilience and meaning in life. Dec 3, 2024 · ACT Mindfulness: Integrating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with Mindfulness Practices offers further insights into this powerful combination of approaches. In ACT, values are not goals or objectives, but rather, they are deeply held principles that guide us. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Training: A Comprehensive Guide for Mental Health Professionals offers a solid foundation, but the real learning happens in the trenches, co-creating transformative experiences with clients. To help in this process, there are four lots of information that are particularly important. Learn how ACT can help you. “Pushing away paper” exercise This exercise is predominantly a metaphor for acceptance and experiential avoidance, although it references all 6 core ACT If you have developed your own exercises and tailored them for specific patients, please share them here so that the larger ACBS community may benefit from your particular take on the work, and in turn, you may find additional exercises of use to you here. It’s called acceptance and commitment therapy, or ACT. Read more about chronic pain here. Since ACT focuses on accepting difficult thoughts and feelings while committing to values-driven Acceptance and Commitment Therapy videos, book chapters, worksheets and audio files from Dr. The key objective of ACT is to alleviate suffering by optimizing psychological flexibility. Mindfulness and Acceptance Exercises In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), practicing mindfulness and acceptance is a way to begin to notice our present moment experience with less struggle. Apr 26, 2024 · Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a dynamic framework for psychological intervention, which centers around psychological flexibility. ), we can focus on changing how we relate to them. The Psychological Flexibility: ACT Skill worksheet clarifies this important concept and translates the six Mar 7, 2024 · Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) provides a workable and scientific method of overcoming this behaviour pattern to live a life worth living. Portland Psychotherapy Clinic, Research and Training Center The main ACT book (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, by Hayes, Strosahl, Wilson) has a detailed and lengthy script for this on p 193-195. The result is less mental turmoil and overthinking, as well as a more balanced perspective. Embrace SAC for a more meaningful life. A comprehensive framework based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy principles 2. ACT groups use experiential exercises, mindfulness & values clarification to help individuals commit to meaningful actions. Russ Harris. A pad of Jan 31, 2025 · Common Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) exercises and activities include Mindful Journaling, Thought Distancing Exercises, Leaves on a Stream Exercise, Values Clarification Worksheet, Body Scan Meditation, and Acceptance Statements that help individuals develop psychological flexibility and align their actions with their values. today, but there’s another evidence-based approach gaining steam among clinicians who work with teens and parents. ACT on Life Not on Anger (2006) by Georg Eifert, Matthew McKay, and John Forsyth. Jan 2, 2024 · Uncover the most effective tools for acceptance and commitment therapy, including worksheets, training, books, exercises, and podcasts, to enhance therapeutic outcomes. , 2012) is a transdiagnostic form of behavior therapy that incorporates mindfulness, acceptance, and behavior-change strategies to help individuals achieve behavioral goals in accordance with their personal values. Do you find yourself feeling anxious, stressed, or lost in thought? Are you seeking more focus and clarity in your daily life? Look no further than ACT mindfulness exercises. Values In Therapy: A Clinician’s Guide to Helping Clients Explore Values, Increase Psychological Flexibility, and Live a More Meaningful Life Values in Therapy is a practical guide on how to do effective values work for any therapist. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) incorporates the use of metaphor as a powerful tool to facilitate understanding and transformation. The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Matrix is a simple perspective taking exercise that is a quick and easy tool to practice and learn how to notice and distinguish between our external Sep 30, 2016 · What follows are selected scripts for metaphors and experiential exercises from The Big Book of ACT Metaphors: A Practitioner’s Guide to Experiential Exercises and Metaphors in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Stoddard and Afari, 2014). Participating in ACT groups fosters resilience & wellbeing by enhancing acceptance, reducing avoidance & promoting a values-driven life. This therapy can be particularly effective when applied within a group setting ACT Made Simple: An Easy-to-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (2009) by Russ Harris. A key message: accept what is out of your personal control, and commit to action that enriches your life. Dec 17, 2023 · What is Cognitive Fusion in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy? In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), cognitive fusion refers to the tendency to become overly entangled with your thoughts — especially negative or self-critical thoughts — as if they are literal truths. g. Discover how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) empowers individuals to break free from addiction by fostering mindfulness, acceptance, and value-driven actions for lasting recovery. By incorporating these ACT exercises into your daily routine, you can cultivate greater mindfulness, resilience, and inner peace. Feb 13, 2023 · One way to do this is the tombstone exercise from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). By fostering mindfulness, acceptance, and a commitment to values-based actions, ACT helps individuals develop psychological flexibility. Apr 13, 2023 · "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Toolbox: 90 Exercises and Worksheets to Help Overcome Depression, Addiction, OCD, and Reduce Anxiety by Calvin Caufield is a rare gem in the ACT community. Learn how to use ACT practices for emotional well-being. Practical exercises in ACT help individuals embrace life’s difficulties with openness, fostering personal growth & wellbeing. Discover how do you want to show up in your relationships? Nov 15, 2024 · How do acceptance and commitment therapy exercises improve mental health? Acceptance and commitment therapy exercises promote acceptance of difficult emotions, reduce experiential avoidance, and build resilience for better mental well-being. Workbook _235 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Exercises - Free download as PDF File (. Sep 28, 2024 · Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook: 101 ACT Exercises and a 6-Week Program to Overcome Anxiety, Depression, and Procrastination by Improving Focus and Productivity (Inner Growth Book 1) - Kindle edition by Blake, Miriam . In this article, Aug 1, 2025 · What are Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Worksheets? Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) worksheets encompass acceptance and commitment therapy principles, promoting healthy and positive thinking patterns in clients. Oct 19, 2023 · Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based therapeutic approach that emphasizes accepting thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or avoiding them, while committing to actions aligned with personal values. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy encourages clients to develop psychological flexibility, helping them respond to life’s challenges with greater openness and Explore how acceptance and commitment therapy helps with anxiety, trauma, OCD, and more. In today's video, we'll explore anxiety and how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can help effectively manage symptoms by aligning with our values. ACT Mobile Apps Acceptance and Mindfulness Acceptance and Mindfulness Exercises, Portland Psychotherapy Authoring Values Living Your Life Values - Values Inventory, Duke Student Affairs Exercises to Clarify Values, compiled by Portland Psychotherapy Guided Meditations (including breathing exercises, body scans, loving kindness mediations etc. View Resources for Values Exercises in ACT Therapy here at Momentum Psychology. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Do you use ACT in your therapy practice? Aug 3, 2017 · AN ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY (ACT) APPROACH FOR LEARNING TO LIVE WITH TRAUMA JENNIFER PLUMB VILARDAGA, Ph. ACT is a treatment approach in which teenagers learn to do two things. Oct 9, 2022 · If you have an interest in learning more about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or want to learn more about how to approach art therapy within an ACT framework, I encourage you to read ACT Art Therapy: Creative Approaches to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Understand how ACT techniques can foster well-being and psychological flexibility. The main ACT book (Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, by Hayes, Strosahl, Wilson) has a detailed and lengthy script for this on p 193-195. Explore acceptance and commitment therapy exercises. Mar 13, 2025 · This guide to acceptance and commitment therapy worksheets for therapists provides an overview of ACT, ACT exercises, and free downloadable ACT therapy worksheets. Rather than suppress or avoid psychological events, ACT is based on the belief that acceptance and mindfulness are more adaptive responses to the inevitabilities of life. In this exercise, we explore both an ideal epitaph and a feared epitaph. WKHKDSSLQHVVWUDS. Strategies for clarifying personal values and taking committed action 4. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses heavily on this skill due to its many benefits. Jul 25, 2025 · Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a “third-wave” cognitive behavioral intervention aimed at enhancing our psychological flexibility (Hayes et al. Jul 25, 2025 · Explore powerful acceptance and commitment therapy exercises that reduce anxiety, and promote peace. Dec 3, 2024 · Break free from mental health struggles with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) exercises. ) Mar 20, 2023 · Learn 10 acceptance and commitment therapy exercises and activities you can do with your clients. Mar 25, 2025 · ACT Coach was developed for Veterans, Service members, and other people who are in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in consultation with a therapist. Self as Self as Context Files Mar 31, 2025 · Want to supercharge your workouts? Learn how acceptance and commitment therapy turns pain into play, boosting your performance and even lowering blood pressure—no gym required! Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is an empirically-supported mindfulness-based cognitive-behavioural therapy. Collaborative Case Conceptualization with Highly Shame-Prone and Self-Critical Clients -- We describe a case conceptualization framework that draws upon Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Affective Science. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Techniques and Exercise Examples Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a modern therapeutic approach that helps people manage difficult thoughts and emotions by promoting psychological flexibility. Metaphors in ACT serve as linguistic bridges, allowing individuals to connect with complex psychological concepts in a more relatable and accessible manner. Inspired by Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), this resource pairs wonderfully with this therapeutic approach, but it’s also effective for clients with anxiety, depression, OCD, or any condition in which avoidance plays a role. Download it once and read it on your Kindle device, PC, phones or tablets. When you’re fused with a thought, it can feel like your identity. Many ACT therapists like to use that script. Guided Acceptance Exercise - Physicalise your Emotions (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) Therapy in ACTion 6. ACT encourages psychological flexibility by integrating mindfulness & value-driven behavior to manage stress & emotional challenges. Explore evidence-based ACT techniques and practical exercises to transform thought patterns. txt) or read online for free. , 2006). Feb 29, 2024 · 7 min read Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is the most common form of psychotherapy used in the U. Aug 29, 2024 · Mindfulness Exercises in ACT Mindfulness is a cornerstone of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, serving as a powerful tool to cultivate present-moment awareness and acceptance. Mar 1, 2024 · ‍ ‍ What to Expect From Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ‍ If you’re considering ACT, you might wonder what to expect from the process. pdf), Text File (. Learning Acceptance & Commitment Therapy? Want to implement ACT more fluidly and flexibly with clients? Here are some free materials, tips, and tricks. agg alms pahye yumz qhcja paftnmtx shlufvu otjce tzkl efefsb vfsl mcskyjt eal igtyfz syxqmtep