ACT (Acceptance and Commitment) Therapy in Group Practice

Did you ever try to really, really not think about something? What ended up happening? A little spoiler alert here if you have not tried this at home (or otherwise) - more likely than not, you end up thinking about the very same thing you wish to avoid. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a therapy that functions on the basis of this reality.

ACT therapy acknowledges that there is no use in running away from negative thinking patterns. Change only comes when you accept that your negative thoughts, emotions, and behaviors are realities of life - valid responses to certain circumstances, even. Accept does not mean you approve; it means you acknowledge and commit to moving forward by taking actionable steps toward a meaningful change.

While ACT therapy is generally performed in one-on-one settings, the NuView Treatment Center takes this a step further. We also provide ACT in group settings - ACT group therapy, so that you can find this safe, supportive environment where you can connect, learn, and grow!

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a psychotherapy that builds on the principles of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). It was developed by Steven Hayes, who learned that there is no use in running away from the challenges of life. Instead, he says that it is okay to have uncomfortable thoughts and feelings. Life cannot always be a straight line, can it?

So, ACT focuses on accepting your thoughts instead of changing them. Instead, what you do is change your relationship with your thoughts and commit to a positive change.

Here is ACT’s framework:

• Acknowledge your thoughts and feelings.
• Allow your thoughts and feelings to exist.
• Accommodate your thoughts and feelings in your present.
• Appreciate your thoughts and feelings as part of your experience.

Once you acknowledge, allow, accommodate, and appreciate your thoughts and feelings for what they are, you can commit to moving past them and onward to a healthy, fulfilling life.

ACT group therapy strives to achieve 6 main goals that also become its core processes. The major aim is for you to develop psychological flexibility to move past negativity, avoidance, and denial.

Acceptance:

Accepting means you accept that this is what you are thinking/feeling right now. However, acceptance does not mean approval.

Cognitive Defusion:

Cognitive defusion is when you accept that you are not your thoughts so that you do not become overwhelmed by them.

Self As Context:

Your self becomes the observer by noticing what is happening rather than being a passive recipient.

Contact With The Present:

When your self becomes the observer, you need to be connected with the here and now - the present, where the change really happens.

Values:

You identify the principles in your life that will serve as a motivation to make changes in your life that are healthy and meaningful.

Committed Action:

When you identify your values, you commit to taking actionable steps toward the positive change aligned with your values.

ACT therapy is an individual therapy in general. However, there are many benefits you can gain by participating in ACT group therapy. Here are some of the reasons why:

• You receive peer support and encouragement. In a group setting, you can look around and realize that you are not alone in your struggles or journey.
• When you understand you are not alone, you normalize your experiences. It reduces feelings of isolation and loneliness.
• ACT group therapy is not only about peers; you collaborate with your therapist as a team and achieve healing, transformation, and healing.
• ACT group therapy is both structured and flexible. Your therapist structures group sessions in advance, yet there is still room for flexibility.

There are certain key ACT techniques used in ACT group therapy that set the tone for the sessions:

Rules:

This is where the therapist begins. They law down the rules, like confidentiality and respect for one another. One very important rule is “not rescuing” other team members as they experience their thoughts and emotions. Instead, just let them…experience.

Format:

Next comes the format. This involves focusing on one topic or many topics, regular check-ins, group discussions, and other activities.

Experiential Practices and Exercises:

As a group, you will get to practice and integrate ACT exercises that focus on becoming aware of and processing your emotions. For instance, a traditional ACT technique is “Eyes On,” where you team up with a partner, look into their eyes, listen to them, and see the person behind them. It is simple yet empowering to foster connectedness over avoidance/denial.

Group Experiences:

You encourage one another to become more connected to the present and move toward behaviors that are aligned with the identified values.

Conflict:

Conflict in group settings can be common. It exists in ACT group therapy as well. Whenever this happens, the therapist will direct the focus back to your inner thoughts and explore how these patterns are affecting your life.

Facilitator:

The therapist is the facilitator of ACT group sessions and serves as a model of acceptance and commitment.

ACT started off as an individual therapy. However, it is very effective even in group settings as well. In ACT group therapy, the target is to reduce experiential avoidance, fusion, and disconnection from your own principles. In a group setting, this becomes even more achievable as you receive support from those on similar journeys as you. You get a safe and secure environment where you can share, connect, receive inspiration, and inspire others yourself. These factors positively impact your willingness to participate in the therapy as well.

When ACT is applied in group settings, you experience your thoughts and emotions while also learning that your emotional experiences and reactions can be similar to others. You overcome any feelings of isolation while also gaining a new perspective on your own challenges and struggles.

Avoiding or fleeing from your thoughts and feelings will only exacerbate your present struggles. ACT group therapy seeks to address behavioral and mental health challenges by flipping this script. Here is an overview of how it allows you to overcome your mental health challenges:

• It encourages honesty with your thoughts and feelings instead of suppressing them. When you are honest, you approach them with empathy and kindness.
• It teaches you skills like mindfulness to commit to a value-oriented life and move forward toward a meaningful change.
• It views you as an active participant in the therapy, capable of autonomy and self-determination.
• The therapist will create a safe and conducive environment that fosters action, discussion, and experiences that will usher in a real change in your life.
• It is psychoeducational in that it focuses on experiential learning and empowers you to be your own therapist.
• You get homework in between sessions, where you practice the tools and skills you learned and grow even outside of the therapeutic setting.

ACT group therapy is not about learning new skills; it is about living life differently. If you are prepared for this kind of change in your life, reach out to the NuView Treatment Center today. We understand your background, challenges, needs, strengths, and goals to ensure your ACT group sessions are tailored just for you.