Empowering Young People Through ACT
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Teens & Young Adults
Making lasting positive change requires individuals to accept their emotions and challenges rather than fighting or denying them. That’s the foundational principle of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based modality used in our teen treatment and young adult treatment programs.
What Is ACT?
ACT is a type of mindfulness-based therapy that encourages people to embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than pushing them away, running from them, or feeling guilty about them. ACT techniques emphasize acceptance rather than avoidance.
ACT is part of what’s known as the “third wave” of behavioral therapies, which also includes Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT) and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR).
The first wave was aimed towards changing unwanted behaviors without looking at the thoughts behind those behaviors, and the second wave included approaches such as CBT and Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT). An ACT treatment plan helps young people develop self-acceptance and self-compassion, reframe negative thoughts, and commit to actions that will enrich their lives.
History of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy was formulated in the 1980s by Steven C. Hayes, PhD, a psychology professor at the University of Nevada. Hayes viewed suffering as an unavoidable and essential part of being human. Dr. Hayes believed that we find fulfillment and thriving when we face and accept difficult emotions as well as joyful ones.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is built on the Relational Frame Theory, which proposes that humans’ ability to relate is the foundation of language and cognition. Over the years, a growing body of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy research has demonstrated the efficacy of this approach for clients of all ages.
How Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Used in Treatment?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy research shows that ACT therapy techniques are effective for a wide range of mental health issues and co-occurring disorders, including:
What Are the Benefits of ACT?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques are often utilized as part of a teen and young adult’s tailored treatment plan, in combination with other evidence-based therapeutic modalities, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Motivational Interviewing.
ACT therapy techniques help young people learn to:
- Accept that life brings challenges and pain
- Acknowledge and reframe negative thinking
- Make conscious behavior choices that align with their values
- Create the life they want through taking empowered action
Results-Driven Care
See how our treatment created 50 percent declines in depression and suicidal thoughts in young people.
ACT Treatment at Newport
If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues, we can help. Newport Academy’s residential and outpatient treatment centers serve teens ages 12–18 and children ages 7–11. Newport Institute, our young adult program, welcomes ages 18–35 for a wide range of mental health and co-occurring disorders. Our staff is standing by, ready to answer all of your questions. Contact us today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. It encourages commitment to personal values and taking action towards a meaningful life, even in the presence of difficult emotions.
While both ACT and CBT aim to improve mental health, ACT emphasizes acceptance of thoughts and feelings rather than trying to change or control them. ACT encourages individuals to observe their thoughts without judgment and to commit to actions aligned with their values, whereas CBT often focuses on challenging and changing negative thought patterns.
Overall, an ACT session is collaborative and experiential, focusing on enhancing the client’s psychological flexibility and encouraging them to live a meaningful life in alignment with their values, even in the face of difficult emotions.
ACT can be beneficial for a wide range of individuals, including those struggling with anxiety, depression, stress, chronic pain, and other mental health issues. It is also useful for anyone looking to enhance their psychological flexibility and improve their overall quality of life by aligning their actions with their values.
