Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
An evidence-based therapy that builds psychological flexibility: making room for difficult thoughts and feelings while acting on your values.
Category: Therapy and treatment
What is acceptance and commitment therapy?
ACT starts from the observation that fighting unwanted thoughts and feelings often amplifies them. Instead of eliminating them, ACT teaches you to hold them with less struggle.
Key things to know
Core methods include defusion (seeing thoughts as thoughts rather than facts), acceptance, present-moment contact, and clarifying values to guide committed action.
- Premise: fighting unwanted thoughts and feelings often amplifies them.
- Defusion: seeing thoughts as thoughts, not facts or commands.
- Values, not feelings, guide action.
- Progress is measured by doing what matters, not by feeling fewer feelings.
- Evidence covers anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and stress.
What helps
ACT has evidence for anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and stress. The measure of progress is doing more of what matters to you, not feeling fewer feelings.
How SelfMind can help
SelfMind is an AI companion for everyday mental health support: a private place to talk through what you are feeling, in Hindi, English or Hinglish, at any hour. It is not therapy and not a crisis service; it works alongside professional care, never in place of it. You can try it free, no account needed.
Related terms
This entry is educational information, not medical advice, a diagnosis, or a treatment plan. For assessment and treatment, consult a qualified mental health professional. If you are in crisis, see our crisis resources. In India, Tele-MANAS is free at 14416, 24x7.