Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is a newer type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that has been researched in over 400 randomized control trials for a wide variety of problems. As ACT therapists, we offer research-backed, pragmatic solutions to help people build new patterns of behavior in order to reduce suffering and create more meaningful and fulfilling lives. Using ACT, we can help you:
Become aware of and overcome painful and disruptive internal experiences (e.g. self critical thoughts, anxiety, shame).
Live more closely aligned with chosen values/life aims
Nurture greater awareness of the present moment
Foster flexibility to respond to the ups and downs in life
Cultivate compassion toward oneself and others
Develop the courage to connect more deeply in relationships
We all have pain, unwanted thoughts, and unpleasant feelings. ACT suggests that the process of trying to rid ourselves of internal discomfort can end up leading us to feel quite “off track” and actually cause ourselves even greater suffering. When we focus our energy on getting rid of discomfort, our lives can become more and more narrow and we may lose focus on the things that matter most - family, friends, community or whatever is important to us. In short, ACT is designed to help people move in the direction of their chosen life aims (or values) even when unpleasant bodily sensations, feelings, urges and thoughts are present.
Click Here for a Psychologists Off The Clock podcast episode about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is broad class of treatments that helps people to identify the relationship between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors and develop practical solutions to everyday problems. In CBT, we recognize that not all of our thinking is true or helpful and when we act as if our thoughts are all true, this can cause us difficulties and suffering. Together we are scientists, discovering how your thoughts, feelings and behaviors interact, and then we are experimenting with new perspectives and ways of acting.
As CBT therapists, we can help you:
Identify the interaction between your thoughts, feelings and behaviors
Unhook from unhelpful negative thinking patterns
Discover new behavioral patterns that increase your positive moods, a sense of mastery and help build a meaningful life
Face fears that are holding you back
Move from self-criticism to self-compassion
Develop tools to cope with your life’s ups and downs
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
Colleen’s Book: End the Insomnia Struggle
Debbie’s Podcast: Psychologists Off The Clock
The Association of Contextual Behavioral Science: https://contextualscience.org
Rocky Mountain Chapter of ACBS: https://www.acbscolorado.com
Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies: http://www.abct.org
National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org