Psychosis can be a profoundly isolating experience. For those grappling with it, the world often feels like a place inhabited by their own minds, separated from the perspectives of others. ACT can offer a powerful approach to help us address this isolation, nurturing our connection with clients and helping them to navigate their own experiences with greater clarity and compassion. Associate Professor, Consultant Clinical Psychologist and ACT trainer Eric Morris joined us recently to discuss some top ways that he recommends for using ACT with psychosis clients.
Making minds visible
One of the key principles of ACT for psychosis is making the mind of the therapist visible. In other words, the therapist openly shares their own thoughts, feelings, and responses in a way that aligns with ACT principles. For example, a therapist might say, “I notice my mind is saying this to me right now.” This simple act of self-disclosure normalises the shared experience of minds “doing their thing” and creates a sense of connection.
As therapists we can help clients see that everyone has a mind that generates thoughts, some of which can be overwhelming or seemingly mysterious. This transparency can reduce the power and grip of the mind’s narrative while encouraging a sense of shared humanity.
Reducing the mystery of the mind
Psychosis often magnifies the importance of thoughts and experiences, making them feel all-encompassing. ACT introduces a healthier distance by helping individuals observe their own minds rather than being consumed by them. Sharing the mundane and repetitive nature of the therapist’s own thoughts can highlight the fact that not all thoughts are significant. For example, a therapist might reflect on their own looping thoughts, demonstrating that it’s human to have recurring mental patterns without always needing to fix or act on them.
This process not only demystifies the mind but also builds rapport between the therapist and the client. It creates a space where both can explore their experiences together, reducing isolation and building trust.
Climbing the mountain of life
A classic ACT metaphor often used in therapy is the “two mountains.” Imagine you and your client are climbing separate mountains of life. The client only knows what it feels like to climb their own mountain – the rocks, the trails, the weather and how difficult those things may be, As a therapist, you may have the advantage of perspective, being able to look over at your client’s mountain from a different vantage point, suggesting different strategies or routes to continue the journey.
This metaphor reinforces the idea that the therapist is not there to “fix” the client or climb their mountain for them. Instead, the therapist is a companion, offering perspective, encouragement, and tools to help the client navigate their own journey.
For individuals with psychosis, it is not uncommon that the therapist might be one of the very few people they connect with on a deep level. By sharing their own experiences (in a thoughtful and ACT-consistent way), the therapist models connection and mutual humanity, creating a more level playing field.
Honouring the human experience
One of the most important aspects of ACT for psychosis is recognising that individuals are not broken. Psychosis does not define a person’s worth or their humanity. Instead, it’s about honouring their experience and helping them navigate their challenges while recognising that we’re all doing our best to climb our own mountains.
This approach creates a space for learning and growth – not just for the client but for the therapist as well. It’s an opportunity to connect as two humans, each with their own struggles and strengths.
This video is taken from our ‘Expert tips for ACT’ playlist on YouTube.
At its core, ACT for psychosis is about reducing isolation and increasing connection. By making the mind more visible, sharing experiences, and through a sense of intimacy, therapists can help individuals feel less alone in their journey. It’s not about fixing or changing the person but about walking alongside them as they climb their mountain, offering perspective, encouragement, and compassion.
Through these principles, ACT empowers individuals to navigate their experiences with greater awareness and acceptance while building meaningful connections along the way.
We are excited to be hosting Eric Morris in November 2025 for two ACT for psychosis workshops.
- ACT for psychosis foundations – An introduction to using psychological flexibility to support recovery
- This will be followed by an ACT for psychosis masterclass the following week which will build up some more advanced skills for supporting personal recovery.
These sessions have been designed for all mental health professionals and supporters working with people recovering from psychosis. It will be particularly relevant for those in health and social care settings supporting individuals with complex mental health challenges. Sign up to both sessions at the same time and you’ll save 20% on your course fees too!