Articles that explore approaches and modalities around acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and also complementary/alternative therapies and models that can work in collaboration with ACT.
By Dr Kristy Potter, clinical and training director and clinical psychologist. I remember first learning about acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and feeling very sceptical. This was just before starting on my clinical doctorate training and I was very much CBT aligned, and definitely at the positivist end of the philosophy of science spectrum. In […]
Anyone that already uses ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) will understand that it is a powerful approach, emphasising psychological flexibility and the ability to engage with the present moment. However, while many practitioners will know of, and start with these basics, the journey to mastering ACT can sometimes stagnate. For example, we might use the […]
Metaphors are a cornerstone of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), offering a way to help clients connect with their experiences in a meaningful and transformative way. However, a well-used metaphor is more than just a creative expression or a clever analogy—it requires precision and purpose. For metaphors to be truly effective, the clinician must have […]
You don’t necessarily need to know emotional efficacy therapy (EET) to do ACT, but understanding EET can enhance your application of ACT, especially when working with clients who struggle with emotional regulation. Here’s why: 1. ACT addresses emotions broadly; EET addresses emotions in a specific, detailed and structured manner ACT helps clients change their relationship […]
Some papers that caught our eye! Women have made remarkable contributions to science, breaking barriers and challenging societal norms to advance knowledge and innovation. This is very true for the ACT community, and the contribution of women in ACT has been invaluable. In honour of International Day of Women and Girls in Science (February 11th) […]
Yvonne Barnes-Holmes is a highly accomplished academic and clinician who has made significant contributions to the field of psychology. She has over 20 years of experience in teaching, training, publishing, and presenting. Before co-founding Perspectives Ireland, she was an Associate Professor in Behaviour Analysis and a Senior Research Fellow at Ghent University. In this article […]
Mindfulness has become a buzzword in recent years, but it’s not immune to its fair share of stereotypes and misconceptions. These stereotypes can cloud the understanding of what mindfulness truly is and hinder clients from fully experiencing its benefits. We wanted to take the opportunity to debunk some of the common myths about mindfulness, reminding […]
Addressing experiential avoidance is a key aspect of ACT intervention, and such behaviours can significantly hinder personal growth and emotional well-being. We wanted to consider how internal family systems (IFS) offers a complementary approach that can effectively tackle avoidance by fostering internal dialogue and self-awareness. Here’s some of our ideas on how IFS can help […]
In the world of sports, anxiety is a familiar companion. Whether you’re an athlete facing the pressure of competition or someone navigating challenges in leadership, managing discomfort is crucial. Alison Maitland, a sports psychologist who will be hosting a training session for us in March – ‘Thriving in Sport’ alongside Jenna Ashford, recently joined us […]
It is key when learning and later applying ACT to ensure that there is good fidelity to the model. For those newer to ACT, by fidelity we mean the degree to which the intervention is ACT consistent. This can encompass both the techniques, as well as any underlying philosophy of science. The ability to deliver […]
Ahead of our intermediary workshop ACT for anxiety and depression with Russ Harris, we are looking at these so called ‘common disorders’. We might call them our bread and butter, as therapists. Whether we label them diagnostically or view them as symptoms of anxiety or low mood, we frequently engage with individuals facing these issues. […]
When learning Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), many practitioners begin with the key concept of promoting psychological flexibility, which is the ability to adapt to life’s challenges while staying connected to what matters most. A natural starting point for beginners is to learn each of the six core ACT processes individually and then apply them […]
As we build towards the end of another calendar year it’s a great time to look back, appreciate and reflect upon our journey over the last 12 months. With over 140 hours of new live CE accredited training, 250+ supervision sessions, 600+ therapy sessions and a plethora of free resource and advice provided, we hope […]
The loop is a simple yet profound analogy in process based behavioural therapy (PBBT) that helps us navigate complex emotional landscapes and can be transformative for clients in therapy. What is the loop? The loop is an analogy that illustrates how our feelings and situations can often trap us in a repetitive cycle. When someone […]
Written by Joe Oliver If I’m completely honest, I often feel disheartened when I receive a referral for problematic anger. The stereotype usually involves working with someone deeply entrenched in their anger, viewing themselves as a victim, and attending therapy only because they’ve been mandated or pressured by others, such as a partner, to address […]
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