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What is ACT?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is considered a third-wave modality that integrates mindfulness with key core processes like present awareness, values-driven actions , and self-as-context.
These processes allow for a greater sense of freedom and promote psychological flexibility. Clients often feel enabled to approach challenging circumstances in a way that is aligned with themselves and their values.
Clinicians at MapleTree Center may incorporate ACT in their work to help an individual acknowledge their relationship with their thoughts and feelings. The focus is shifted to
- understanding feelings instead of changing themÂ
- reframing valuesÂ
- adjusting behaviors to better match your values
ACT helps you channel your energy to what really matters (your values) and use them to effectively change your life for the better.
Who Benefits from ACT?
ACT is identified as a gold standard intervention for anxiety, depression, and trauma. A growing body of research also confirms that cultivating acceptance, mindfulness, and openness to experience is highly effective with:
- Anxiety
- Depression and mood
- Trauma and PTSD
- Chronic pain
- Substance abuse
- Eating disorders
- Existential concerns
- Couples therapy
- Stress management
- Chronic or progressive diseases
ACT is particularly well-suited for the multicultural population in Dubai because it is centered on the values of the client. It is a culturally and religiously sensitive approach.
What You Could Gain from ACT
The main benefit of ACT is psychological flexibility: the art of recognizing how your emotions play a role in your life without feeling overwhelmed by them. You learn to accept the things within your control and stay true to yourself and your values.
ACT could also lead to:
- Improved emotional regulation
- Reduced avoidance
- Greater resilience
- Enhanced self-awareness
- More meaningful relationships
- Increased ability to handle difficult situations
- Greater life satisfaction and purpose
- Reduced symptoms of anxiety, depression, and trauma
Applying ACT strategies can enhance overall wellbeing and personal fulfillment.
What to Expect in ACT Sessions
Clinicians who use ACT at MapleTree often use analogies and metaphors to help process information and experiences. It is an experiential therapy, and we work with mindfulness to help meet your needs. Sessions may be attended in person at our clinic in Barsha Heights, Dubai, or online.Â
Your First Session
During the first session, your psychologist will seek to learn more about you and your goals. They will also provide information about what you can expect, a planned timeline, and what you would be working on together during each session. This session also offers the opportunity for you to get a feel for your therapist and therapy itself.Â
Ongoing Work
ACT is experiential. This means that you and your therapist will work together each session through exercises, explore metaphors, and practice mindfulness techniques. You will also be encouraged to practice what you learn outside sessions so the process becomes more natural.
The exercises and techniques are introduced and learned one at a time with the aim of helping you accept your emotions, recognize unhelpful thoughts, stay present in the moment, connect with your true self, clarify your values, and take action toward meaningful goals.
We like to think of it like juggling. You start with one ball, tossing it in the air. When you get comfortable, you add another. Over time, you can keep all six balls moving at the same time. It’s okay if you drop one or need more time to add another.
The ACT Hexaflex: Six Core Processes
The ACT model is founded on six overlapping therapeutic processes: acceptance, cognitive defusion, contact with the present moment, self-as-context, values, and committed action—together known as the Hexaflex model of psychological flexibility.
- Acceptance involves making room for painful feelings, sensations, urges, and emotions without struggling with them or trying to push them away. Acceptance is fostered as a method of increasing values-based action.
- Cognitive Defusion techniques are learned to reduce the influence of unhelpful thoughts. Instead of believing every thought you have, you learn to observe them without judgment. Cognitive defusion attempts to alter the undesirable functions of thoughts rather than trying to change their form or frequency.
- Being Present psychologically and engaged in what you’re doing is practiced by bringing awareness to the here and now with openness and curiosity.
- Self-as-Context (The Observing Self) is actively accessed as a way to observe your thoughts and feelings without being defined by them.
- Values, including what is truly important and meaningful to you, are clarified and used to guide decision making.
- Committed Act involves summoning the courage to act effectively (and consistently with your values), even when it’s difficult or uncomfortable.Â
These six processes work together and help you move from being stuck in struggle to living a rich, meaningful life aligned with what matters most to you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Unlike therapies that focus on changing or eliminating negative thoughts, ACT teaches you to change your relationship with them. Instead of fighting your thoughts and feelings, you learn to accept them and focus your energy on living according to your values.
Each person has different goals and reasons for therapy, so timelines vary. You will usually meet once a week for several weeks. During your first session, your therapist can provide a more specific estimate based on your needs.
ACT incorporates mindfulness, but in practical, accessible ways. You and your therapist will explore various mindfulness techniques and find what works for you.
No. ACT is inherently values-driven and works within your cultural and religious context. The therapy is about clarifying your values and living according to them.
This is normal and a common reason people seek ACT. The therapy helps you develop a different relationship with uncomfortable emotions so they have less power over your life.
Yes. ACT is identified as a gold standard treatment for trauma and PTSD. It’s particularly effective because it helps you develop psychological flexibility and reduces experiential avoidance—both crucial for trauma recovery.
Absolutely. ACT has significant research support and is considered a gold standard treatment for both anxiety and depression.