ACT Lab

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Accept what you can't control, commit to what matters

What is ACT?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a third-wave cognitive-behavioral approach focused on psychological flexibility—accepting difficult thoughts/feelings while committing to actions aligned with your deepest values.

🎯 Core Philosophy

NOT about feeling better → It's about LIVING better, even when discomfort is present

Control is the problem → Trying to control/eliminate negative thoughts paradoxically amplifies them (ironic process theory)

Values > Goals → Goals end. Values are ongoing directions you move toward

📊 Evidence Base

  • Meta-analyses support efficacy for depression, anxiety, chronic pain, substance use
  • Psychological flexibility predicts wellbeing, resilience, goal pursuit
  • Complementary to neuroscience - ACC conflict monitoring, PFC executive control, OFC value updating