Integrating Difficult Emotions with Acceptance and Commitment

What if we did not try to ‘work on’ difficult emotions but accepted these emotions as part of our human experience? Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) invites you to do just that: sit with and ‘be with’ uncomfortable emotions. According to ACT, ‘being with’ difficult emotions is an essential aspect of navigating these emotions.

ACT encourages clients to not avoid or deny their difficult emotions, and to not ‘work on overcoming’ these emotions, but to accept that their emotions are normal and appropriate responses.

Based on the six core principles of ‘cognitive defusion’, acceptance, being in the present moment, observing the self, exploring one’s values, and committing to action, ACT focuses on changing clients’ relationship with their emotions rather than on resolving symptoms. Surprisingly, symptoms resolve effortlessly this way as a by-product of establishing a more adaptive relationship with emotions.

In this 1-hour session, we will discuss the six core principles of ACT, explore the unique and highly effective way ACT teaches the integration of difficult emotions, and apply acceptance and mindfulness techniques during the session in an experiential exercise.