You may have heard of third-wave coffee, I’d like to introduce you to third-wave therapy. The foundations of therapy are not obsolete, but third-wave brings research and structured theory on how to integrate the most effective elements of counseling. It’s not search-and-replace, but a process of distilling the best and elevating what works.
Pronounced as an actual word, not an acronym, “ACT” therapy started on a foundation of 55,000 studies that searched to find what common processes in good therapy helped create change. Pioneer Steven C. Hayes discovered familiar elements to therapy, exploring how they work together to help a person move past stuckness (not an official term). Most importantly, bringing together the elements of spirituality and existentialism and how they marry with behavioralism, two areas thought to be diametrically opposed.
The beauty of integrated theories are the way they address the human complexity. Many times therapy or self-help scratches an itch, but feels as if it is too narrow to apply to every area of our life. Third-wave therapy follows the modern progression of philosophy, recognizing that we are both brain and mind, soul and substance. There are tangibles, there are concrete actions we must take, but we also have deep and lingering questions about existence, loneliness and purpose in our life.
ACT Therapy places importance on what is healing for the mind and person, both in meaning and action. Key elements of mindfulness and acceptance ensure that therapy is experiential and not restricted to talking and theorizing. Commitment to action, the other key element, require exploring values and purpose and how to live.
Every theory and approach to counseling is based in how the “problem” is perceived. ACT Therapy is focused on change, identifying a common element that prevents growth across the person: psychological inflexibility. The idea sounds abstract, but in true ACT fashion, let’s explore a metaphor shared by ACT Trainer, Richard Sears, PsyD. Imagine I ask you what the purpose of a bucket would be if holes were pounded into it. Our first response might be to laugh or think it is a trick question. If we were in a group, one person might bravely suggest it could be a watering tool for a garden. Hearing this idea, we might then be inspired, allowing ourselves to consider a camp shower or a sieve and filter for sorting. ACT therapy is experiencing this shift in relation to any idea or lack of awareness that holds us back.
ACT Therapy posits that we should all be free to live our best, not avoid symptoms. ACT therapy recognizes that any area we are stuck will slow growth and progress in all other areas; alternatively, psychological flexibility is directly connected with a sense of well-being, learning, compassion and acceptance of others—not to mention effectiveness in reaching goals.
Theory aside, ACT is an observation of effective counseling that focuses on experiencing change in session. An approach based on a good therapeutic relationship, ACT is truly a great way to make change, from depression to PTSD. For more reading, with ACT applications to specific issues, check out Association for Contextual Behavioral Science reading list.
