Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Adolescence is a time in life when people experience rapid change. It can also be a time of heightened anxiety and emotional distress. Finding a therapy approach that’s full of compassion and understanding is essential for your teen’s long-term wellness. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of evidence-based treatment that helps teenagers manage their difficult thoughts and emotions through a process of psychological flexibility.
If your child is struggling with anxiety, trauma, or other emotional challenges, exploring teen therapy options at Ohio Center for Adolescent Wellness (OHCAW), can be a transformative step.
What is acceptance and commitment therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of behavioral therapy that teaches people to accept their thoughts and emotions rather than trying to suppress or avoid them. ACT emphasizes mindfulness and helps your child develop a stronger sense of self-awareness while taking meaningful steps toward their goals.
How ACT works
Unlike traditional talk therapy, which often focuses on helping people change their negative thoughts, ACT works with teens to create a new relationship with their emotions. Instead of feeling overwhelmed by anxiety or self-doubt, teens learn to acknowledge their emotions without judgment and then commit to behaviors that align with their personal values.
ACT involves six fundamental principles that help foster resilience and emotional balance within our patients:
- Cognitive defusion: This means learning to separate yourself from your distressing thoughts, instead of getting tangled up in them
- Acceptance: Instead of trying to push them away, you allow emotions to be present
- Present moment awareness: Mindfulness techniques are used to stay present in the moment
- Self-as-context: Understand that your identity is not defined by what’s temporary, like emotions or negative thoughts
- Prioritizing values: Identify what’s truly important to you in life
- Committed action: Make decisions and behave in ways that align with your values, even in the presence of fear or uncomfortable emotions.
These principles help teens feel more empowered to handle stress and anxiety and make decisions that they’re proud of. During sessions, teens engage these principles through specific acceptance and commitment therapy exercises, gradually learning to use what they’re learning in their outside lives.
How ACT helps treat anxiety and trauma
Anxiety can feel all-consuming for teens, from school-related stress to social fears, life can seem overwhelming. With ACT, teens learn to observe their thoughts without judgment and not feel controlled by them. Similarly, for adolescents who have experienced trauma, ACT helps them process painful memories in a way that fosters resilience rather than reactivity. In learning how to sit with discomfort and not become overwhelmed by it, teens can develop a sense of emotional control and empowerment.
At OHCAW, ACT is incorporated into Intensive Outpatient (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP).
Why choose OHCAW for ACT therapy?
Every adolescent’s journey is unique. That’s why we offer a host of evidence-based therapies for your child: including ACT, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and holistic practices. Our team of experienced clinicians works collaboratively with each of our teens in order to create a custom treatment plan that addresses their specific needs.
OHCAW provides a warm, welcoming atmosphere where teens feel comfortable talking about their challenges and begin learning new skills that help them grow.
Call today for ACT at OHCAW
ACT therapy is a powerful tool that helps adolescents embrace their emotions, develop mindfulness, and take meaningful action toward their values. Whether your teen is struggling with anxiety, trauma, or emotional distress, OHCAW can help. Call 888.890.7141 or contact us online today. Together, we can create a path for your child’s success.
