ACT as an Experiential Practice

Various experiential techniques are used in ACT therapy to help clients connect with their experiences rather than trying to change their thoughts. One of the main techniques is mindfulness, which involves meditation exercises to observe external and internal events without judgment.

This helps clients become more aware of their surroundings and their thoughts and sensations. It's like widening the filter created by language to let in more direct experience.

Mindfulness in ACT includes processes like acceptance, defusion, being in the present moment, and self-as-context.

These processes can be addressed with specific techniques. For instance, a client might be asked to "make room for a painful emotion" after recalling a difficult memory, helping them accept their feelings.

Defusion exercises involve recontacting the nonarbitrary aspects of verbal stimuli, like quickly repeating a word to reduce its emotional impact. This helps clients see words as just words and not necessarily tied to real events.

Being present exercises, such as focusing on breathing, help clients stay in the moment and not get lost in thoughts about the past or future.

Self-as-context exercises involve seeing oneself from another perspective through imagination, highlighting the difference between temporary self-descriptions and a more enduring self-perception.

Some ACT exercises aim to enhance verbal control over distant consequences, linking specific actions to important values. For example, setting an alarm randomly and observing actions related to important values can help clients see the connection between actions and abstract outcomes.

These exercises are valuable for helping clients connect with the meaningful aspects of their actions, even when the consequences are abstract or distant.

This awareness can empower clients to engage in actions aligned with their values, even when they may trigger uncomfortable emotions. For example, feeling anxious while expressing emotions to a partner can be seen as a sign of moving toward intimacy and aligning with one's values. (Values based committed action)