What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that focuses on helping individuals accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty for them. By combining acceptance and mindfulness techniques with commitment and behavior change strategies, ACT empowers teens to live more meaningful and fulfilling lives.

• Acceptance: Teaching residents to embrace their thoughts and emotions without judgment, allowing them to experience life more fully.
• Mindfulness: Encouraging present-moment awareness to help teens become more attuned to their experiences and reduce the impact of negative thoughts.
• Commitment and Behavior Change: Guiding residents to identify their values and commit to actions that align with them, promoting positive behavioral changes.

Increasing Psychological Flexibility

One of the primary goals of ACT is to increase psychological flexibility, which is the ability to adapt to changing circumstances, thoughts, and feelings without becoming overwhelmed or stuck.

• Adaptive Skills: Residents learn adaptive skills to handle life’s challenges more effectively, building resilience and emotional strength.
• Value-Driven Actions: Teens are encouraged to identify what truly matters to them and to take committed actions toward those values, even in the face of difficult emotions.

Integrating ACT into Treatment

Our therapists integrate ACT principles and techniques into individualized treatment plans, ensuring that each resident receives personalized care tailored to their unique needs and goals.

• Individual Therapy Sessions: One-on-one therapy sessions provide a safe space for teens to explore their thoughts and feelings and to practice ACT techniques with the guidance of a skilled therapist.
• Group Therapy Sessions: Group settings offer peer support and shared learning experiences, reinforcing the principles of ACT and fostering a sense of community.
• Family Involvement: Involving families in the therapeutic process helps create a supportive environment that extends beyond the treatment setting, enhancing ACT’s overall effectiveness.

Benefits of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

ACT provides numerous benefits for adolescents struggling with a range of emotional and behavioral issues:

• Enhanced Emotional Resilience: By learning to accept and manage their emotions, teens build resilience and are better equipped to handle stress and adversity.
• Improved Mental Health: ACT promotes overall mental health by encouraging mindfulness and value-driven living, reducing symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions.
• Greater Self-Awareness: Mindfulness practices help residents develop greater self-awareness and insight into their behaviors and thought patterns.
• Increased Life Satisfaction: By aligning their actions with values, teens can lead more fulfilling and meaningful lives.

Supporting Adolescents Through ACT

At Lakeside Academy, we are committed to supporting adolescents through their therapeutic journey with compassion and expertise. Our Acceptance and Commitment Therapy program empowers teens to embrace their thoughts and feelings, commit to value-driven actions, and achieve greater psychological flexibility.

Please visit our contact page for more information on how our Acceptance and Commitment Therapy program can support your teen.