Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

What Is ACT?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT, pronounced "act") is a form of psychotherapy that helps people accept difficult experiences while committing to actions aligned with their values. For chronic pain, ACT doesn't aim to eliminate pain but to reduce its control over your life.¹

Core Principles²

Acceptance

Opening up to pain without struggling against it
Accepting pain doesn't mean liking it
Reduces energy spent fighting pain

Cognitive Defusion

Changing relationship with thoughts
Seeing thoughts as just thoughts, not facts
Reducing impact of negative thinking

Present Moment Awareness

Mindful attention to the here and now
Not dwelling on past or worrying about future

Self as Context

You are more than your pain
Observing experiences without being defined by them

Values

Identifying what truly matters to you
Defining meaningful life directions

Committed Action

Taking action based on values
Engaging in life despite pain

How It Helps Pain³

Reduces pain-related suffering
Decreases disability and avoidance
Improves quality of life
Reduces depression and anxiety
Increases activity levels
Builds psychological flexibility

What ACT Isn't

Not giving up or resignation
Not pretending pain doesn't exist
Not suppressing emotions
Not just "positive thinking"

Finding ACT Treatment

Psychologists trained in ACT
Pain management programs
Group-based ACT courses
Self-help books and apps
Online ACT programs

References

Hughes LS, Clark J, Colclough JA, et al. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for chronic pain: a systematic review and meta-analyses. Clin J Pain. 2017;33(6):552-568.
McCracken LM, Vowles KE. Acceptance and commitment therapy and mindfulness for chronic pain. Am Psychol. 2014;69(2):178-187.
Veehof MM, Trompetter HR, Bohlmeijer ET, Schreurs KM. Acceptance- and mindfulness-based interventions for the treatment of chronic pain. Cogn Behav Ther. 2016;45(1):5-31.