Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Honolulu
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, also known as ACT, is a type of psychotherapy that focuses on accepting our emotions as part of the human experience instead of running from them. People naturally want to avoid and deny their negative thoughts and emotions, but bottling them up often leads to worsened symptoms of anxiety, stress, and depression.
- ACT is a form of talk therapy that blends mindfulness, acceptance, and behavior-change strategies to help clients manage difficult emotions and thoughts without avoidance.
- Focuses on accepting emotions, committing to actions aligned with personal values, and improving overall well-being.
- Popular for treating anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and chronic pain.
Whether you’re a longtime resident or new to the area, finding Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Honolulu can offer you the tools to embrace a healthier, more balanced life. If you’re seeking support, Oahu Group Therapy in Honolulu is here to guide you through the process with compassion and expertise. Request an appointment today!
Frequently Asked Questions
How is ACT different from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
While CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thoughts, ACT encourages acceptance of those thoughts without letting them control behavior. ACT emphasizes mindfulness, values, and taking meaningful actions, even in the presence of discomfort or fear.
What conditions can ACT help with?
ACT is effective in treating a range of mental health conditions, including:
- Anxiety and depression
- Trauma and PTSD
- Chronic pain and illness
- Stress and burnout
- Addiction and substance use
- Low self-esteem and identity issues
How long does ACT therapy typically take?
The length of ACT therapy varies based on individual needs. Many clients experience noticeable improvements within 8 to 12 sessions, but some may benefit from ongoing sessions for deeper growth and healing. Request an appointment today to get started
Can ACT be done online or does it require in-person sessions?
ACT can be conducted both in-person and online. At Oahu Group Therapy, we offer telehealth options for clients who prefer virtual sessions, providing the same supportive experience from the comfort of your home. Contact us to request a telehealth appointment.
Is therapy confidential?
Yes. Confidentiality is a cornerstone of therapy. Your sessions and personal information are protected and will not be shared without your consent, except in specific circumstances involving safety. This ensures that therapy remains a secure and private space for healing and growth. Contact us to request an appointment.
Benefits of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Honolulu
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Honolulu helps clients understand that their emotions are part of the human experience and are often completely natural responses to certain situations. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy doesn’t aim to eliminate negative emotions but instead helps clients recognize that these emotions are natural and manageable through mindfulness and acceptance techniques. By embracing their emotions and hardships, clients participating in ACT in Honolulu can begin to make positive and meaningful changes to improve their overall quality of life.
This therapeutic approach offers numerous benefits:
- Reduces emotional avoidance and helps clients face difficult thoughts.
- Enhances mindfulness and self-awareness, promoting emotional balance.
- Improves resilience to stress, anxiety, and other mental health challenges.
- Supports personal growth by helping clients align their actions with core values.
- Effective for managing trauma, relationship issues, and low self-esteem.
If you’re seeking compassionate and effective Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Honolulu, request an appointment today!
Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Right for You?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Honolulu is a versatile therapeutic approach that can be used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders, depression, OCD, eating disorders, and addiction. It is particularly beneficial for individuals in Honolulu coping with chronic pain, cancer, or other life-changing ailments, as it helps them accept their new circumstances with mindfulness and resilience.
ACT in Honolulu is especially ideal for individuals struggling with:
- Trauma and PTSD
- Depression
- Addiction recovery
- Life transitions and identity challenges
This form of therapy is suitable for anyone in Honolulu seeking greater emotional flexibility, psychological resilience, and the tools to align their actions with personal values. Whether managing complex mental health conditions or navigating significant life changes, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Honolulu provides a compassionate, structured approach to improving overall well-being. Request an appointment today!
Start Your Healing Journey in Honolulu
Whether you’re navigating past trauma or seeking emotional support, our therapists are ready to guide you.
What to Expect During Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT sessions often involve:
- Mindfulness exercises to help you stay present
- Discussions about challenging thoughts and emotions
- Identifying personal values and setting meaningful goals
- Action steps to help align your behavior with those values
The focus is on building long-term skills that promote psychological flexibility and growth. There are six core principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy that help develop psychological flexibility:
- Acceptance: allowing unwanted thoughts and feelings to come and go without struggling with them.
- Cognitive defusion: changing the way you react to distressing thoughts and feelings by seeing a thought as a passing event instead of a truth that drives your actions.
- Being present: awareness of the here and now, experienced with openness, interest, and receptiveness. Focusing on how you feel in the moment so you can see what’s happening around you, instead of worrying about What-Ifs
- Self as context: you see yourself as a whole person with an identity that is much bigger and not defined by experiences, thoughts, or feelings.
- Values: discovering what is most important to you and setting your own standards that you want to live up to, without the influence of others
- Committed action: setting goals aligned with your values, then making positive changes to help you achieve these goals.
Our Approach to ACT at Oahu Group Therapy
At Oahu Group Therapy, our Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Honolulu approach focuses on helping you reshape how you relate to difficult thoughts and emotions. Through mindfulness and guided reflection, we support clients in Honolulu in accepting these experiences while taking meaningful steps toward positive behavioral change and emotional well-being. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, or navigating a significant life transition, our ACT services in Honolulu are designed to help you embrace your emotions and move forward with clarity and purpose.
If you feel Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Honolulu could be the right fit for you, request an appointment today to begin your journey toward healing and growth. Our team is here to provide compassionate support as you take the first steps toward a more fulfilling life.
