[eeyorestail]

I've read some books on ACT (Namely Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life and The Happiness Trap) and I like the idea. I was talking to my therapist, and while he isn't an expert on it, he's willing to look into it as something we could try.

Anyone here have any opinions on ACT? Anyone trying it? How has it helped/not helped?

I think the main part of it I'm struggling with is that they basically tell you NOT to try to get rid of your symptoms.

[nummy]

I had never heard of it, thanks for bringing it up. I love how there's all these different kinds of therapy, since no two kinds of people will respond identically to the same therapy. I may ask my therapist about this next appt and if do i will let you know how it goes.

[sweepy62]

I just found out 2 sessions ago, my t is using it on me, who knew. Anyway, I dont know if it is or not only been with her about 4 months and she told me she has been using it on and off along with other methods for about 2 months.

[growlycat]

I think my CBT T uses bits of this on me too, but I need to ask. He is very now-and-future-focused.

[stopdog]

I don't know what it is.

[withoutthelove_]

Yes, I've been doing ACT since before last Christmas, so maybe seven or eight months?
I found it annoying at first - having to accept all these intrusive thoughts and feelings, that I couldn't just *snap* get rid of them. But it's been useful.
Things like "naming your stories" (the "I want to die" story, etc.) and recognising your thoughts as they are, and that they aren't a label of who you are.
Right now, I'm working through what's called the Bullseye, lining up my actions with my values. Do I value my education? Yes. So I go to school. Do I value my health? Yes. So I eat.

It's been really helpful in allowing me to discover who I am, away from my mental health problems. I feel like I lost sense of who I was, and I'm definitely getting closer to being "me" through ACT.
And my therapist is an angel, so.

[eeyorestail]

Thanks for all of the replies, guys. I think I might talk to my therapist more about this. And I highly recommend the books I mentioned above. The first is a little dense, but more detailed. The second is more casual and accessible.