Tailoring ACT to Individual Clients: A Flexible Approach Introduction Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a powerful tool for promoting psychological flexibility. Rather than adhering to rigid protocols, ACT therapists tailor their approach to meet the unique needs of each client. In this blog post, we’ll explore three essential principles for tailoring ACT to individual [...]
Understanding Neurodivergence and Neurotypicality Let’s dive into the world of neurodivergence, explore the differences between neurodivergent and neurotypical individuals, and understand how therapy can support both. What Does It Mean to Be Neurodivergent? Neurodivergence refers to the condition of having a brain that functions differently from what society considers “normal” or “typical.” It encompasses a [...]
How CBT and ACT Therapy Can Help, Even When You Doubt It If you're reading this, you might be someone who has tried different methods to improve your life, only to feel let down each time. Maybe you've even thought, "Therapy won't work for me," or "I'm the exception." These feelings are completely valid and [...]
Flexible Perspective Taking: A Path to Self-Compassion and Effective Action In the hustle and bustle of our lives, we often find ourselves caught up in our thoughts and emotions. We react impulsively, driven by old patterns and judgments. But what if there was a way to step back, see things from a different angle, and [...]
Breaking Free: Understanding Our Recurrent Thought Patterns In the intricate landscape of our minds, we all harbor recurrent patterns of thought and emotion. These patterns, often deemed 'problematic', have a knack for dominating our actions and steering us away from behaviors aligned with our values. They weave themselves around key themes like abandonment, rejection, failure, [...]
Introduction Imagine waking up after a restless night—the world feels like a foggy kaleidoscope, and your brain is running on low battery. Sound familiar? Well, let’s dive into the science behind this groggy mental state and explore how blood sugar plays a starring role. Why Does Blood Glucose Rise After Poor Sleep? When you skimp [...]
As a seasoned cognitive-behavioral therapist, I often find myself asked how I handle challenging thoughts and emotions. You might expect that after dedicating years to helping others, I'd be a picture of mental fortitude, effortlessly surmounting life's obstacles. However, the truth is far from that perception. Despite my expertise, I still grapple with my inner [...]
The Power of Assertiveness: Setting Boundaries for a Balanced Life As an ACT therapist, I often witness the transformative impact of assertiveness in helping individuals navigate life's challenges and cultivate healthier relationships. Assertiveness is more than just standing up for oneself; it's about communicating needs and boundaries effectively while respecting the rights of others. Let's [...]
Unveiling the Dark Side: The Role of Dopamine in Unhealthy Behaviors As an ACT therapist, it's essential to explore the intricate relationship between neurochemistry and behavior, shedding light on both the positive and negative impacts of neurotransmitters like dopamine. While dopamine is often celebrated as the "drive neurochemical," fueling our motivation and perseverance, it also [...]
Exploring the Intersection: ACT Therapy and Buddhist Philosophy In the world of therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) stands out as a Western approach rooted in psychological research and theory. However, upon closer examination, one can uncover striking parallels between ACT and the principles of Buddhist philosophy. Let's delve into these shared elements and how [...]
