ACT Therapy for OCD & Anxiety

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) at The Scoggan Institute

At The Scoggan Institute, we offer a variety of evidence-based treatment approaches for anxiety and OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). One of the most effective approaches we utilize is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals develop psychological flexibility to manage difficult thoughts, feelings, and urges without getting caught up in them.

How Does ACT Work for Anxiety and OCD?

Traditional therapy often focuses on directly reducing or eliminating anxiety-provoking thoughts and OCD compulsions. ACT, however, takes a different approach. It emphasizes:

Acceptance: Recognizing and accepting that unwanted thoughts, feelings, and urges are a normal part of the human experience. Trying to fight or eliminate them can often lead to increased anxiety and OCD symptoms.
Psychological Flexibility: Developing the ability to be present in the moment, observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, and choose actions aligned with your values, regardless of what your mind is telling you.

Core Processes of ACT

ACT focuses on six core processes that lead to greater psychological flexibility:

Acceptance: Willingness to experience uncomfortable thoughts and feelings without trying to control or suppress them.
Defusion: Learning to detach from unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, recognizing them as mental events rather than absolute truths.
Present Moment Awareness: Focusing on the here and now, becoming mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment.
Self as Context: Understanding that your thoughts and feelings are not who you are, but simply experiences you have within the context of your life.
Values: Identifying what truly matters to you in life and what kind of person you want to be.
Committed Action: Taking action in a way that aligns with your values, even in the presence of anxiety or OCD symptoms.

Benefits of ACT for Anxiety and OCD

ACT can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety and OCD by helping you:

Reduce the power of intrusive thoughts and compulsions: By accepting them rather than fighting them, you can lessen their control over your behavior.
Improve emotional regulation: Develop healthier coping mechanisms to manage difficult emotions without resorting to compulsions.
Increase mindfulness: Become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment, allowing you to choose your responses rather than be ruled by them.
Live a values-driven life: Focus on what truly matters to you and take steps towards achieving your goals, even in the face of anxiety or OCD challenges.

Who Can Benefit from ACT?

ACT is beneficial for anyone struggling with anxiety and OCD, particularly those who:

Feel overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts or compulsions
Have difficulty controlling their anxiety or OCD symptoms
Want to live a more fulfilling life despite their challenges

ACT at The Scoggan Institute

Our experienced therapists at The Scoggan Institute are trained in utilizing ACT effectively for anxiety and OCD treatment. We will work collaboratively with you to develop a personalized treatment plan that incorporates ACT principles along with other evidence-based approaches.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) at The Scoggan Institute

At The Scoggan Institute, we offer a variety of evidence-based treatment programs for anxiety and OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder). One of the most effective approaches we utilize is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT is a form of psychotherapy that helps individuals develop psychological flexibility to manage difficult thoughts, feelings, and urges without getting caught up in them.

How Does ACT Work for Anxiety and OCD?

Traditional therapy often focuses on directly reducing or eliminating anxiety-provoking thoughts and OCD compulsions. ACT, however, takes a different approach. It emphasizes:

Acceptance: Recognizing and accepting that unwanted thoughts, feelings, and urges are a normal part of the human experience. Trying to fight or eliminate them can often lead to increased anxiety and OCD symptoms.
Psychological Flexibility: Developing the ability to be present in the moment, observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment, and choose actions aligned with your values, regardless of what your mind is telling you.

Core Processes of ACT

ACT focuses on six core processes that lead to greater psychological flexibility:

Acceptance: Willingness to experience uncomfortable thoughts and feelings without trying to control or suppress them.
Defusion: Learning to detach from unhelpful thoughts and beliefs, recognizing them as mental events rather than absolute truths.
Present Moment Awareness: Focusing on the here and now, becoming mindful of your thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations without judgment.
Self as Context: Understanding that your thoughts and feelings are not who you are, but simply experiences you have within the context of your life.
Values: Identifying what truly matters to you in life and what kind of person you want to be.
Committed Action: Taking action in a way that aligns with your values, even in the presence of anxiety or OCD symptoms.

Benefits of ACT for Anxiety and OCD

ACT can be a powerful tool for managing anxiety and OCD by helping you:

Reduce the power of intrusive thoughts and compulsions: By accepting them rather than fighting them, you can lessen their control over your behavior.
Improve emotional regulation: Develop healthier coping mechanisms to manage difficult emotions without resorting to compulsions.
Increase mindfulness: Become more aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgment, allowing you to choose your responses rather than be ruled by them.
Live a values-driven life: Focus on what truly matters to you and take steps towards achieving your goals, even in the face of anxiety or OCD challenges.

Who Can Benefit from ACT?

ACT is beneficial for anyone struggling with anxiety and OCD, particularly those who:

Feel overwhelmed by intrusive thoughts or compulsions
Have difficulty controlling their anxiety or OCD symptoms
Want to live a more fulfilling life despite their challenges

ACT at The Scoggan Institute

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re interested in learning more about how ACT can help manage your anxiety or OCD, contact The Scoggan Institute today. We offer a free consultation to discuss your needs and answer any questions you might have.

ACT Therapy for OCD & Anxiety

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) at The Scoggan Institute

How Does ACT Work for Anxiety and OCD?

Core Processes of ACT

Benefits of ACT for Anxiety and OCD

Who Can Benefit from ACT?

ACT at The Scoggan Institute

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) at The Scoggan Institute

How Does ACT Work for Anxiety and OCD?

Core Processes of ACT

Benefits of ACT for Anxiety and OCD

Who Can Benefit from ACT?

ACT at The Scoggan Institute

Ready to Get Started?

Pages

Services

Therapists

Contact

hours of operation