Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Description:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is related to a transcendental philosophy and incorporates many of the same methods as CBT. ACT differs from CBT not in the way it is administered, but in how patients are instructed to think about their anxiety. While CBT focuses on changing emotional responses and feelings, ACT focuses on accepting them and moving forward from that point.
There is little scientific research as to the benefits of ACT, however, many patients report that is has helped them discover more about their disorder and how to manage it by discovering more about themselves and their emotional wellness as a whole.
More Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acceptance_and_Commitment_Therapy
There is little scientific research as to the benefits of ACT, however, many patients report that is has helped them discover more about their disorder and how to manage it by discovering more about themselves and their emotional wellness as a whole.
More Info: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Acceptance_and_Commitment_Therapy
What if it doesn't matter if you "overcome" social anxiety?
Shared by Drew on Dec 24th, 2008
20 out of 23 people found this treatment experience helpful:
Treatment Experience
I made a lot of progress on my social anxiety through Dr Richards "Overcoming Social Anxiety: Step By Step" audio series, but the perfectionist side of me got me into a mode of life where the focus of my life became overcoming social anxiety.
I stumbled upon Acceptance and Commitment Therapy at the perfect time.
It made me realize that my whole life had become about overcoming Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), which is not what I want my life to be.
It put the question in my head: what if it doesn't matter if I overcome SAD?
What if what really matters is that I live my life starting now and do the things I value? The shift is that now I try my best to do the things I value regardless of how I feel. This is the idea behind Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It doesn't mean that life has gotten easy, but I'm doing things now I've wanted to do my whole life that I'd kept putting off because I wanted to "overcome" my social anxiety first.
I'm not saying Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) doesn't have it's place. It certainly does, as it helps you to think and feel more rationally in social situations, but I think it can plant the seed in some people that they must entirely overcome their anxiety, all the while their life is passing them by...
I made a lot of progress on my social anxiety through Dr Richards "Overcoming Social Anxiety: Step By Step" audio series, but the perfectionist side of me got me into a mode of life where the focus of my life became overcoming social anxiety.
I stumbled upon Acceptance and Commitment Therapy at the perfect time.
It made me realize that my whole life had become about overcoming Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), which is not what I want my life to be.
It put the question in my head: what if it doesn't matter if I overcome SAD?
What if what really matters is that I live my life starting now and do the things I value? The shift is that now I try my best to do the things I value regardless of how I feel. This is the idea behind Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It doesn't mean that life has gotten easy, but I'm doing things now I've wanted to do my whole life that I'd kept putting off because I wanted to "overcome" my social anxiety first.
I'm not saying Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) doesn't have it's place. It certainly does, as it helps you to think and feel more rationally in social situations, but I think it can plant the seed in some people that they must entirely overcome their anxiety, all the while their life is passing them by...
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About Treatment Experiences
The individual experiences about treatment for social anxiety disorder (social phobia) are not a substitute for medical advice.
You should always consult a qualified health care professional before beginning, changing or stopping a treatment.
