Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure and Response Prevention
What do these terms mean?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Welcome to the world of therapy where you will probably hear many acronyms! It can be confusing to know exactly what you are looking for, what you need, and what is the difference between all of these approaches! One of the most common acronyms you may run into is CBT (Cognitive Behavior Therapy). This is a type of therapy supported by decades of research in the field of psychology. It is based on the premise that our Thoughts, Feelings, and Behaviors are all related. Therefore, if we can influence one of these things, we can use it influence the others.
ACT comes from the Cognitive Behavioral Tradition and is known as a “third-wave” cognitive therapy that incorporates elements of traditional CBT but also expands more on skills with acceptance, mindfulness, and values. ACT is an evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders. There is a ton of research to support that it is an effective intervention for anxiety!
What You’ll Learn in ACT and ERP treatment:
– How to practice mindfulness and acceptance
– How to experience anxious thoughts and feelings for what they are
– How to lead life in service of your values and not in service of your anxiety
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP is a specific intervention used in both CBT and ACT for anxiety disorders and OCD. The simplest way to explain it is that it is a treatment that helps you face your fears directly. We do this in a series of steps and with an important purpose behind it. We know from research that avoidance and/or compulsive behaviors fuel anxiety. What may seem like a common sense approach (e.g., just avoid what you are afraid of; check something again if you are unsure) actually backfires in many cases.
ERP can seem intimidating or scary, and it often feels that way (especially in the beginning). Yet in my experience, people can thrive and feel such a sense of mastery in this work.
Mallory Dimler, PhD 