Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

While a diagnosis of cancer is an uninvited and unexpected experience, it is not an uncommon one; 40% of Americans will be diagnosed with cancer in their lifetime. For some, a cancer diagnosis often creates situational anxiety and depression that can make cancer treatment and recovery more difficult, even for the most resilient person. And for others already struggling with anxiety or depression, the diagnosis can make life that much harder. Combating cancer’s emotional and psychological effects is important because doing so allows you to focus your energy where it counts, on cancer treatment.

Counseling is an important part of a comprehensive treatment plan. I use a type of counseling called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It’s a time-tested and evidence-based framework shown to reduce depression and anxiety. ACT teaches us that while we may experience pain in life, that doesn’t mean we have to suffer. It shows us how to live in the here and now while still focusing on where we want to go. ACT encourages us to notice thoughts and feelings from the vantage point of the entire self, rather than simply from our mind. It helps us stay present-centered, freeing us to live each day as though it matters. It helps us focus on the things we want to get out of life.

My clients utilize an easy-to-use ACT workbook along with our counseling sessions. The workbook reinforces their learning, provides practice in key principles and provides a handy reference between our sessions and beyond.