: psychotherapy in which the patient is encouraged to accept negative thoughts and emotions as a part of normal psychological functioning and to commit to action based on the patient's own values and goals
… an offshoot known as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is stirring up the therapeutic waters. It challenges the idea that overruling negativity is the surest route to mental health.—Dana Sullivan, O: The Oprah Magazine, July 2007
Note:
This therapy is based on the idea that ineffective attempts to control or avoid negative thoughts and emotions may lead to increased psychological suffering.
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