Mental health is not just about eliminating pain—it is about living with purpose, even when life gets difficult. For those navigating emotional distress or addiction, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Michigan offers a grounded, evidence-based path toward change.
This approach does not aim to erase suffering; it helps you respond to it differently. At Enlightened Recovery Michigan, we use ACT as a tool to build resilience, promote healing, and empower individuals to live in alignment with their core values.
What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy rooted in behavioral science and mindfulness. Developed in the 1980s by psychologist Steven C. Hayes, ACT is built upon Relational Frame Theory (RFT), a behavioral framework that explains how language and thought processes can both create and alleviate psychological pain.
Unlike traditional therapies focused on changing the content of thoughts, ACT emphasizes changing the relationship with those thoughts. The goal is to cultivate psychological flexibility, the ability to stay present, accept internal experiences, and commit to meaningful actions even when it is uncomfortable.
The Six Core Principles of ACT
ACT therapy operates through six core principles that interweave acceptance strategies with commitment-based behavior change. These components create a solid foundation for sustainable psychological well-being:
Cognitive Defusion
Learn to observe your thoughts without getting entangled in them. Instead of viewing a thought like “I’m not good enough” as a fact, ACT teaches you to see it simply as a passing mental event.
Acceptance
Instead of avoiding unpleasant feelings, ACT guides you to acknowledge them openly. Acceptance doesn’t mean giving up; it means facing reality without resistance.
Being Present
ACT emphasizes mindfulness and full awareness of the current moment. This reduces dwelling on the past or worrying about the future, and allows you to respond more intentionally.
Self-as-Context
You are more than your experiences or emotions. ACT encourages a broader view of self, one that remains constant even when circumstances or feelings change.
Values Clarification
Identify what truly matters to you, whether it is connection, growth, integrity, or family. These values guide your decision-making and goal-setting.
Committed Action
Take meaningful steps aligned with your values. ACT helps you create concrete, achievable goals and follow through even when discomfort is present.
ACT and Substance Use Disorders
At our facility, we incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Michigan into our co-occurring disorder programs. Substance use often begins as a way to escape emotional pain. ACT interrupts this cycle by replacing avoidance with mindful engagement and value-driven action.
Through this approach, clients learn that discomfort does not have to dictate behavior. Instead, they begin to pursue lasting change rooted in personal meaning and resilience. With ACT, recovery becomes more than just abstaining; it becomes the pursuit of a purpose-filled life.
The U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs recognizes ACT as an effective treatment for depression. This highlights its role in helping individuals align their actions with personal values to improve mental health outcomes.
If you’re in recovery and want a therapy approach that honors your experience, ACT offers meaningful support. It can guide you toward lasting, value-driven change.
How ACT Differs from Other Therapies
While ACT shares similarities with Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), its goals differ. CBT focuses on identifying and replacing distorted thoughts. ACT, however, teaches you to observe those thoughts without judgment and act according to your values regardless of them.
This shift can be incredibly freeing. Instead of feeling controlled by negative thoughts or emotions, ACT allows space to choose how to respond. It is not about avoiding pain, it is about reclaiming your life.
What Happens in an ACT Session?
At Enlightened Recovery Michigan, ACT therapy sessions take place in both individual and group settings. Led by licensed clinicians, sessions may include:
- Guided mindfulness exercises
- Personal values exploration
- Identifying and disrupting avoidance patterns
- Setting and tracking value-based goals
You will participate in experiential exercises developed to increase emotional flexibility and promote meaningful behavioral change. These sessions are structured but personalized, respecting your unique background and needs.
Who Benefits Most from ACT?
ACT is a versatile approach that supports a wide range of mental health challenges. You may benefit from ACT if you:
- Struggle with negative self-talk or critical thoughts
- Tend to avoid or suppress difficult emotions
- Feel stuck in cycles of self-doubt or regret
- Are recovering from trauma, addiction, or both
- Want a structured, values-based path forward
Whether you’re beginning your healing journey or looking to deepen your progress, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Michigan provides tools to help you move forward with intention and clarity.
ACT at Enlightened Recovery Michigan
We integrate ACT into our residential and co-occurring disorder treatment programs to help clients:
- Build sustainable, healthy coping skills
- Reframe inner experiences through mindfulness
- Commit to behaviors aligned with personal values
- Interrupt the patterns that reinforce addiction or emotional distress
Though our foundation is medical and evidence-based, ACT adds a powerful dimension of personal meaning and long-term growth. At Enlightened Recovery Michigan, we offer more than treatment; we offer transformation.
Clearing Up Misconceptions About ACT
Does ACT encourage passivity?
No. Acceptance in ACT doesn’t mean giving up. It means acknowledging reality so you can respond effectively.
Is ACT just mindfulness?
While mindfulness is a component, ACT goes further by tying awareness to value-driven action.
Will ACT stop my symptoms?
The goal isn’t to eliminate symptoms, but to reduce their influence over your behavior. Many clients experience symptom relief as a byproduct of greater psychological flexibility.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does ACT usually last?
ACT can range from 8–12 sessions to longer-term care, depending on individual needs.
Can ACT be used with medication?
Yes, ACT works well alongside medication, especially in co-occurring disorder treatment.
Is ACT helpful without a mental health diagnosis?
Yes, ACT benefits anyone seeking better emotional balance or personal growth.
What qualifications should an ACT therapist have?
They should be licensed professionals with training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Does ACT include exercises outside of sessions?
Yes, it often includes mindfulness, journaling, or behavior-based activities to apply in daily life.
