Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
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- Building Awareness through Mindfulness: People learn to notice their anxious thoughts and feelings without a positive or negative judgement. For example, instead of thinking, “Oh no! I’m feeling nervous again! I can’t do this!!” they may think, “I’m noticing that I’m feeling nervous right now.” By creating distance between themselves and their anxious thoughts and feelings, people can reduce the power anxiety has over them.
- Clarifying Values & Committing to Action: During this phase of ACT, teens spend time identifying what matters to them, for example, friendships, academic success, or athleticism. They then explore how trying to get rid of anxiety can hold them back from fully participating in these things. By focusing on their values, teens gain motivation to face the discomfort that comes with anxiety, even when it's hard. Teens then set small, achievable goals to take meaningful steps toward what they care about, even if anxiety is present. For example, they might practice raising their hand in class, even if it feels scary. Taking action despite anxiety builds confidence and shows teens they can handle difficult emotions while still living their lives.
- Teaching Acceptance: During this phase of ACT, individuals are encouraged to accept the experience of anxiety instead of pushing it away or avoiding it. For example, if they feel scared about speaking to another student and believe that they need to feel totally calm before they can do this, they learn that it’s ok to feel nervous while they’re moving in the direction of their goals. More information about the power of acceptance can be found here:
If you recognize some of these anxiety symptoms or patterns in your child, please know that you are not alone and effective help is available. At Ballard Clinic, we are committed to providing compassionate and evidence-based support for children, teens, and their families struggling with anxiety. We believe in a collaborative approach, working closely with you and your child to understand their unique needs and develop a personalized plan for growth and healing. We want to help your child—and your family—thrive. Please contact us today to learn more about how we can help your child manage their anxiety and build a brighter, more confident future.
ACT Has Several Key Components:
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612-787-2344
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