Lima
04-08-10, 23:56
Hi,
I have been sent a letter from the Psychology Department of my local hospital asking if I would be interested in joining an "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Group". I have no idea what this is really but there is a letter of explanation (copied below). Prior to the group beginning they will interview those interested in joining to see if they think you are suitable to join the group. The two people running the group are a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist.
It sounds quite interesting so I am sending back the reply to say I would be interested (even though the whole idea of going fills me with dread!). Will wait to see if I pass the interview!
Has anyone ever heard of this therapy?
If so, did you find it useful? What was it like?
I think the paragraph in the information detailing the second aim are particularly relevant to me and could be (if it really does work) really, really helpful, although I haven't been able to utilise 'mindfulness' successfully before, despite trying hard and practising as much as possible. Anyway, see what you think!!!
Lima x
This is the information they have sent me regarding the therapy.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a powerful new psychotherapy based on cutting-edge research into how the human mind works. It has been clinically proven to be successful in a wide range of psychological problems. The unusual name of this therapy comes from one of its key themes: Learning how to accept those things that are out of your control, and commit to changing those things that can be changed to make your life better. This is a very active therapy. It's not one of those therapies where we just talk about your problems. It's a therapy in which you actively learn new skills to improve your quality of life.
There are two basic aims in this therapy:
One aim is to help you create a rich, full and meaningful life. To do that, we'll need to spend some time talking about what you really want out of life; what's important and meaningful to you, deep in your heart. We call this 'clarifying your values'. Values are your heart's deepest desires for what you want to do and how you want to be during your life. Then, using that information as a guide, we'll look at how you can set goals and take action to change your life for the better - and in the process, develop a sense of meaning, purpose and vitality.
Our other aim is to teach you a set of skills that will allow you to handle painful thoughts and feelings far more effectively, in such a way that they have much less impact and influence over you. We call these skills 'mindfulness skills'. Mindfulness is a mental state of awareness, openness, and focus. In a state of mindfulness, painful thoughts and feelings can have much less impact on us. In a state of mindfulness, we can effectively handle even the most difficult feelings, urges, memories, thoughts and sensations - and as we learn to do so, we can break self-defeating habits or destructive patterns of behaviour; let go of self-defeating beliefs; rise beyond our fears, and chasnge out attitude in life-enhancing ways.
Finally, a key part of this therapy will involve you learning those mindfulness skills in the group, and then taking them home and practising them in between group sessions. The more you practise, the more benefits you'll get - and vice versa. Sometimes painful thoughts, feelings, memories, sensations and urges will be experienced during the session - and group members will be encouraged to use their new skills to handle these experiences more effectively. Because of this, at times this therapy may be very challenging. However at all times we will be working collaboratively, as equal team-players - so you will never be pushed or coerced into anything you are unwilling to do.
I have been sent a letter from the Psychology Department of my local hospital asking if I would be interested in joining an "Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Group". I have no idea what this is really but there is a letter of explanation (copied below). Prior to the group beginning they will interview those interested in joining to see if they think you are suitable to join the group. The two people running the group are a Consultant Clinical Psychologist and a Clinical Psychologist.
It sounds quite interesting so I am sending back the reply to say I would be interested (even though the whole idea of going fills me with dread!). Will wait to see if I pass the interview!
Has anyone ever heard of this therapy?
If so, did you find it useful? What was it like?
I think the paragraph in the information detailing the second aim are particularly relevant to me and could be (if it really does work) really, really helpful, although I haven't been able to utilise 'mindfulness' successfully before, despite trying hard and practising as much as possible. Anyway, see what you think!!!
Lima x
This is the information they have sent me regarding the therapy.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a powerful new psychotherapy based on cutting-edge research into how the human mind works. It has been clinically proven to be successful in a wide range of psychological problems. The unusual name of this therapy comes from one of its key themes: Learning how to accept those things that are out of your control, and commit to changing those things that can be changed to make your life better. This is a very active therapy. It's not one of those therapies where we just talk about your problems. It's a therapy in which you actively learn new skills to improve your quality of life.
There are two basic aims in this therapy:
One aim is to help you create a rich, full and meaningful life. To do that, we'll need to spend some time talking about what you really want out of life; what's important and meaningful to you, deep in your heart. We call this 'clarifying your values'. Values are your heart's deepest desires for what you want to do and how you want to be during your life. Then, using that information as a guide, we'll look at how you can set goals and take action to change your life for the better - and in the process, develop a sense of meaning, purpose and vitality.
Our other aim is to teach you a set of skills that will allow you to handle painful thoughts and feelings far more effectively, in such a way that they have much less impact and influence over you. We call these skills 'mindfulness skills'. Mindfulness is a mental state of awareness, openness, and focus. In a state of mindfulness, painful thoughts and feelings can have much less impact on us. In a state of mindfulness, we can effectively handle even the most difficult feelings, urges, memories, thoughts and sensations - and as we learn to do so, we can break self-defeating habits or destructive patterns of behaviour; let go of self-defeating beliefs; rise beyond our fears, and chasnge out attitude in life-enhancing ways.
Finally, a key part of this therapy will involve you learning those mindfulness skills in the group, and then taking them home and practising them in between group sessions. The more you practise, the more benefits you'll get - and vice versa. Sometimes painful thoughts, feelings, memories, sensations and urges will be experienced during the session - and group members will be encouraged to use their new skills to handle these experiences more effectively. Because of this, at times this therapy may be very challenging. However at all times we will be working collaboratively, as equal team-players - so you will never be pushed or coerced into anything you are unwilling to do.