
Chronic Illness
Embracing Change: ACT Therapy’s Role in Managing Chronic Illness
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At AQAL Therapies, we understand that living with a chronic illness can be an emotional rollercoaster.
The daily challenges, uncertainty, and physical limitations can take a toll on your well-being.
That’s why we offer Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a valuable therapeutic approach for individuals navigating chronic health conditions.
General Overview of Our Approach
What is ACT?
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):
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ACT is more than a set of techniques; it’s a mindset.
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It encourages individuals to accept their current reality—thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations—without judgment.
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By doing so, you conserve energy that might otherwise be wasted in struggling against what cannot be changed.
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Emotional Resilience:
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Chronic illness often triggers a range of emotions: frustration, fear, grief, and even anger.
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ACT helps you build emotional resilience by acknowledging these feelings and learning to respond effectively.
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How ACT Helps with Chronic Illness/Pain
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Acceptance:
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ACT invites you to embrace your health condition without resistance.
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Rather than fighting against symptoms or limitations, you learn to coexist with them.
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Values-Driven Action:
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What truly matters to you? Your values guide your actions.
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ACT encourages you to take committed steps aligned with your core values, even in the face of adversity.
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Mindfulness Practices:
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Cultivate present-moment awareness.
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Mindfulness helps you detach from distressing thoughts and focus on what’s within your control.
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Defusion Techniques:
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Distance yourself from unhelpful thoughts.
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You learn to observe your mind without getting entangled in its stories.
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Self-as-Context Perspective:
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View thoughts as transient events.
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Shift your perspective and increase self-compassion.
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Why ACT Works
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Psychological Flexibility:
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ACT empowers you to adapt to life’s challenges.
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By accepting pain and choosing purposeful actions, you build resilience.
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Living Well with Pain:
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The goal isn’t pain elimination; it’s living well despite pain.
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You’ll discover ways to engage in activities that matter to you, even when pain persists.
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