acceptance and commitment therapy

noun

: 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.

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

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