Why we have built ACT into our every aspect of our practice
Training in ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) is a core part of our staff development programme and central to our supervision and appraisal processes. We believe the principles of ACT are an essential guide to decision making and can help shape our behaviours and safeguard our values. All our staff are trained to understand and apply ACT confidently in their professional practice.
Below Mags Burrett, Project Lead, and Reece Byrne, Practice Supervisor, from our North and Central Lancashire team, discuss how ACT training has helped them in their daily work and personal lives.
What did you gain from ACT training?
Mags
I gained an overview of the science behind ACT and how it can be used in the real world. I learnt that ACT is fantastic for the individuals we work with and also a valuable resource to bring out the best in my team.
Reece
I learnt more about how to use the ACT matrix in my work to break down negative thoughts and feelings that impact on behaviour and recognise the values that can guide you towards your goals.
How do you use ACT within your roles and with your teams?
Mags
As a manager I recognise I can get stuck in ways of thinking. The ACT model helps us have open, honest team discussions and come up with the best solutions, in line with the values of the organisation and us as individuals. This makes us a happier, more motivated team and improves the quality of service we provide.
Reece
I use principles of ACT in my supervisions, training, and my counselling practice, to work in a way and direction that I believe in. Identifying a person’s values and aligning their behaviour towards those values is something I use a lot in my day-to-day work.
Do you use ACT in any other aspects of your life?
Mags
ACT is a versatile tool that can be used for anything you want to change. I use it a lot in my personal life from stopping smoking to parenting my child. Becoming more mindful of my thoughts and feelings in the moment and being able recognise unhelpful behaviour has helped me with some really useful behaviour changes.
What aspects of ACT do you find most striking?
Reece
I use Dr Russ Harris’s idea of the happiness trap in a lot of my work. I use the concept that happiness is not about feeling good but leading a value-based life with meaning and purpose.
