Finding Meaning and Purpose with CBT | Webinar for Counselors
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Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes presents Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a form of cognitive behavioral therapy rooted in relational frame theory and contextualism. ACT emphasizes accepting situations beyond our control and committing to actions aligned with personal values, despite challenging emotions or circumstances. The FIT CAT mnemonic—'Facts in Context at This Time'—is introduced to encourage reflection on whether reactions are fact-based and appropriate for the present, considering the full complexity of events. Dr. Snipes discusses the importance of context in interpreting reactions, such as fear and excitement, and the role of schemas formed in childhood that may not accurately reflect adult understanding. She highlights the impact of environmental and personal factors on behavior, noting that hunger, malnutrition, and sleep deprivation can lead to behavioral issues. The concept of transference is explained, where individuals project feelings onto others based on past associations. The importance of assessing the current context is emphasized to understand why individuals may feel a certain way around others. ACT is centered on taking action aligned with one's core values while maintaining full presence and engagement in the current moment. Mindfulness is a key component, involving living in the present and allowing feelings to exist without attempting to control them. ACT is not manualized, offering flexibility for therapists to tailor mindfulness techniques to individual clients. The goal is not to reduce symptoms but to change one's relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings, viewing them as transient and non-threatening. The therapy posits that the human mind inherently causes psychological suffering due to the nature of language, which is used to analyze, compare, evaluate, and visualize past and potential future events. ACT encourages distinguishing between 'I am' statements and recognizing them as transient thoughts or feelings. The therapy is centered on fostering acceptance of uncontrollable private experiences and encouraging commitment to actions that contribute to a valued life. The speaker delves into the complexities of emotions, particularly anger, and the subsequent feelings it can trigger. The six core principles of ACT are introduced: diffusion, acceptance, contact with the present moment, the observing self, values, and committed action. Cognitive diffusion is emphasized as a technique to perceive thoughts and feelings as transient. The speaker discusses the impact of negative self-judgments and the importance of cognitive diffusion in ACT. Negative self-statements can be reframed to create distance and evaluate their accuracy. The speaker explores the concept of avoidance and its impact on achieving a 'rich and meaningful life,' emphasizing the importance of addressing unresolved issues and accepting what cannot be changed. The principle of 'contact with the present moment' within ACT is highlighted, along with grounding and mindfulness techniques. The 'observing self' is introduced as a mental perspective that allows one to realize they are not defined by their thoughts, feelings, or physical sensations. Clarifying values is critical in defining what is truly important and meaningful. The speaker emphasizes the importance of ACT in helping individuals recognize their ability to manage 'dirty discomfort' and unpleasant thoughts and feelings. The concept of committed action is defined as setting goals based on personal values and taking effective steps to achieve them. The goal of ACT is to build a life that is rich and meaningful while accepting that pain is an inevitable part of life. The speaker concludes by discussing the importance of distancing oneself from negative emotions to better address them and committing to actions that lead to a valued life.
Dr. Dawn-Elise Snipes presents Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a form of cognitive behavior