Clients engaging in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Dr. Elizabeth Mahaney at South Tampa Therapy and her team learn to embrace their inner emotions instead of avoiding or struggling against them. The therapy emphasizes acknowledging these emotions as appropriate reactions to specific situations, rather than impediments to living the desired life.

ACT, a mindfulness-based therapy, targets the root cause of emotional distress. Human nature inclines us to evade negativity and uncertainty, but this avoidance can compound into greater harm. This therapy helps individuals confront these challenging emotions, fostering the ability to live in the present and make conscious choices about life's priorities.

Expect ACT to address a wide array of conditions, including relational issues, anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Dr. Mahaney focuses on enhancing six key skills throughout the therapy:

1. Defusion: Stepping back from thoughts to prevent immersion or entanglement in them.

2. Openness: Allowing emotional pain without necessarily embracing it, counteracting avoidance.

3. Present moment: Being mindful of sensory experiences in the current moment.

4. Self as Context: Understanding oneself independently of struggles or narratives.

5. Values: Identifying important aspects that drive choices and actions.

6. Committed Actions: Making choices aligned with one's core values in various situations.

Strengthening these skills through ACT aids in managing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, reducing emotional distress. Incorporating mindfulness into daily life facilitates living in alignment with personal values and leads to a more meaningful existence.

To embark on this transformative journey with ACT, book an appointment with Dr. Elizabeth Mahaney at South Tampa Therapy.

https://SouthTampaTherapyBOOKAPPT.as.me/initialintake

Text me with any questions: 813-240-3237