Discover the power of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Author: Marian Kok
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (also known as ACT), is a modern, evidence-based approach, widely used in coaching and counselling. It focuses on enhancing psychological flexibility – the ability to respond consciously to thoughts, feelings and experiences. At the same time, the ACT method supports people in taking steps towards what truly matters to them. ACT is suitable for individuals who feel stuck in their patterns, struggle with emotions, or are navigating important life questions. For coaches, the ACT approach offers a meaningful addition to their practice: it provides tools to help clients work from their values, rather than simply trying to fix problems.
In our Coaching and Counselling Year 2 programme, the focus lies on deepening your skillset. One of the components in this year is an introduction to ACT – the modern and practical method that has grown significantly in popularity in recent years, both in therapy and in coaching.
How does ACT work?
ACT helps people relate differently to painful thoughts, feelings and experiences. Instead of fighting what feels difficult, the ACT method invites individuals to make room for emotions, while taking steps towards what is genuinely important to them.
The ACT methodology brings together elements of mindfulness, behavioural therapy and values-based work. Through ACT exercises, clients develop greater psychological flexibility – the ability to deal with setbacks while still moving in a meaningful direction.
Why ACT is an important part of our coaching training programme
There is a good reason why ACT forms a key element of our second year training programme. As a coach or counsellor, you will often meet clients who struggle with challenging emotions or persistent patterns. The ACT method provides a solid foundation for working with these themes, without slipping into “pushing for solutions”.
The ACT approach also aligns with the vision behind our programme: supporting people in reconnecting with their own values and inner strength. By learning the ACT methodology, you can add depth to your conversations and develop practical tools that help clients move forward. For many coaches, it becomes an essential part of their ‘professional toolbox’.
Examples of ACT therapy exercises
During the ACT training, you explore a range of practical ACT therapy exercises that you can use immediately in your coaching practice. These include:
- Mindfulness exercises that help clients bring their attention back to the present moment.
- The use of metaphors, such as the well-known “passengers on the bus” metaphor, which helps individuals recognise that difficult thoughts and feelings can be seen as passengers on a bus, just coming along for the ride, without determining the direction of the client’s life.
- Practices relating to values, helping clients discover what truly matters to them and supporting them in taking small, manageable steps towards those values.
These exercises make the ACT method both accessible and directly applicable in daily life.
How do you use the ACT method as a coach?
As a coach, you can practically integrate the ACT method into your sessions. With the use of ACT, you can help clients create distance from unhelpful thoughts and reconnect with their values. You can for example apply ACT therapy exercises, such as mindfulness techniques or metaphors that shed light on how someone responds to difficult emotions.
A practical example: let’s say that a client is dealing with grief or loss. Rather than encouraging the client to let go of that feeling, the ACT approach supports them in making space for sadness while also taking steps towards what remains important in their life. This way, you can provide support in finding the balance between acceptance and moving forward.
Using the ACT methodology does not mean solving the clients’ problems for them. Instead, you help them develop resilience and direction. This makes ACT a valuable addition to our training programme for any coach wishing to expand their toolkit.
ACT therapy: who is it for?
The question “who is ACT therapy for?” is often asked. One of the strengths of ACT is its broad applicability. ACT can support people dealing with:
- grief and loss
- stress and burnout
- self-esteem issues and perfectionism
- making choices in work or personal life
- anxiety or uncertainty
ACT can help individuals who feel trapped in a struggle with their thoughts or emotions, and provide practical tools to live with more freedom and energy.
What to expect from the ACT training in our programme
During the ACT training in Year 2, you will explore the six core processes of the ACT method. You will practise with various ACT therapy exercises and will learn how to apply the ACT approach in coaching conversations. This allows you to experience the power of ACT yourself and understand how it can support your clients.
A valuable step in your development
Our Coaching and Counselling Year 2 programme offers new tools to help you support others in their personal process. You will learn how to guide clients with compassion and clarity when they are facing difficult issues – from grief to career choices – and how to help them bring their lives more in line with their values. If you already have a solid coaching/counselling background, and/or when you have finished our Year 1, then Coaching and Counselling Year 2 may be a great next step for you.
Read our other blogs
Also explore our other articles on coaching and counselling and get inspired. For example, change can be challenging, and resistance often appears in the coaching process. In our blog on resistance in coaching, you can read more about this.
