Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) for ADHD in Ottawa
We are a group of highly trained independent professionals in Ottawa, who also work(ed) at Carleton University, Algonquin College and at CHEO providing support to adults with disabilities. If you have been diagnosed with ADHD and/or are experiencing inattention, impulsivity, hyperactivity, anxiety, depression, or difficulties with time and project management, chronic lack of success, and addictions; know that Third Wave Cognitive Therapies can help to manage these symptoms. We encourage you to read the following general information about Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and to book an appointment.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a treatment that aims to strengthen self-awareness of the mind-body connection (thoughts, emotions and body sensations) through experiential, behavioural and mindfulness interventions. ACT involves acknowledging current experiences with psychological flexibility and acceptance as well as developing committed actions. This evidence-based intervention has been found to have an immense impact on an individual’s general well-being and emotional state. Hence, ACT may be used to treat mental health (anxiety, depression), parenting stress, chronic pain, peri/menopause related symptoms, university or college difficulties, and ADHD.
Dr. Steven Hayes has established The Six Core Processes of ACT. These processes include being psychologically present, defusing from unhelpful thoughts, accepting emotions, developing awareness, establishing values, and executing committed actions. For a more in-depth explanation of The Six Core Processes of ACT visit our Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) page.
ACT for ADHD
If you are reading this paragraph, it means you or somebody who is close to you has ADHD and/or is experiencing ADHD related symptoms (e.g. challenges with time management, organization, forgetfulness, impulsivity, etc.). It is important to know that attention and executive functioning related difficulties affect up to 12% of the adult population, which means that you are not alone. However, living with these challenges is difficult and recurring lack of success to accomplish desired goals can give rise to hopelessness and harsh self-criticism. We often find that once these emotional and mental states are present, it initiates a circular pattern with self-defeating behaviours. ACT can be an effective form of treatment that focuses on breaking this feedback loop.
At Bmindful, we offer ACT specifically intended for adults with the symptomatic behaviours of ADHD. This form of therapy focuses on developing an understanding and acceptance of ADHD. It will also investigate the usefulness of your current coping strategies and introduce approaches that are more practical. We will use ACT to help:
- Introduce mindfulness skills that will help you recognize self-defeating patterns
- Teach strategies to defuse from self-critical thoughts
- Engage with yourself in a kind and encouraging manner
- Identify how you want to treat yourself and others
- Begin cultivating value-driven committed action
By learning different ways to relate to and engage with yourself, you will develop an in-depth knowledge of ADHD and how it manifests for you, which we hope will facilitate your full-hearted acceptance of yourself. At Bmindful, we use individual and group-based therapies like ACT to increase attention, regulate emotions and behaviour, develop coping strategies and to make the lifestyle changes that lead to successful life outcomes. For more information book an appointment with one of our registered psychotherapists today.
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