ACT for Pain

Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) is a practical  therapy for the mind, that can be very helpful when pain persists and starts to interfere with life. The way we respond to pain is often that we stop doing the things we want to do – working, socializing; it can impact greatly on our relationships with family and friends. Trying to avoid pain and struggling with it may become the focus of life. We seem to no longer have the time or energy for the things that bring self fulfillment and nurture.

Experiential exercise..

If you are willing, notice your pain and notice all the things that your mind tells you (it doesn't matter if they are true or not). Expecting that some of these thoughts will be negative and indicative of the concern you feel in your current situation... notice how dwelling on these thoughts makes you feel?

Training in 'noticing' is a minfulness therapy; if you are able to just notice.. your pain, tension, thoughts you have already stepped a little to the side of your suffering. Practice with such techniques helps you to feel more empowered to manage your pain and get on with your life. Techniques that work on the unhelpful thoughts and meditation based treatments help to bring about an experience of peaceful acceptance of pain (that cannot be changed) and other unpleasantness.

Although it may be difficult to imagine how life can go on in the presence of pain, ACT does not aim to eliminate pain. Instead it helps to turn the focus back to what we want our life to be about – meaningful relationships, satisfying contribution in society, workplace or family, regained fitness and general wellbeing. What is really important to you?