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Chronic Pain Series: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain

Written by: Alyssa Kiss, M.A.
Chronic Pain Series: Acceptance & Commitment Therapy for Chronic Pain

Experiencing chronic pain can make it tough to know how to approach therapy. With so many options, it can feel overwhelming to figure out what might be most helpful. In this blog, I explore one specific approach that can be beneficial for managing chronic pain.

Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of therapy that has shown significant positive impacts for people dealing with chronic pain and chronic illness. The goal of ACT is to help clients clarify their values and work towards psychological flexibility. This means moving towards a value-oriented and enriching life through six primary principles:

  1. Acceptance. This involves engaging in life with the understanding that it may include unwanted physical feelings.
  2. Cognitive Diffusion. This principle helps create a separation between oneself and one’s thoughts, allowing you to notice your thoughts without attaching meaning or importance to them.
  3. Awareness of the Present Moment. This focuses on being mindful of the current situation or experience without dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
  4. Self as Context. This idea encourages recognizing yourself as the context for your life, rather than the content (i.e., thoughts, feelings, emotions).
  5. Values. This principle involves identifying specific values you hold and drafting goals to engage in behaviors that make you feel more integrated.
  6. Committed Action. This final step is about taking fully committed action towards your specified goals and values.

Together, these principles can help build a meaningful life while validating the experience of chronic pain. If you’re interested in learning more about ACT and chronic pain, feel free to reach out to me at akiss@summitcounseling.org. Join our upcoming ACT group for individuals struggling with chronic pain and migraines. Visit our website to learn more and/or register for the group. I’m happy to answer any questions you may have about participating in the group.