G) Counselling Psychotherapy – Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Introduction:

ACT was the third wave of cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT) interventions that increased PF (Psychological Flexibility) by strengthening well-being and reducing distress. The main aims of ACT are to promote psychological flexibility and to deconstruct the psychological inflexibility which characterized by experiential avoidance. Through ACT, one’s PF (i.e., the ability to connect with the present moment more wholly as a conscious human being, and to change or perpetuate one’s valued behaviour) could be generated.  In this research focus, we proposed that the benefits of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) could be implemented to promote “the conceptualized self” processes to deal with the lives circumstances. As such, the guided ACT might improve the clients’ coping mechanisms by enhancing their psychological flexibility.  Findings from this study essentially underlined the importance of taking a proactive approach to ACT in counselling psychotherapy services.  The role of ACT was discussed and was recommended for mental healthcare providers during COVID-19.

Publication


Book in Chapter

1. Chan, S. L. & Ng, L. V. (2020). From Shaky to Journey: The Role of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Online Self-Help Interventions during COVID-19. In Mohamad Isa, A. & Ahmad Jazimin, J. (Eds.), Kompilasi Artikel Pendekatan Bimbingan dan Kaunseling dalam Menangani Impak Covid-19 Khas PERKAMA. PERKAMA International.

For more further enquiries:

Dr. Chan Siaw Leng
Senior Lecturer
Department of Social Science and Management
Faculty of Humanities, Management and Science
Tel.: +6086 855319
Email: chansiawleng@upm.edu.my

Updated:: 17/09/2020 [lanz]