The gold standard of counseling has long been Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). That is what I used in almost every session of my internship. It is my job to help clients understand that their dysfunctional or unhelpful thoughts are what fuel their feelings and emotions. When that happens, it influences and affects their behaviors and actions. By using CBT techniques and practices, I help clients stop negative thoughts, reconstruct unhelpful thought patterns, see others' perspectives, and help them create new thoughts, which in turn brings about more helpful feelings and desired behaviors.
My internship Clinical Supervisor introduced me to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (pronounced "ACT", not A-C-T), developed by Dr. Steven Hayes who received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies. He also created Clinical Behavioral Analysis. ACT is the next wave of CBT, not a new age theory. It's been around for 40+ years. Later, it was brought to the masses and simplified by Dr. Russ Harris. The WHO now distributes evidence-based ACT self-help materials for those under stressful life conditions such as refugees escaping war-torn countries. There are now decades of research supporting its effects. I've read several books and completed online courses. Now that I'm working full-time as a Clinical Counselor, I get to see the positive changes that happen quickly in the lives of my patients by using ACT principles. I love that it focuses on values-based living and learning how to have a different relationship with emotions that cause discomfort.
In 2024 I earned the title of Certified Mental Health Nutrition Counselor, followed by an intensive program to become a Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist - Individual.
Since using ACT with my clients, especially the ones who were "stuck" and not ready to change, I have seen excellent results. These clients are now moving forward in a way they have not been able to in the past. The positive changes I've seen has been very motivating for me to continue using ACT in my career.