Christian-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Christian-based Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Presented by: Richard Hoffman, Ph.D. Clinical Director of CCA Promoting Psychologic al Flexibility

Guiding Scriptur Psalm 107: 1 - 9 e

Mental Disorders in the 21st Century Mental Health Disorders are Prevalent in the United States For adults aged 18 to 64 in the United States, the lifetime prevalence rate is 21% for mood disorders and 34% for anxiety disorders

Contemporary Responses Biomedical Model Secular Mental Health tends to view symptoms as rooted, at least in part, in abnormal neurobiological processes (e.g., structural and functional deficits within the brain). Result - In the past several decades, the use of antidepressant medication has steadily risen.

Biomedical Model Issues 01 02 Inner distress is commonly labeled as “abnormal,” rather than a normal, ordinary part of the human condition. Goal of therapy is to become symptom free or eliminate symptom.

Common Forms of Avoidance Internet: A Virtual-Based Fantasy World Pornography Use Social Distancing Compulsive Media Consumption Prosperity Gospel Social Irresponsibility Focus on separating Church and Reality Complete avoidance of community – Can I attend online today?

Results of Outcome Research Which forms of psychotherapy work best? To some extent it depends on the mental health problem being treated: Depression Cognitive-behavioral Anxiety Psychodynamic therapy Phobias Exposure therapy Bedwetting Behavior conditioning

Psychological Flexibility Model is Empirically Validated Over 300 Randomized Clinical Trials Why Use ACT Model? ACT is consistent with a Faithbased framework Faith-based vs. Secular Framework ACT allows for an eclectic integration of Counseling Technique Integrationist Approach

Past – Future Present Focus Experiential Acceptance Avoidance Watchfulness and Acceptance Process ACT Model Disruption of Virtues Values Commitment and Accountability Process PSYCHOLOGICAL PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY INFLEXIBILITY Cognitive Cognitive Fusion Defusion Committed Inaction / Stuck Action Conceptualized Self Self as Context

Spirit Getting to the Heart Heart Soul Body

Exploring Virtues Exploring Discipleship Faith, Hope and Love Moral Virtues Gifts of the Holy Spirit Fruit of the Holy Spirt

Relational Frame Theory (RFT) Experienti al Technique s and Metaphor s Relational Learning Assimilation and Accommodation Cognitive Schemas Metaphors Passengers on the Bus Soldiers on Parade Biblical Metaphors

Past – Future Focus Experiential Avoidance Inflexibility Disruption of Values PSYCHOLOGICAL INFLEXIBILITY Inaction / Stuck Cognitive Fusion Conceptualized Self

Present Acceptance Watchfulness and Acceptance Process Flexibility Virtues Commitment and Accountability Process PSYCHOLOGICAL FLEXIBILITY Cognitive Defusion Committed Action Self as Context

Acceptanc e Based Approach es Help clients to relate to unpleasant inner experiences with more flexibility, openness, and nonjudgmental compassion, drawing upon Christian reflection or watchfulness help recognize that fighting against the inner world commonly leads to both relapse and distraction, which prevents clients from living a life of values