Navigating Solutions and Darkness

Photo by  ActionVance  on  Unsplash Acceptance  Avoidance of negative emotions can be a very compelling approach. Facing negative emotions can lead to depression, can disrupt daily functioning. But in the long run, avoidance serves to compound the negativity.  Acceptance is a willingness to experience your emotions.  Experiencing emotions without pushing them away can be the first step towards healing.  Mindfulness  Learning to notice the present moment and paying attention to your internal state.  Self as Context  Exploring how we see ourselves using descriptors  Gaining some distance from those descriptors  Labels are words to describe you, but not the total essence of you.  Exploring Value and Action  Identifying and committing to what you truly value in your life.  By identifying what is important to you, you can start to figure out how you want to change your behaviour....

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT) has been effectively used in helping people who have difficulty managing emotions and forming close relationships, as well as with thoughts of self harm. DBT was originally developed to treat Borderline Personality Disorder. Recently it has also been used to approach other conditions including PTSD. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) ACT is a treatment that focuses on helping people observe their thoughts and emotions without judgement. The need to identify your values and take action, regardless of your internal state, is centred. It doesn't focus on trying to change thoughts or feelings, but emphasizes how changing your behaviour can help you feel better. ACT helps develop psychological flexibility - the ability to see things from various viewpoints and react to stressful situations with resilience .