In which therapeutic approach is accepting feelings considered key to positive change?

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) emphasizes the importance of accepting one’s feelings as a central component of the therapeutic process. This approach is grounded in the acceptance of emotions and thoughts, rather than attempting to control or eliminate them. By encouraging individuals to accept their internal experiences, ACT helps them to engage with their feelings openly, which can lead to a greater understanding of themselves and facilitate change. The commitment aspect focuses on aligning actions with personal values, encouraging individuals to lead a meaningful life despite the challenges posed by their internal experiences.

In contrast, other therapeutic approaches such as dialectical behavior therapy primarily incorporate acceptance in a broader context that includes skills for managing intense emotions. Psychodynamic therapy focuses more on uncovering underlying unconscious processes and childhood experiences. Cognitive behavioral therapy emphasizes modifying negative thought patterns, often through challenging and reframing these thoughts rather than simply accepting them. Each of these approaches has its own techniques and focus, but it is ACT that specifically centers on the value of acceptance in achieving psychological flexibility and long-term positive change.