Quick Guide: ACT Exercises for Depression by Psychotherapy Academy

In our clinical case "Act for Depression: The Story of Hannah", Dr. Miranda Morris explores the story of Hannah, a 20-year-old female client struggling with severe symptoms of anxiety and depression related to procrastination and problematic interpersonal experiences. Dr. Morris conducts the diagnostic, clinical, and treatment formulation for this case using an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) framework.

*Learn more about our course "Act for Depression" and earn 1 CE credit by clicking HERE

THE FOLLOWING 3 TOOLS WERE CREATED BY OUR EDITORS AND ARE PART OF OUR COURSE "Act for Depression"; CLICKING ON EACH TITLE, YOU CAN DOWNLOAD THEM FOR FREE:

<> ACT Treatment Interventions for Depression: Use of Language

Watch how to use language since the intake session to promote behavioral change in therapy, clarify values, and work on emotions. 

Here are the most important highlights of the text:

1. Interactions in session with clients are opportunities to create desirable behavior and hold meaningful interpersonal conversations.
2. Use therapeutic conversations to reflect back and help to clarify the client’s values.
3. It’s essential to reinforce small moves toward values-based goals, as it’s hard for clients with depression to make any behavioral change.

*Here you can watch the video and access the full content: ACT Treatment Interventions for Depression: Use of Language

<> ACT Treatment Interventions for Depression: Experiential Work

Learn how to approach experiential work in session, which includes breathing exercises, noticing thoughts and feelings, exploring self-stories, and defusion.

Here are the most important highlights of the text:

1. Experiential work is a core component of ACT for depression.
2. The therapist aims to create practical learning opportunities instead of theoretical explanations.
3. Activities might include breathing exercises, noticing thoughts and feelings, defusion work, and exploring self-stories.

*Here you can watch the video and access the full content: ACT Treatment Interventions for Depression: Experiential Work

<> How to Set Homework in ACT for Depression

Learn how to use ACT-based homework, such as mindful awareness and journaling, to treat depression outside of the therapy session.

Here are the most important highlights of the text:

1. Mindful awareness, journaling, and seeking support and connection are practical activities for reinforcing treatment outside of session.
2. Encouraging clients to take action and make small changes in their daily lives is crucial for treatment progress.
3. Writing exercises, such as journaling, help clients to connect with their values and gain a different perspective on their thoughts and emotions.

*Here you can watch the video and access the full content: How to Set Homework in ACT for Depression

Learn more about our course "Act for Depression" and earn 1 CE credit by clicking HERE