How Do People Who Live with Mental Illness, Substance Abuse, and Trauma Experience Acceptance Commitment Therapy?

Abstract

Record ID: 123

Program Affiliation: NA

Presentation Type: Poster

Abstract: The goal of the study was to introduce a new type of treatment to a small group of participants who are at New Horizons for mental health and substance abuse and the traumas that brought them to seek treatment; this new treatment would teach skills around values, priorities, psychological flexibility, inner child work and being about to process the trauma they have experienced and to help them accept it so they can continue to grow. The participants have all agreed and completed 8 hours of ACT group therapy. The results come from interviews conducted with the participants to learn about their experience with ACT and if it has benefited them in their healing journey. They could identify what parts of ACT we discussed in the group and how they have implemented those skills into their healing recovery and everyday life. Participants have stated that they all felt that participating in ACT activities benefited them a few weeks later as they continue to do the work in the program.