Brushing Off Barriers: ACT-ivating Healing with Art Therapy
I made this collage to resemble the six core values of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Acceptance, Cognitive Defusion, Being Present, Self-as-Context, Values Clarification, Committed Action! In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the concept of psychological flexibility is often represented as a hexagon or a hexaflex, with each side representing one of the six core processes of ACT!
Hi! I’m Kristy Leone, LCPC, LCPAT, ATR-BC and I am an art therapist and mental health counselor that uses Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in my work with children, adults, and couples. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) shapes the work that I do with all my clients and captures my approach as a clinician. As a therapist operating from the ACT framework, I am deeply committed to guiding individuals, couples, and families towards greater clarity, resilience, and fulfillment!
Brief History of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
As an art therapist, I'm deeply intrigued by the evolution of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and its profound impact on the field of mental health. Developed in the late 20th century by Steven C. Hayes and colleagues, ACT emerged as a refreshing approach that seamlessly integrated principles of acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based action. Drawing from a rich tapestry of psychological traditions, including behaviorism, cognitive therapy, and existential philosophy, ACT offered a new perspective on human behavior and suffering.
ACT resonates deeply with my work as an art therapist, as it aligns closely with the principles of creativity, self-expression, and acceptance that are central to my practice. Like ACT, art therapy encourages individuals to explore and accept their thoughts and feelings without judgment, using the creative process as a vehicle for self-discovery and healing. By incorporating art-making techniques with ACT principles, I empower clients to cultivate mindfulness, connect with their values, and take meaningful steps towards living a more fulfilling life.
Today, ACT continues to inspire and inform my work as an art therapist, guiding me in supporting clients on their journey towards greater well-being and self-discovery.
At the heart of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy are 6 core values:
Acceptance: I help clients cultivate a non-judgmental stance towards their thoughts and emotions, fostering a sense of peace and self-compassion.
Cognitive Defusion: Together, we explore ways to detach from unhelpful thoughts and gain perspective on their inner experiences, empowering them to respond more effectively.
Being Present: I support clients in developing mindfulness skills, encouraging them to fully engage in the present moment and let go of past regrets and future worries.
Self-as-Context: Through compassionate inquiry, I help clients connect with their deeper sense of self beyond their thoughts and emotions, fostering a greater sense of identity and purpose.
Values Clarification: I assist clients in identifying their core values and goals, guiding them towards a life that is aligned with their deepest desires and aspirations.
Committed Action: Together, we develop concrete strategies and action plans to help clients take meaningful steps towards their values, even in the face of challenges and discomfort.
Understanding that “acceptance” doesn’t mean giving up or being complacent to the way you’re living your life.
I completely understand how the concept of "acceptance" might seem like resigning oneself to circumstances or being complacent. However, in the context of therapy, acceptance is about something much deeper and more empowering.
Acceptance isn't about giving up or being complacent; it's about facing reality with courage and compassion. It's about acknowledging the things that are beyond our control—the difficult emotions, painful experiences, or challenging circumstances—and choosing to respond to them in a way that fosters growth and well-being.
Imagine acceptance as a radical act of self-love and empowerment. It's about embracing the full range of human experience, including the messy and uncomfortable parts, without judgment or resistance. It's about recognizing that life is inherently unpredictable and sometimes unfair, but that we still have the power to choose how we respond to it.
Acceptance doesn't mean that we have to like or agree with everything that's happening in our lives. It's not about passively accepting injustice or suffering. Instead, it's about finding the courage to confront reality as it is, while also acknowledging our own inner strength and resilience.
By accepting our experiences, we free ourselves from the constant struggle against reality. We let go of the need to control everything and instead focus our energy on what we can change. In doing so, we cultivate a sense of inner peace and contentment, even in the midst of life's challenges.
So, rather than seeing acceptance as giving up, I invite you to see it as a courageous act of self-empowerment. It's about reclaiming control over our own lives and choosing to live with authenticity, resilience, and compassion, no matter what circumstances we may face.
ACT is adaptable to all ages!
For children, teens, and adults alike, I tailor my approach to meet their unique needs and circumstances. Through playful activities, creative expression, and compassionate dialogue, I help clients build emotional resilience, develop healthy coping skills, and navigate life's challenges with courage and grace. Find out more about the research for ACT with children and teens by visiting: https://dnav.international/
For couples seeking support, I offer a safe and supportive space for them to explore their relationship dynamics, strengthen communication, and deepen intimacy. By integrating ACT principles with couples therapy techniques, I empower partners to cultivate acceptance, empathy, and mutual understanding in their relationship.
Art Therapy and ACT
I truly believe in the power of visual learning and hands-on experiences, recognizing that each individual learns and communicates differently!
Visual Representation of Values: In my sessions, I often start by inviting clients to visually represent their core values through art-making. Whether it's through painting, drawing, or sculpting, this process allows clients to embody the qualities and aspirations that are most important to them. By engaging in this creative process, clients can gain a deeper understanding of their values and how they want to live their lives in alignment with them.
Metaphorical Expression: I also encourage clients to express complex emotions and experiences metaphorically through art. Through imagery, color, and symbolism, clients can externalize their internal experiences in a tangible and concrete way, making them more accessible for exploration and reflection.
Mindfulness in Art Making: Mindfulness is another key aspect of my approach to art therapy. I guide clients to engage in the creative process with present-moment awareness and non-judgmental acceptance. By focusing on the sensory experience of art-making—the texture of the materials, the movement of their hands, the colors and shapes emerging on the canvas—clients can experience a sense of relaxation and self-awareness.
Creative Problem Solving: In addition, I use art therapy as a tool for creative problem-solving. Clients are encouraged to create visual representations of their goals, obstacles, and potential pathways forward. This process taps into their creativity and resourcefulness, allowing them to generate new ideas and strategies for coping and problem-solving.
Externalizing Thoughts and Emotions: I help clients externalize their thoughts and emotions through art-making. By creating visual representations of their inner experiences, such as drawing or sculpting their fears, anxieties, or self-limiting beliefs, clients can gain distance from their thoughts and develop a sense of agency and empowerment in working through them. This can be done in the form of art journaling, creating an altered book, or making a journal out of junk mail to put all the ‘junk’ in their mind onto paper!
Overall, by integrating art therapy techniques with ACT principles, I offer clients a rich and multifaceted approach to healing and personal growth! Through creative expression, clients can deepen their understanding of themselves, explore their values, and cultivate psychological flexibility in navigating life's challenges.
Continue your journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and transformation at Labyrinth Art and Wellness as we embrace the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and embark on a path towards greater well-being and fulfillment.
Still have more questions? Check out my FAQ page or contact me!
