Managing Depression with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Case Report

Abstract

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is one of the mindfulness-based third wave behavioral therapies. ACT is a therapy model that approaches events without prejudice, uses language to be understood without judgment, and encourages being in the present moment. The aim of ACT is not to change the symptoms. The main goal is to transform painful thoughts and feelings into normal human experiences that are rich and meaningful. While making painful thoughts meaningful, metaphors and activities related to psychological flexibility components are used. Depression is also a common pathological condition in which flexibility is lost in various ways and psychological rigidity is experienced. The aim of this study is to apply ACT to the client with major depression, which causes personal and interpersonal difficulties in individual therapy. The effectiveness of the scores in terms of therapy was examined by applying the Psychological Resilience Scale and the Depression Scale to the client. As a result of the study, it was seen that preliminary evidence was provided for the effectiveness of KKT in reducing depression and increasing awareness in the client diagnosed with major depression. Since the research is a case study, future studies should be conducted on more clients.