Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a Mindfulness-Based Approach for Treatment of Chronic Musculoskeletal Pain

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based therapy that focuses on enabling individuals to accept what is out of their control, and to commit to valued actions that enrich their lives (Vowles \& McCracken, 2008). By emphasizing acceptance instead of avoidance, ACT differs from many other forms of cognitive behavioral therapy. ACT has been shown to be efficacious in terms of clinical outcomes, adherence to treatment, and retention. ACT aims to increase psychological flexibility, and has been associated with improved health outcomes prior randomized controlled clinical trials, including three systematic reviews specific to CP. Psychological flexibility is defined as an individual's ability to recognize and adapt to various demands; shift mindsets or behavioral responses when these strategies compromise personal or social functioning; and maintain balance among important life domains.