ACT for PTSD Worksheet


What is the theory behind this ACT for PTSD worksheet?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has proven to be an effective treatment for PTSD and co-occurring psychiatric disorders. ACT can help people with PTSD deal with the range of negative emotions that they experience and improve their quality of life  by focusing on value-driven behaviour and encouraging psychological flexibility. The goal of ACT is not to just reduce symptoms but help individuals live a meaningful life despite their emotional challenges and difficulties. 

How will the worksheet help?

The worksheet will provide a mindfulness exercise called ‘Cloud in the Sky’ ’used in Acceptance and Commitment therapy for people with PTSD. Learning to focus on the present moment is a fundamental skill taught in ACT which is particularly helpful in recovery for  trauma survivors. 

How to use the worksheet?

This worksheet can be used as a client handout for practising the ‘Clouds in the Sky’ mindfulness technique at home after fully understanding it and repeated practice sessions under guidance of their ACT therapist. It can help the client remember the process and its purpose.

ACT for PTSD Worksheet

Practise this mindfulness technique whenever you feel overwhelmed with negative and unhelpful thoughts. Even if it feels difficult to do in the beginning, you will improve with regular practice. 

The purpose of this exercise is to detach you from your unhelpful thoughts before you get hooked on them and let them take control of your actions. 

References

Wharton, E., Edwards, K. S., Juhasz, K., & Walser, R. D. (2019). Acceptance-based interventions in the treatment of PTSD: Group and individual pilot data using acceptance and commitment therapy. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 14, 55–64.

Batten, S. V. (2011). Essentials of acceptance and commitment therapy. SAGE Publications Ltd.

You can download this worksheet here.


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