ACT for Depression: The Story of Hannah
In this clinical case, Dr. Miranda Morris explores the story of Hannah, a 20-year-old female client struggling with severe symptoms of anxiety and depression related to procrastination and problematic interpersonal experiences. Dr. Morris conducts the diagnostic, clinical, and treatment formulation for this case using an acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) framework.
<> ACT Treatment Interventions for Depression: Use of Language
Watch how to use language since the intake session to promote behavioral change in therapy, clarify values, and work on emotions.
1. Interactions in session with clients are opportunities to create desirable behavior and hold meaningful interpersonal conversations.
2. Use therapeutic conversations to reflect back and help to clarify the client’s values.
3. It’s essential to reinforce small moves toward values-based goals, as it’s hard for clients with depression to make any behavioral change.
<> ACT Treatment Interventions for Depression: Experiential Work
Learn how to approach experiential work in session, which includes breathing exercises, noticing thoughts and feelings, exploring self-stories, and defusion.
1. Experiential work is a core component of ACT for depression.
2. The therapist aims to create practical learning opportunities instead of theoretical explanations.
3. Activities might include breathing exercises, noticing thoughts and feelings, defusion work, and exploring self-stories.
<> How to Set Homework in ACT for Depression
Learn how to use ACT-based homework, such as mindful awareness and journaling, to treat depression outside of the therapy session.
1. Mindful awareness, journaling, and seeking support and connection are practical activities for reinforcing treatment outside of session.
2. Encouraging clients to take action and make small changes in their daily lives is crucial for treatment progress.
3. Writing exercises, such as journaling, help clients to connect with their values and gain a different perspective on their thoughts and emotions.
