Case ACT
Letting go of control, how?
Sander is a 23-year-old student. He suffers from ADHD symptoms, negative thoughts and feels stuck. Sander is trying to gain a sense of control in his life. When he has more control, he has the idea that it is more peaceful in his mind. He worries a lot and only wants to meet up with friends when he is feeling comfortable. He feels comfortable when his head is calm and focused and when he can express himself well. He currently takes little pleasure from his life. Sander's world is shrinking.
We start his therapy process. Sander comes to realise that he sometimes withdraws in social situations because he is very critical about himself.
With the help of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) we begin with understanding that the thought narratives he has, can be there without having to follow up each thought. Sander practises each week with 1 of the the 6 core processes of ACT. Slowly he learns to feel better, without consciously aiming to feel better. His resilience grows, as his process progresses.
By practicing short and practical mindfulness exercises, which are part of the ACT method, Sander can now insert moments where he puts himself in the uncomfortable situatio of being 'out of his head' and he can now consciously see it for what is is: a state of mind which he actually can change with changing focus. He has become more aware of what it means to him, no longer feel the need to fight against emotions and thoughts which he experiences as negative. Sander has learned to ride the waves of emotions instead of swim against the current.
After 11 sessions we finish the treatment. Sander has become more flexible in how he deals with his inner world. As a result he is more flexible with others in the outside world and experiences more fun i his life.
"I learned how to carry my load instead of resisting"
“Other therapies I tried did not work. My problems and pain did not diminish. After I was referred to Ms. Souren, I learned about the difference between pain and suffering and what the struggle is. Finding what's more important to me in life, was really helpful. It made me realise that my life is not perfect and that's ok. After 11 sessions, I was able to implement the tools I learned. ”
— Sander
ACT and Schematherapy