Mindfulness-Based Therapy

The ACT for Depression and Anxiety Group was developed by Matt Boone at Cornell University’s Counseling and Psychological Services. It is a 10 session group which combines didactic elements, mindfulness exercises, experiential exercises, group discussion/process, and homework (called LIFE Exercises). The protocol described here mirrors a study from a transdiagnostic ACT group at Cornell University. The first half of the group covers the six processes of psychological flexibility, while the second half focuses on mobilizing psychological flexibility in the service of values-driven committed action – both inside the group, as members interact with one another, and outside the group in the members’ lives. The second half looks a little bit more like traditional group therapy – members are encouraged to incorporate the interpersonal group process into conversations about acceptance, mindfulness, and values.