Critique

From the information shared in the study completed by Ducasse et al (2018), the use of ACT was successful. A different study completed by Waters et al (2017), supports the use of ACT with clinically distressed health care workers. Each of these empirically supports the use of act. However, each of these studies were for brief therapy. The use of ACT may need more research and study to determine if it would be useful for long-term therapy.

 

One of the things that may be a struggle and not in alignment is its integration with the Christian faith. Romans 12:2 in the King James Version states, that we should not be conformed to this world, but to be transformed by the renewing of our minds. Matthew 6:25-34 instructs Christians to take no thought for tomorrow, implying that we should not worry because God provides for us. These two scriptures may not be in complete sync with the two important factors of ACT, accepting what is happening in the present moment and not changing or avoiding your thoughts but addressing them. To some, taking no thought for something would seem as if one is avoiding said thoughts. However, one could look at this Matthew 6:25-34 from a different perspective. A viewpoint that recognizes the work that it may take to be able to take no thought for something that may have worried him or her in the past. The work that may be helpful to the individual could be found in the ACT process. One could also say that taking no thought for the morrow is the same as staying in the present moment which is mindfulness. 

 

The Bible also tells Christians to not be led by their hearts. The book of Proverbs (4:23; 3:5-7; 28:26) has many references to the heart of a man. Proverbs 4:23 states that everything we do flows from the heart. Proverbs 28:26 tells us that only a fool trust in his own heart. One can infer that ACT’s assertion that not dealing with and avoiding one’s feelings (or heart) does not support a healthy mind. Although all things flow from the heart, Christians do not have to be led by their heart or feelings. Depending on how the therapist phrases and communicates the ACT process, he or she may be able to support a Christian worldview. 

 

Acceptance can sometimes have a negative connotation, some may associate it with giving up or even defeat; however, for ACT, acceptance is a positive emotional response that is a willingness to face a feared object or feeling (Seligman et al., 2021). In Christianity, acceptance is a willingness to recognize Jesus as Lord of one’s life, and He is the one who allows all things, so fear not (Isaiah 41:10).