Top 10 reasons why ACT is effective Therapy for Samford Students
Introduction
Discovering the path to personal and academic success is a pivotal journey for every student, and at Samford University, the ACT counseling approach stands as an unwavering beacon of empowerment. In this blog, we’ll discuss the top 10 reasons why ACT shines as an effective and transformative counseling method and why you should choose us.
In our previous blog post, “Transition to College: A Critical Time for Mental Health,” we discussed the percentage of college students with anxiety in America in 2021 on a survey carried out by the American College Health Association in which 100,000 college students participated in, the results revealed that 16% of male students and 33% of female students had received diagnoses of anxiety, while 14% of male students and 25% of female students had been diagnosed with depression which is a staggering number, and also proffered solutions to this critical issue and why you should choose a counselor from us at Empower Counseling and Coaching.
The college years are undoubtedly transformative, but they also come with challenges that can impact mental well-being. Recognizing the pivotal role of mental health in pursuing a successful college experience, Empower Counseling and Coaching has embraced Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a powerful counseling tool. It offers a range of benefits that can aid Samford students in navigating the complexities of college life while fostering robust mental health.
Here are the top ten reasons why ACT is effective and how Empower Counseling and Coaching is using it to counsel Samford Students:
1. ACT is Effective In Stopping Procrastination
Procrastination is a common challenge among college students, often causing stress and declining academic performance.
ACT has emerged as a powerful tool for combating procrastination, especially in academics. At Empower Counseling and Coaching, we use this therapeutic approach to address the psychological factors that underlie procrastination.
ACT equips students with mindfulness and self-awareness techniques that help break the cycle of procrastination.
Here are some practical strategies rooted in ACT principles that Empower Counseling and Coaching applies to break the cycle of procrastination in students:
- Mindful Awareness
We use mindfulness exercises during counseling for Samford students. By practicing mindfulness, you can become more aware of your thoughts and emotions, including the ones that trigger procrastination. Mindfulness exercises can help create a mental space between the urge to procrastinate and the actions taken.
- Clarifying Values
Identifying and clarifying personal values is a crucial step. As a student, you can reflect on what truly matters to you in the long run, such as achieving academic goals, gaining knowledge, or preparing for your future career. By aligning tasks with these core values, motivation to complete them becomes more vital.
- Taking Committed Actions
Our therapists use ACT to encourage you to set specific, achievable goals and take committed actions toward them. Breaking tasks into smaller, manageable steps can make them less overwhelming, reducing the temptation to procrastinate.
2. We Use ACT Therapy for Samford Students To Help Them Get Unstuck and Start Moving Forward
Once we have identified the underlying factors, we encourage students to self-reflect. This involves looking inward and honestly assessing your strengths and weaknesses and acknowledging any negative thought patterns that might contribute to feeling stuck.
It’s essential to remember that everyone faces obstacles, and having moments of doubt is okay. However, recognizing these moments and actively working to change them is what sets the path toward progress.
Another critical aspect of getting unstuck is setting clear and achievable goals. These goals can be academic, personal, or a combination of both. Breaking larger objectives into smaller, manageable steps can make them less overwhelming and more attainable. Be specific about your goals, create a timeline, and celebrate your accomplishments. This not only helps build momentum but also boosts confidence and motivation.
Seeking support and resources is also crucial for moving forward.
Our therapists use ACT to encourage you to examine your thoughts and emotions that may hold you back. You can regain momentum and work towards your personal and academic goals through self-reflection and commitment to change.
3. We Use ACT Therapy for Samford Students To Cut Down on Overwhelm
Our therapists use ACT to teach you to manage overwhelming emotions by focusing on what is within your control. This skill is invaluable in reducing stress and promoting emotional resilience.
By incorporating mindfulness techniques into your daily routines, you can become more aware of your thoughts and emotions. This heightened awareness allows you to recognize when you’re feeling overwhelmed and to take proactive steps to address these feelings.
By staying connected to your values, you can find a more profound sense of purpose and motivation, which can help combat overwhelming feelings and lead to a more fulfilling college experience.
4. We Use ACT To Bring Clarity About Who You Are and What You Believe
Self-discovery is a fundamental aspect of our counseling experience. The process of self-discovery, facilitated by ACT, goes beyond immediate college decisions. It lays the foundation for a lifelong commitment to learning and personal growth.
This authenticity becomes a guiding force, helping you navigate college life’s challenges and opportunities. As you gain a deeper understanding of your identity, you become more resilient in the face of societal pressures and better equipped to stand up for your beliefs.
When you are in touch with your passions and values, you are more likely to choose academic paths that resonate with your aspirations which drives you to excel in your chosen fields and the ongoing pursuit of knowledge.
5. We Use ACT To Find Clarity About What Is Important to You
Amid the myriad of choices that college presents, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters. Our therapists use ACT to help you clarify priorities and make decisions aligned with your values. This clarity reduces indecision and fosters a sense of purpose.
ACT also helps you find clarity about who you are and what you believe, but it also instills valuable life skills, empowers you to make meaningful decisions, and sets you on a path of continuous growth and positive influence.
6. We Use ACT To Help Identify Unhelpful Thoughts and Unhelpful Ways of Thinking
Negative thought patterns can contribute to heightened stress levels and diminished self-esteem. Our therapists use ACT to equip you with tools to recognize and challenge unhelpful thoughts, leading to a more balanced and constructive mindset.
We also use ACT to emphasize the importance of acceptance. Rather than attempting to suppress or avoid negative thoughts, you can learn to acknowledge and accept them as a natural part of the human experience. This acceptance doesn’t mean resigning to these thoughts but acknowledging their presence without allowing them to dictate your actions or feelings.
7. We Use ACT To Shift Focus from Fear to Aspirations
Fear of failure, rejection, or the unknown can hinder personal and academic growth. Our therapists use ACT to shift the focus from these fears to aspirational goals and values through counseling. You can cultivate a mindset of resilience and achievement by directing attention toward positive outcomes.
The power of aspirations lies in your ability to ignite passion and purpose. As you transition from a fear-based mindset to one driven by aspirations, you can tap into your inner motivations, uncovering what truly matters to you. This newfound clarity acts as a compass, guiding you through the ups and downs of your academic and personal endeavors.
8. We Use ACT To Understand Why You Are Feeling the Way You Do
College life often brings about a whirlwind of emotions, some of which can be challenging to comprehend. Our therapists use ACT to encourage you to examine the underlying reasons for your emotions, promoting a deeper understanding of yourself and your responses to various situations.
ACT teaches you to become mindful of your thoughts, allowing you to observe and question these thoughts without judgment. This process helps to create a psychological distance from negative thinking, preventing it from exerting such a strong influence. By recognizing that thoughts are not absolute truths, you can challenge the validity of unhelpful thoughts and reduce their impact on your emotional state.
9. We Use ACT To Increase Self-esteem
Self-esteem is pivotal for overall well-being, and our therapists use ACT to address this by fostering self-compassion and acceptance during counseling. You can build a healthier self-image and enhance your self-esteem through self-awareness and self-love.
Also, during our in-person or online counseling, we use ACT to empower you to develop a deeper sense of self-worth by providing a non-judgmental and safe space. This approach will encourage you to recognize your thoughts and emotions without labeling them as “good” or “bad,” which reduces the tendency for self-criticism.
The practice of mindfulness, a key component of ACT, plays a significant role in increasing self-esteem. Our mindfulness exercise helps you become more attuned to the present moment, allowing you to observe your thoughts and feelings without getting entangled.
10. We Use ACT Therapy for Samford Students To Increase Self-confidence
Confidence is critical to navigating the diverse landscape of college life. We use ACT to empower you to embrace your strengths, confront your insecurities, and take calculated risks. This heightened self-confidence paves the way for academic success and personal growth.
As you progress through your college journey, the benefits of increased self-confidence become increasingly evident. With a strong foundation in self-assurance gained from the ACT experience, you are more likely to excel academically and explore new opportunities contributing to your personal growth.
Why Empower Counseling and Coaching?
Empower Counseling and coaching therapists possess extensive knowledge and experience in dealing with mental health challenges for college students.
At Empower Counseling, we prioritize an initial phone consultation to ensure we’re the right match for your counseling needs before scheduling an appointment.
Empower Counseling and Coaching emphasizes addressing emergencies with quick client appointments, often accommodating new clients within a few days for its Samford students. Unlike the potentially rigid office hours at Samford’s Student Counseling Centers, Empower Counseling and Coaching provide flexibility by offering appointment times that can easily fit a student’s busy school schedule, ensuring a convenient and suitable arrangement.
We also offer online counseling that provides flexibility for students with busy schedules or those who prefer the comfort of their own space. This accessibility ensures that students can receive the support they need in a manner that suits their preferences and circumstances.
The Merits of Selecting Empower Counseling for Therapy for Samford Students
- Expertise in College Life
Empower Counseling’s counselors have a wealth of knowledge and hands-on experience in grappling with the diverse mental health issues college students encounter.
- Tailored Support
Our counseling sessions are meticulously tailored to address the individualized needs of each student, ensuring a bespoke approach that emphasizes personalized care and undivided attention.
- Confidentiality and Non-Judgment
Empower Counseling guarantees confidentiality and impartiality, providing students with a secure haven to candidly articulate their emotions without the shadow of criticism or scrutiny.
For further information regarding counseling services for college and Samford students provided by Empower Counseling, click here to learn more.
While facing the challenges of college can be tough, Empower Counseling and Coaching is here to assist you. We specialize in therapy for anxiety and counseling for depression using the ACT approach for Samford students. Savannah, Marti, and Kathryn are dedicated to helping you navigate difficult life transitions by offering valuable resources. We also provide online therapy for college students throughout the state of Alabama. Empower Counseling provides individual and family counseling for trauma, PTSD, and difficult life transitions. We offer therapy for teens, counseling for college students, young adult counseling, and counseling for professionals in our Birmingham area office between Highway 280 and Mountain Brook Village in Office Park, serving Homewood, Mountain Brook, Vestavia, Hoover, Trussville, and downtown Birmingham.
When you’re ready to take the next step with me, just follow these simple steps:
1. Reach out to Empower Counseling and schedule your initial appointment.
2. Get acquainted with your therapist.
3. Get started on your journey toward a more satisfying life.