Objectives:

1. By the end of the lesson, students will have a general understanding of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and how it can be employed to help with stress relief and increasing self-direction.

2. Students will learn the three core principles of the ACT approach and how to use them in their day-to-day lives

3. Students will be able to explain how ACT can help them become more mindful, better able to handle difficult feelings, and more capable of setting and achieving self-directed goals.

Materials Needed:

• Copies of book “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: An Unique New Approach to Treating Stress and Anxiety” by Steven C. Hayes

• Chalkboard and chalk/whiteboard and dry-erase markers

• Worksheets

• Pencils/pens

• Poster board

Procedure:

1. Begin the lesson by having the students brainstorm and ideas of what “acceptance” and “commitment” mean to them and how they can help them be successful. (10 minutes)

2. Introduce the three core principles of the ACT approach:

• Mindfulness: The goal is to be aware of our thoughts and feelings in the present moment.

• Values: Identifying our values is key to being able to commit to goals and gain clarity in making decisions.

• Taking Action: Taking action even when we feel uncomfortable is essential to living a meaningful and values-driven life.

(10 minutes)

1. Create a poster board with large terms on it that outline each of the steps of the ACT approach. (15 minutes)

2. Divide the students into small groups and have them read aloud and discuss questions from the book. (30 minutes)

3. Go over the worksheets together, emphasizing the importance of practicing mindfulness, focusing on our values and taking meaningful action. (30 minutes)

4. Wrap up the lesson by having a discussion about the concept of self-compassion and how this can help us to become more mindful, better able to handle difficult feelings, and more capable of setting and achieving self-directed goals. (10 minutes)