Making a Way - metaphor and language to provide a way for engagement in ACT therapy by Christians

Abstract

ACT provides an open door to all to take effective action to enrich their lives. However we have seen a recent spate of literature regarding the accessibility of psychology to those with a Christian faith. Much work has been done by Worthington (2010), Johnson et al(2010) and Tan (2011) to open pathways for engagement by individual Christians, Christian leaders, counsellors and psychologists in discussing the use of evidence based psychological interventions by Christians. This paper will present a discussion of the use of metaphor and language to provide a way for engagement in ACT therapy by Christians and those who are engaged in providing therapy to Christians. The presentation will discuss the six elements of ACT utilising the richness of Christian metaphorical representations available to teach the psychological skills needed to accept that which is out of our control, get unstuck, be willing to take perspective, get in touch with the here and now, confirm valued approaches to life and take effective action.