Empowering Lasting Change Through Mindfulness and Values-Based Living

At Seeds of Hope, we believe that true healing from an eating disorder involves learning to accept emotions, develop self-compassion and commit to a life aligned with personal values. That’s why we integrate acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) into our partial hospitalization (PHP) and intensive outpatient (IOP) programs for both adults and adolescents.

What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

ACT is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that helps individuals:

  • Accept difficult emotions rather than trying to suppress or control them
  • Identify their core values and make decisions based on what truly matters
  • Develop psychological flexibility to handle life’s challenges without turning to disordered eating behaviors

Instead of fighting against distressing thoughts or feelings, ACT helps clients acknowledge them without judgment, allowing for greater freedom to make healthier choices.

How ACT Supports Eating Disorder Recovery

Eating disorders often thrive in rigid thinking patterns, self-criticism and avoidance of difficult emotions. ACT helps break this cycle by teaching individuals how to:

  • Detach from harmful thoughts related to food, weight or self-worth
  • Develop healthier coping mechanisms instead of using restriction, binge eating and/or purging
  • Increase self-compassion and reduce the inner critic that fuels disordered eating
  • Commit to meaningful actions that align with personal goals and values

By integrating mindfulness techniques, cognitive defusion and values-based decision-making, ACT empowers individuals to navigate recovery with greater resilience and self-awareness.

ACT in Our PHP & IOP Programs

At Seeds of Hope, we incorporate ACT principles across all levels of care for both adults and adolescents in our PHP and IOP programs.

For Adults

  • Mindfulness and acceptance-based group therapy, helping individuals sit with uncomfortable emotions without reacting impulsively
  • Values clarification exercises to identify personal values and guide decision-making in recovery
  • Cognitive defusion techniques to separate from harmful thoughts rather than being controlled by them
  • Commitment strategies to help clients take concrete steps toward their recovery goals, even when facing emotional discomfort
  • Integration with other therapies, such as CBT, DBT and nutritional counseling, for a well-rounded approach to recovery

For Adolescents

  • ACT-based group therapy to help teens manage emotions without resorting to disordered eating behaviors
  • Engaging activities and exercises that promote self-compassion, cognitive flexibility and acceptance
  • Parental involvement and support to educate families on ACT principles so they can reinforce healthy coping strategies at home
  • Integration with other therapies, such as CBT, DBT and nutritional counseling, for a well-rounded approach to recovery

Why ACT?

Many traditional therapies focus on changing thoughts to change behaviors. While this can be effective, ACT takes a different approach—it teaches individuals to accept thoughts and feelings as they are, without letting them dictate their actions.

This shift in mindset helps clients:

  • Stop the battle with food and body image
  • Develop greater emotional resilience
  • Build a meaningful, values-driven life beyond their eating disorder

Take the First Step Toward Healing

If you or your loved one is struggling with an eating disorder, in Exton or Paoli, Pennsylvania, our PHP and IOP programs at Seeds of Hope offer compassionate, evidence-based care to foster lasting recovery. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is one of the many tools we use to help individuals regain control of their lives and embrace a healthier, more fulfilling future.