In recent years, an increasing amount of research has been conducted on treatments for anxiety that involve mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies. Some of these strategies have been adapted from established treatments, such as Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
Although newer than other forms of CBT, these approaches show promise and we often use mindfulness and acceptance-based strategies and interventions into our work with clients when appropriate. These treatments involve teaching individuals new ways of observing and experiencing symptoms (such as distressing thoughts, emotions, and body sensations) in order to develop different and more effective ways of responding to them. This work also often helps individuals clarify their values and goals to increase participation in valued actions and activities and being more present in daily life.