The prevailing view among both therapists and clients is that a more vital life can be attained by overcoming negative thoughts and feelings. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a unique behavior change approach based on modern learning theory and Relational Frame Theory (RFT) that emphasizes instead the role of mindfulenss and commitment strategies, including acceptance, defusion, contact with the present moment, a transcendent sense of self, values, and creating larger patterns of committed action. ACT appears to apply not just to the clinic, but to a wide range of issues faced by human beings. This list serves as a forum for non-professionals to discuss ACT. It is not meant to deal with requests for specific professional advice, but it will deal broadly with common personal problems. By the way, you do need to get a Yahoo account to join, but that is a formality and it is safe: they do not spam or sell email addresses etc.If you are a professional (therapist / researcher / graduate student in the area) you can also join, but this is a lay list, not the professional / student list that deal specifically with how to do ACT etc. It is also a Yahoo group, with the name acceptanceandcommitmenttherapy.