Experimental Therapies — Legal & Safety Notice
Several therapies listed (psilocybin, MDMA, ketamine) are controlled substances in most countries. This information is educational only.
If you are in crisis, please contact a crisis line immediately. USA: 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline — UK: Samaritans 116 123 — IN: iCall 9152987821
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Talk Therapy
Clinical trials specifically in cancer patientsAcceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is particularly powerful for the unique psychological challenges of cancer especially the inability to control the future and the pervasive fear of recurrence. Unlike traditional CBT which challenges negative thoughts, ACT teaches psychological flexibility: accepting what cannot be changed, defusing from unhelpful thoughts without being controlled by them, and committing to values-driven action despite uncertainty. Multiple RCTs show ACT reduces fear of cancer recurrence, generalised anxiety, and depression in cancer survivors.
Conditions Addressed
How It Works
The ACT hexaflex model targets six psychological flexibility processes: Acceptance (opening to difficult feelings), Defusion (seeing thoughts as just thoughts, not facts), Present Moment (mindful contact with now), Values (clarity on what matters), Committed Action (behaviour aligned with values), and Self-as-Context (stable observer perspective). Breaks the fusion between 'I have cancer' and 'my life is over', enabling full engagement with living despite illness.
What a Session Looks Like
616 individual or group sessions of 5090 minutes. Cancer-specific ACT protocols exist (e.g., iCanACT for fear of recurrence, ACT for cancer pain). Also available as guided self-help workbooks and apps (ACT Coach, iMindYourself). Group formats particularly effective for cancer survivors.
Cautions & Considerations
- The 'acceptance' component can be misunderstood as 'giving up' reframing required
- Not a crisis intervention patients in acute distress need immediate support first
- Quality of ACT varies significantly by therapist training look for ACBS-trained therapists
- Some patients find the metaphor-heavy language of ACT confusing initially
- Workbook/app versions less effective than therapist-delivered ACT for complex presentations