Jenny shares how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has been beneficial to her mental health.
I felt less isolated after doing the course, learning and sharing with others. I have a deeper acceptance of my journey with Huntington’s disease. - Jenny
Jenny was diagnosed with Huntington’s disease in 2023 following the late diagnosis of her great aunt.
Since then, she has experienced symptoms such as chorea in her fingers, toes and more widely when she is tired. Jenny states that her most difficult symptom is what she calls “Huntington’s disregulation”. This is when she goes through periods where she can’t regulate her emotions, both positive and negative.
Jenny and her husband decided to look at mental health services and signed up to our Acceptance and Commitment Therapy six-week course. This has been a valuable source of support for them both. Jenny says:
Just the linking up on Zoom with other gene-positive people across the country felt supportive. It was specific for gene-positive and so felt tailored to our needs. Sarah Gunn was exceptional, she has had a lasting impact, helping me to recall the course content.
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of therapy often used to support people living with long-term or life-limiting health conditions. Unlike therapies that focus primarily on reducing symptoms, ACT starts with acknowledging and accepting the reality of what cannot be changed: the diagnosis, the symptoms, and the challenges that follow.
Dr Sarah Gunn, Clinical Psychologist, Lecturer, and ACT course creator says:
Offering good psychological support to people affected by Huntington’s looks a little different. It starts by acknowledging the circumstances that the person finds themselves in – acknowledging that it can feel distressing, scary and anxiety-provoking and that those are totally reasonable feelings in response to a tough situation. Therapy then instead focuses on helping people to live well, alongside a problem that can’t be solved.
For people living with Huntington’s disease or at risk of Huntington’s disease, ACT can be a really powerful tool. It provides practical skills for coping with emotional regulation, difficult thoughts and the uncertainty of the condition. The ACT courses run by the Huntington’s Disease Association also offer a safe space to connect with others in a similar situation.
Jenny summed up Acceptance and commitment therapy by saying:
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is tailored to Huntington’s disease, which is unique. The course was on Zoom which is an excellent format, less tiring, no travel and in a safe place at home.
You can visit our events page to see if we have any current ACT courses or if you want to be the first to hear when we launch a new one, please sign up to our mailing list.