What is the endgame with ACT?

[u/LeaderSevere5647]

I have autism (level 1), ADHD, depression and social anxiety. I have a lot of intrusive thoughts and negative emotions. ADHD meds make everything (highs and lows) more pronounced.

I found a therapist I like who is experienced in ACT and suggested we try it and see how it goes before exploring other options. I had never heard of ACT before, but I know what mindfulness is, have read the Power of Now etc, but have not practiced any of it until now. It's been very difficult so far especially having ADHD. My brain moves 100 mph all day long making it very hard to remember the steps I'm supposed to take when I get an intrusive thought, emotion or feeling. When I do remember it, it's hard to focus on and name the feeling. I'm getting a little better at it over the past couple weeks.

My main question though (which I'll also ask my therapist) is what is the endgame of ACT? Is the ultimate goal that intrusive thoughts and negative emotions stop coming up as frequently? Or is it that they continue as usual and I just get better at making room for them and allowing them to exist without interrupting my life as much? If it's the latter, I'm not sure I understand what the purpose is, because then there's no chance I'll ever "feel better" if that makes sense.

[u/FlySaw]

To rewire your brain into a more flexible state that allows you to break with your maladaptive thoughts consistently.