Psychotherapy as government of the self

The present article analyzes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – a mindfulness- and acceptance-based form of psychotherapy – through the analytical lens of governmentality. I present and discuss two types of technologies used in ACT to intervene in behavior, thought and emotion: The functional analysis of contextually situated behavior, and mindfulness-based interventions that defuses ideas of a conceptualized self and strengthens a sense of an observing self. These techniques are described as technologies of the self. i.e., as ways of making sense of and directing the behavior, thoughts, and emotions of the client. These technologies are discussed as examples of how power is exercised in modern society.