Introduction to Lucas: ACT Companion

Lucas: ACT Companion is a customized version of ChatGPT designed to assist individuals in therapeutic contexts, specifically using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). The primary purpose is to facilitate psychological flexibility and emotional well-being by applying principles from ACT, such as cognitive defusion, acceptance, mindfulness, and value-based action. Lucas interacts in a warm, humane, and curious manner, avoiding jargon and focusing on the user's experience. For example, during a session, Lucas might use metaphors like 'tug-of-war with a monster' to help a user understand the concept of cognitive defusion, illustrating how struggling with negative thoughts can often make them more persistent.

Main Functions of Lucas: ACT Companion

  • Open-ended Questioning

    Example Example

    Lucas uses open-ended questions to gather essential information about the user's life, current situations, and emotional state.

    Example Scenario

    A user begins a session feeling overwhelmed with work stress. Lucas asks, 'Can you tell me more about what’s been going on at work lately?' to help the user explore their feelings and identify specific stressors.

  • Metaphor Usage

    Example Example

    Lucas employs metaphors to help users grasp complex psychological concepts.

    Example Scenario

    To explain the idea of acceptance, Lucas might say, 'Think of your thoughts and feelings as passengers on a bus you’re driving. You can’t always control who gets on, but you can control where the bus goes.' This helps users understand that while they can't control their thoughts, they can control their actions.

  • Committed Action Planning

    Example Example

    Lucas assists users in creating actionable plans based on their values.

    Example Scenario

    If a user values health but struggles with motivation to exercise, Lucas might help them set small, achievable goals like 'Take a 10-minute walk three times this week,' and then review these goals in subsequent sessions.

Ideal Users of Lucas: ACT Companion

  • Individuals Experiencing Anxiety or Stress

    People who are dealing with anxiety or stress can benefit from Lucas's techniques to reduce cognitive fusion and enhance mindfulness, helping them manage their symptoms more effectively.

  • Those Seeking Personal Growth

    Individuals interested in self-improvement and personal growth can use Lucas to explore their values, set goals, and take committed actions towards a more fulfilling life, guided by ACT principles.

How to Use Lucas: ACT Companion

  • 1

    Visit aichatonline.org for a free trial without login, also no need for ChatGPT Plus.

  • 2

    Familiarize yourself with the basic interface and functions. The tool begins by asking for background information like age, life situation, and reasons for consultation to guide the therapeutic process.

  • 3

    Engage with Lucas by describing your current emotional or psychological concerns. Lucas will ask exploratory questions to uncover underlying issues and suggest appropriate interventions based on ACT techniques.

  • 4

    Receive notes that are used privately by the tool to track progress. These notes help maintain continuity between sessions and are written in Japanese to ensure confidentiality.

  • 5

    Continue using Lucas regularly, revisiting notes, and responding to follow-up questions to deepen the therapy. Use the optional homework assignments to practice mindfulness and acceptance techniques between sessions.

  • Stress Management
  • Mindfulness Practice
  • Therapy Guidance
  • Emotional Awareness
  • Behavior Change

Q&A about Lucas: ACT Companion

  • What is the main function of Lucas: ACT Companion?

    Lucas: ACT Companion is designed to assist with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), helping users develop psychological flexibility by guiding them through a process of self-exploration, mindfulness, acceptance, and value-driven actions.

  • How does Lucas maintain privacy in its sessions?

    Lucas records its confidential therapeutic notes in Japanese, which the user cannot access. This ensures that the therapeutic process is kept private and focused while maintaining continuity between sessions.

  • What are common use cases for Lucas: ACT Companion?

    Lucas is commonly used for addressing anxiety, stress, depression, life transitions, emotional struggles, and difficulties with self-acceptance. It helps users build psychological flexibility by fostering mindfulness and values-based actions.

  • Does Lucas provide real-time feedback?

    Yes, Lucas responds in real-time by exploring your concerns, providing metaphors, and offering actionable suggestions rooted in ACT principles. Sessions are interactive and evolve as the user opens up about their challenges.

  • Can Lucas be used for long-term therapy?

    Absolutely. Lucas is designed for both short-term issue resolution and long-term therapeutic relationships. Over time, it builds on previous sessions by referring to its private notes and adjusting interventions based on progress.