Ali Jacowitz: The New Faces of Modern Medicine.

Ali Jackowitz, PysD Brooklyn Minds

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy* (Namely, A.C.T)? We spent the day photographing Dr. Ali Jacowitz’s portrait and shooting a PSA to learn a little more about this modality.

For the most part, A.C.T teaches us to think flexibly by embracing distressing thoughts instead of avoiding them.

Specifically, if you watch Dr. Jacowitz’s video here you will learn about all the cool new ways in which therapy is helping us live healthier, better lives. In fact, therapists are now backed by decades of data from studies in major institutions, they are able to diagnose and treat with far more efficacy and precision that in the past. New developments are markedly helping even those in the most need.

Notably, Dr. Jacowitz employs evidence-based treatment modalities tailored to her clients’ individual needs such as third-wave mindfulness-based treatments like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Dr. Jacowitz’s ACT treatment specialties include anxiety, depression, sexual identity exploration, and chronic pain. Additionally, her treatments include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mentalization Based Treatment (MBT).

Viddy written and directed by Angela Cappetta.
Hair and makeup by Dani Levi Beauty.

Scholarly Article Submitted by Steven Hayes to The Association for Contextual behavior Science

*Developed within a coherent theoretical and philosophical framework, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a unique empirically based psychological intervention. It uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies, together with commitment and behavior change strategies, so as to increase psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility means contacting the present moment fully as a conscious human being. Based on what the situation affords, changing or persisting in behavior in the service of chosen values as well.

Important to realize, and based on Relational Frame Theory, ACT illuminates the ways that language entangles clients into futile attempts to wage war against their own inner lives. Through metaphor, paradox, and experiential exercises clients learn how to make healthy contact with thoughts, feelings, memories, and physical sensations that have been feared and avoided. Clients gain the skills to recontextualize and accept these private events, develop greater clarity about personal values, and commit in order to undergo a behavior change.

Warrior Portrait  of Author Amy E. Herman

Warrior Portrait: Amy is the renowned author of the bestseller Visual Intelligence. When she asked me to shoot the author photo for her upcoming 2nd book, TED talk , lectures etc, I was thrilled. Every book touring author needs a solid series of photos in a few looks to tailor it to her audience.

In order to show off Amy’s gorgeous smile, we stuck with a clean beauty approach. Because of painterly light we used, her complexion shone through. Amy is a force of nature. As I got to know her I realized this is true because in addition to her abilities and accomplishments, I learned she has overcome things I couldn’t even dream of avoiding, Noteably, breast cancer for one. Amy is a breast cancer warrior and survivor, having had it and BEAT IT several times; It is important to realize that Amy never let the disease slow her down. Even in the hospital she was strategizing how to get out and back to her field which she loves so passionately.

Do yourself and pick up her book. Hollywood may or may not be turning it into a… no, I’ve said too much.

A bit about Amy from her website:  “Amy Herman developed and conducts all sessions of The Art of Perception using the analysis of works of art to improve perception and communication. She leads the program nationally for a range of institutions including the New York City Police Department, the FBI, and the Department of Defense, as well as for leaders in education, finance, and policy. She holds an AB, a JD, and an MA in art history. She lives in New York City. Books: Visual Intelligence: Sharpen Your Perception, Change Your Life”

Words and photography by Angela Cappetta.
Hair and Makeup by Dani Levi Beauty.