Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
What Is ACT?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT, pronounced like the word “act”) helps you make space for difficult thoughts and feelings, instead of fighting with them or trying to push them away. At the same time, it helps you reconnect with what matters most to you—your values, your relationships, your goals—and take meaningful steps in that direction.
Rather than trying to "get rid of" anxiety, sadness, or self-doubt, ACT encourages you to notice these experiences with compassion and openness. You’ll learn tools like mindfulness (staying present in the moment) and ways to gently unhook from overwhelming thoughts. The aim is not perfection or constant happiness, but a more flexible, values-based life.
Core Processes
Acceptance: Allowing internal experiences without trying to change them
Cognitive defusion: Stepping back from thoughts (“I am not my thoughts”)
Contact with the present moment: Mindful awareness of the now
Values-clarification: Identifying what matters most to you
Committed action: Taking steps guided by your values
Who Is ACT For?
Anxiety, stress, or depression
Chronic pain or health conditions
Trauma and grief
Clients seeking meaning-based, values-driven change
How It Works
Reflect on values and what gives life meaning
Design voluntarily chosen behaviours that move you toward those values
Practice mindfulness and defusion exercises
Learn to live flexibly with discomfort and uncertainty
Benefits
Encourages acceptance instead of internal fighting
Promotes genuine living aligned with personal values
Mindfulness skills enhance overall resilience
What to Expect
Sessions are a blend of gentle conversation, reflection, and guided exercises. We might explore what’s holding you back and get clearer on what kind of life you want to build - even if some difficult feelings are still present. You’ll learn that you don’t have to wait until everything feels perfect before you start living the life you want.