Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Stop fighting your thoughts. Start living your values.
What Is ACT?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (pronounced as one word, "act") takes a different approach than therapies focused on eliminating negative thoughts and feelings. Instead, ACT teaches you to accept difficult internal experiences as a normal part of life, while committing to actions that align with your personal values. The goal isn't to feel good all the time — it's to build a rich, meaningful life even when difficult emotions show up.
How It Works
ACT is built around six core skills:
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Acceptance of thoughts and feelings rather than avoidance
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Cognitive defusion — creating distance from unhelpful thoughts
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Present-moment awareness
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Self-as-context — observing yourself rather than being defined by thoughts
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Values clarification
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Committed action toward what matters most
Sessions combine mindfulness exercises with values-based goal setting and behavioral change.
Who ACT Helps
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Anxiety and depression
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Chronic pain and chronic illness
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Stress and burnout
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Substance use
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OCD
What to Expect
ACT sessions often include experiential exercises and metaphors designed to shift your relationship with difficult thoughts, rather than relying solely on logical analysis. It's an active, values-driven approach to therapy.
