Sometimes the struggle isn’t just the difficult thoughts or emotions themselves, it’s the exhausting fight against them.
OUR APPROACH
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based behavioral therapy that helps individuals develop greater psychological flexibility. Rather than trying to eliminate painful thoughts or feelings, ACT focuses on changing the relationship we have with them so they no longer control our lives or limit meaningful action.
Our approach helps clients learn how to make space for difficult emotions, unhook from unhelpful thought patterns, and reconnect with personal values. ACT emphasizes living a rich, meaningful life even in the presence of discomfort, uncertainty, or emotional pain. Therapy is collaborative, experiential, and grounded in practical skills that can be applied in everyday life.
“You don’t have to get rid of difficult thoughts to move toward the life you want.”
DEFINING ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITMENT THERAPY (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that combines mindfulness, acceptance strategies, and behavioral change techniques. ACT is based on the idea that emotional pain is a normal part of being human, and that struggling against internal experiences often increases suffering.
ACT helps individuals build psychological flexibility which is the ability to stay present, respond intentionally, and take actions aligned with personal values even when difficult thoughts or emotions arise.
ACT may support individuals experiencing:
Anxiety and chronic worry
Depression or low motivation
Stress and burnout
Perfectionism and self-criticism
Difficult life transitions
Chronic illness or pain
Avoidance patterns or emotional overwhelm
SIGNS YOU MAY BENEFIT FROM ACT
You feel stuck in cycles of worry, overthinking, or self-criticism.
You spend significant energy trying to avoid uncomfortable emotions.
Fear, anxiety, or uncertainty interfere with daily life or decision-making.
You feel disconnected from your values or sense of purpose.
Difficult thoughts tend to control your behavior or choices.
You want practical tools grounded in mindfulness and behavior change.
You’re looking for a more flexible and compassionate way of relating to yourself.
HOW ACT CAN HELP
Developing psychological flexibility: Learn to respond to difficult thoughts and emotions with greater openness and intention.
Building mindfulness skills: Increase present-moment awareness and reduce automatic reactivity.
Reducing avoidance patterns: Identify behaviors that keep you stuck and practice new ways of responding.
Clarifying personal values: Explore what matters most and align actions with those values.
Changing relationship to thoughts: Learn strategies for stepping back from unhelpful thinking patterns.
Supporting meaningful action: Move toward goals and relationships that support a fuller, more connected life.
COMMON QUESTIONS ABOUT ACT
Q: Does ACT teach people to “accept” suffering?
A: ACT focuses on accepting the presence of internal experiences rather than fighting them, while still taking meaningful action toward change and growth.
Q: Is ACT evidence-based?
A: Yes. ACT is a well-researched therapeutic approach used to support a wide range of mental health concerns and life challenges.
Q: How is ACT different from traditional cognitive therapy?
A: Rather than focusing on changing the content of thoughts, ACT emphasizes changing the relationship individuals have with their thoughts.
Q: Is ACT helpful for anxiety and stress?
A: Yes. ACT is commonly used to help individuals navigate anxiety, stress, uncertainty, and emotional overwhelm.
Q: Can ACT be done virtually?
A: Yes. ACT adapts well to secure online therapy and can be highly effective in virtual sessions.