Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
If you're feeling stuck or overwhelmed by negative thoughts, ACT can help you improve your emotional resilience and give you a stronger sense of purpose.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a mindfulness-based therapy that helps people face difficult thoughts and emotions with openness while committing to actions that reflect their values. Instead of trying to control or eliminate pain, ACT encourages you to make space for it and live a meaningful life despite it. It combines strategies from cognitive-behavioral therapy with acceptance and mindfulness skills.
Who It Helps
ACT is used for anxiety, depression, PTSD, OCD, chronic pain, grief, and stress-related issues. It’s also a strong fit for people dealing with perfectionism, low self-esteem, or those feeling stuck or overwhelmed by change. Clients who want to focus on values, purpose, and flexibility often resonate with this approach.
How It Works
In ACT, you’ll learn to recognize unhelpful thoughts and emotions without letting them control you. Your therapist may use metaphors, mindfulness exercises, or experiential activities to help you detach from negative thinking patterns. You’ll clarify what truly matters to you (your core values) and take small steps toward a more meaningful, purpose-driven life even in the presence of fear or discomfort.
ACT emphasizes six core processes: acceptance, cognitive defusion, mindfulness, self-as-context, values clarification, and committed action.
Benefits
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps patients become more psychologically flexible and able to handle life’s challenges without being derailed by negative emotions or self-doubt. It can lead to less emotional avoidance, improved emotional resilience, and a stronger sense of purpose. Many clients report a shift from feeling “stuck” to living with greater direction and freedom.