ACT Therapy

What is ACT Therapy?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is rooted in the idea that psychological suffering arises from the struggle to avoid or control uncomfortable thoughts and feelings, rather than from the thoughts and feelings themselves. By teaching individuals to embrace their experiences and live in alignment with their values, ACT promotes psychological flexibility—the ability to adapt to challenges and remain committed to meaningful actions.

What Can ACT Help With?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has been shown to be effective for a variety of mental health and life challenges, including:

• Anxiety disorders
• Depression
• Chronic pain
• Stress and burnout
• Substance use and addiction
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

How ACT Works

ACT is built on six core principles:

1. Cognitive Defusion – Learning to step back from unhelpful thoughts.
2. Acceptance – Making space for uncomfortable feelings instead of fighting them.
3. Contact with the Present Moment – Cultivating mindfulness and awareness.
4. Self-as-Context – Understanding yourself as more than your thoughts or emotions.
5. Values Clarification – Identifying what truly matters to you.
6. Committed Action – Taking steps toward meaningful goals, even in the face of obstacles.

Is ACT Right for You?

If you're feeling stuck, overwhelmed by anxiety or low mood, or struggling to cope with ongoing stress or pain, ACT may help. Many people find ACT empowering — not because it “fixes” everything, but because it teaches them how to move forward with clarity and resilience.