Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
ACT helps you live a meaningful life even when you’re struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings. Instead of trying to get rid of painful emotions, ACT teaches you to accept them and focus on what really matters to you. It’s about being present, opening up to your experience, and taking steps that match your values.

A Brief History
ACT was developed in the 1980s by Steven Hayes and colleagues. It grew from behavioural therapy and introduced mindfulness and acceptance as key parts of healing. It belongs to a group called third wave cognitive behavioural therapies, which focus on acceptance and values instead of just changing thoughts.

What Can ACT Help With?
ACT is helpful for anxiety, depression, stress, chronic pain, trauma, addiction, and relationship difficulties. It also supports anyone who wants to live more fully and with more self-acceptance.

The Main Components of ACT

  • Acceptance

    We learn to make space for difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them. You’ll practice noticing these experiences with kindness.

  • Cognitive Defusion

    We help you step back from your thoughts so they don’t control you. You’ll learn to see thoughts as just words or pictures.

  • Being Present

    ACT uses mindfulness to help you focus on the here and now. We practice ways to stay grounded and aware.

  • Values and Committed Action

    We work together to identify what matters most to you and take small steps toward those goals, even when it’s hard.