What is ACT?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, is an evidence-based approach that focuses on increasing psychological flexibility—the ability to remain present and make choices based on personal values, even when uncomfortable thoughts or feelings arise.

Rather than trying to eliminate anxiety, self-doubt, painful memories, or other difficult internal experiences, ACT helps clients change their relationship with them. Clients learn to notice thoughts without automatically treating them as facts, make room for emotions and bodily sensations, and reduce patterns of avoidance that may provide temporary relief but create greater limitations over time.

ACT also places a strong emphasis on identifying what matters most to each individual. Therapy helps clients clarify their values and translate them into realistic, purposeful actions. Through mindfulness, acceptance, cognitive defusion, values exploration, and committed action, clients learn to move toward a fuller and more meaningful life without waiting to feel completely comfortable or certain first.