Acceptance and commitment therapy
What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a modern, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that helps people live more fully by teaching them how to relate differently to difficult thoughts and feelings. Unlike traditional approaches that aim to eliminate unwanted internal experiences, ACT helps individuals develop psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present, open up to discomfort, and take meaningful action guided by personal values.
At our practice, we use ACT to support individuals struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, and other related challenges. ACT is especially effective for these conditions because it targets the struggle with intrusive thoughts, excessive worry, and the urge to avoid or control anxiety—core features in many anxiety-related disorders.
How ACT Works
ACT is built around six core processes:
Acceptance – Learning to open up to uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and sensations instead of avoiding or fighting them.
Cognitive Defusion – Changing the way we relate to our thoughts by noticing them as mental events, not truths we have to obey.
Being Present – Developing mindful awareness of the here-and-now, which reduces getting lost in worries about the future or ruminations about the past.
Self-as-Context – Building a sense of self that is more than our thoughts or emotions, creating space for a broader perspective.
Values Clarification – Identifying what truly matters to you—what kind of person you want to be and what you want your life to stand for.
Committed Action – Taking concrete steps in alignment with your values, even in the presence of fear, discomfort, or doubt.
ACT for OCD and Anxiety Disorders
In conditions like OCD and anxiety, people often get trapped in a cycle of experiential avoidance—trying to control or escape from distressing thoughts, feelings, or urges. For example, someone with OCD might perform compulsions to neutralize a disturbing intrusive thought, while someone with panic disorder may avoid situations where panic attacks might occur.
ACT offers an alternative path: Rather than trying to suppress or eliminate these experiences, clients learn to accept them as part of being human—while also making choices that move them toward a meaningful life.
By practicing mindfulness, defusing from intrusive thoughts, and taking action in line with values (instead of fear), our clients often find that anxiety and obsessions have less control over their lives.
What You Can Expect in ACT Therapy
In ACT sessions at our practice, you’ll:
Learn practical mindfulness and defusion exercises to manage anxiety, obsessions, and compulsions
Explore your personal values to guide therapy goals and daily actions
Gain tools to step back from rigid thought patterns and emotional avoidance
Receive compassionate support as you face fear and uncertainty in a new way
ACT doesn’t promise a life without discomfort—but it does offer a path toward greater freedom, vitality, and purpose, even with anxiety present.
Is ACT Right for You?
If you've tried other therapies and felt stuck—especially if you've been battling your thoughts and feelings for years—ACT might be the shift you’ve been looking for. It's a powerful approach for those ready to stop fighting their inner experience and start building a life that feels more authentic, connected, and meaningful.
We’re here to help. Whether you're dealing with OCD, chronic anxiety, or related concerns, our therapists are trained in ACT and ready to walk with you every step of the way.