Summary
If you’ve ever found yourself caught in a cycle of worry, overthinking, or trying to avoid difficult emotions, you’re not alone. Many people seek therapy because they’re looking for practical ways to cope with life’s challenges while creating a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based psychological therapy that helps people develop greater psychological flexibility—the ability to respond to difficult thoughts and emotions while continuing to take actions that align with their personal values.
Rather than trying to eliminate uncomfortable feelings, ACT focuses on changing how we relate to them. For many people, this approach can help reduce the impact that difficult thoughts have on everyday life.
At Attune Connect, our clinicians draw on a range of evidence-based therapies, including ACT, where appropriate to your individual needs, goals, and preferences.
Jump to
What is Acceptance & Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a behavioural therapy developed by psychologist Steven C. Hayes and colleagues. It combines mindfulness strategies with behaviour change techniques to help people respond more flexibly to life’s inevitable challenges.
ACT is based on the understanding that emotional discomfort is a normal part of being human. Instead of using energy trying to control or avoid difficult thoughts and feelings, ACT helps people learn practical skills to acknowledge these experiences while focusing on what matters most.
The aim is to improve psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present, adapt to challenges, and take meaningful action even when life feels difficult.
How does Acceptance & Commitment Therapy work?
ACT helps people develop six core psychological skills.
Acceptance
Learning to make space for uncomfortable emotions rather than constantly fighting them.
Cognitive Defusion
Recognising thoughts as thoughts — not necessarily facts — and reducing their influence over behaviour.
Present Moment Awareness
Developing mindfulness skills to become more engaged with the present rather than becoming caught up in worries about the future or regrets about the past.
Self-as-Context
Learning to see yourself as more than your thoughts, emotions, or past experiences.
Values
Identifying what is genuinely important to you so your decisions reflect the life you want to build.
Committed Action
Taking realistic steps towards your goals, even when challenges arise.
What Can Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Help With?
Research suggests ACT may be helpful for a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Burnout
- Grief and loss
- Workplace challenges
- Chronic pain
- Health-related adjustment
- Low self-esteem
- Life transitions
- Relationship difficulties
Your clinician will discuss whether ACT is an appropriate therapeutic approach based on your individual circumstances.
Benefits of ACT
People who engage in ACT often develop skills that help them:
- Respond more flexibly to difficult thoughts and emotions
- Increase self-awareness
- Clarify what matters most
- Build healthier habits
- Improve emotional resilience
- Reduce avoidance behaviours
- Develop practical coping strategies
- Engage more fully in work, relationships, and everyday life
Because every person is different, experiences and outcomes from therapy vary.
What happens during ACT sessions?
ACT is collaborative and tailored to your goals.
Your psychologist may work with you to:
- Understand your current challenges
- Explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck
- Teach mindfulness and psychological flexibility skills
- Clarify your personal values
- Develop practical strategies between sessions
- Review progress together over time
There is no “perfect” way to do ACT. Therapy is adapted to your individual circumstances.
Is ACT right for you?
ACT may be worth exploring if you:
- Feel overwhelmed by anxiety or stress
- Notice persistent overthinking
- Feel disconnected from what matters most
- Avoid situations because of fear or discomfort
- Want practical coping strategies
- Are looking for an evidence-based therapy
Your psychologist can discuss whether ACT or another therapeutic approach is likely to best meet your needs.
Why choose Attune Connect?
At Attune Connect, we believe therapy should feel collaborative, supportive, and personalised.
Our psychologist will work with you to understand your experiences, identify meaningful goals, and develop practical strategies that support your wellbeing. Where appropriate, they may draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy alongside other evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
If you’re considering therapy and would like to explore whether ACT is right for you, we’re here to help.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact Attune Connect to learn more about our services or book an appointment with one of our experienced clinicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. ACT has been extensively researched and is recognised as an evidence-based psychological therapy for a range of mental health concerns. Your clinician will determine whether it is suitable for your individual circumstances.
Both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are evidence-based therapies. CBT often focuses on identifying and evaluating unhelpful thinking patterns, while ACT focuses on changing your relationship with thoughts and emotions while encouraging actions guided by your personal values.
No. ACT has been studied across many concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, chronic pain, grief, workplace wellbeing, and adjustment to life changes.
Yes. Mindfulness is one component of ACT. It helps people become more aware of the present moment while developing greater flexibility in responding to difficult experiences.
There is no standard number of sessions. The length of therapy depends on your goals, circumstances, and the recommendations of your clinician.
References
American Psychological Association. (2023). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Depression Across Three Age Cohorts.
Gloster, A. T., Walder, N., Levin, M. E., Twohig, M. P., & Karekla, M. (2020). The empirical status of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 18, 181–192.
Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2016). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Powers, M. B., Zum Vörde Sive Vörding, M. B., & Emmelkamp, P. M. G. (2009). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A meta-analytic review. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 78(2), 73–80.
Twohig, M. P., & Levin, M. E. (2017). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a treatment for anxiety and depression: A review. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 40(4), 751–770.
Summary
If you’ve ever found yourself caught in a cycle of worry, overthinking, or trying to avoid difficult emotions, you’re not alone. Many people seek therapy because they’re looking for practical ways to cope with life’s challenges while creating a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based psychological therapy that helps people develop greater psychological flexibility—the ability to respond to difficult thoughts and emotions while continuing to take actions that align with their personal values.
Rather than trying to eliminate uncomfortable feelings, ACT focuses on changing how we relate to them. For many people, this approach can help reduce the impact that difficult thoughts have on everyday life.
At Attune Connect, our clinicians draw on a range of evidence-based therapies, including ACT, where appropriate to your individual needs, goals, and preferences.
Jump to
What is Acceptance & Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a behavioural therapy developed by psychologist Steven C. Hayes and colleagues. It combines mindfulness strategies with behaviour change techniques to help people respond more flexibly to life’s inevitable challenges.
ACT is based on the understanding that emotional discomfort is a normal part of being human. Instead of using energy trying to control or avoid difficult thoughts and feelings, ACT helps people learn practical skills to acknowledge these experiences while focusing on what matters most.
The aim is to improve psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present, adapt to challenges, and take meaningful action even when life feels difficult.
How does Acceptance & Commitment Therapy work?
ACT helps people develop six core psychological skills.
Acceptance
Learning to make space for uncomfortable emotions rather than constantly fighting them.
Cognitive Defusion
Recognising thoughts as thoughts — not necessarily facts — and reducing their influence over behaviour.
Present Moment Awareness
Developing mindfulness skills to become more engaged with the present rather than becoming caught up in worries about the future or regrets about the past.
Self-as-Context
Learning to see yourself as more than your thoughts, emotions, or past experiences.
Values
Identifying what is genuinely important to you so your decisions reflect the life you want to build.
Committed Action
Taking realistic steps towards your goals, even when challenges arise.
What Can Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Help With?
Research suggests ACT may be helpful for a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Burnout
- Grief and loss
- Workplace challenges
- Chronic pain
- Health-related adjustment
- Low self-esteem
- Life transitions
- Relationship difficulties
Your clinician will discuss whether ACT is an appropriate therapeutic approach based on your individual circumstances.
Benefits of ACT
People who engage in ACT often develop skills that help them:
- Respond more flexibly to difficult thoughts and emotions
- Increase self-awareness
- Clarify what matters most
- Build healthier habits
- Improve emotional resilience
- Reduce avoidance behaviours
- Develop practical coping strategies
- Engage more fully in work, relationships, and everyday life
Because every person is different, experiences and outcomes from therapy vary.
What happens during ACT sessions?
ACT is collaborative and tailored to your goals.
Your psychologist may work with you to:
- Understand your current challenges
- Explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck
- Teach mindfulness and psychological flexibility skills
- Clarify your personal values
- Develop practical strategies between sessions
- Review progress together over time
There is no “perfect” way to do ACT. Therapy is adapted to your individual circumstances.
Is ACT right for you?
ACT may be worth exploring if you:
- Feel overwhelmed by anxiety or stress
- Notice persistent overthinking
- Feel disconnected from what matters most
- Avoid situations because of fear or discomfort
- Want practical coping strategies
- Are looking for an evidence-based therapy
Your psychologist can discuss whether ACT or another therapeutic approach is likely to best meet your needs.
Why choose Attune Connect?
At Attune Connect, we believe therapy should feel collaborative, supportive, and personalised.
Our psychologist will work with you to understand your experiences, identify meaningful goals, and develop practical strategies that support your wellbeing. Where appropriate, they may draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy alongside other evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
If you’re considering therapy and would like to explore whether ACT is right for you, we’re here to help.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact Attune Connect to learn more about our services or book an appointment with one of our experienced clinicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. ACT has been extensively researched and is recognised as an evidence-based psychological therapy for a range of mental health concerns. Your clinician will determine whether it is suitable for your individual circumstances.
Both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are evidence-based therapies. CBT often focuses on identifying and evaluating unhelpful thinking patterns, while ACT focuses on changing your relationship with thoughts and emotions while encouraging actions guided by your personal values.
No. ACT has been studied across many concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, chronic pain, grief, workplace wellbeing, and adjustment to life changes.
Yes. Mindfulness is one component of ACT. It helps people become more aware of the present moment while developing greater flexibility in responding to difficult experiences.
There is no standard number of sessions. The length of therapy depends on your goals, circumstances, and the recommendations of your clinician.
References
American Psychological Association. (2023). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Depression Across Three Age Cohorts.
Gloster, A. T., Walder, N., Levin, M. E., Twohig, M. P., & Karekla, M. (2020). The empirical status of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 18, 181–192.
Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2016). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Powers, M. B., Zum Vörde Sive Vörding, M. B., & Emmelkamp, P. M. G. (2009). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A meta-analytic review. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 78(2), 73–80.
Twohig, M. P., & Levin, M. E. (2017). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a treatment for anxiety and depression: A review. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 40(4), 751–770.
Summary
If you’ve ever found yourself caught in a cycle of worry, overthinking, or trying to avoid difficult emotions, you’re not alone. Many people seek therapy because they’re looking for practical ways to cope with life’s challenges while creating a more meaningful and fulfilling life.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based psychological therapy that helps people develop greater psychological flexibility—the ability to respond to difficult thoughts and emotions while continuing to take actions that align with their personal values.
Rather than trying to eliminate uncomfortable feelings, ACT focuses on changing how we relate to them. For many people, this approach can help reduce the impact that difficult thoughts have on everyday life.
At Attune Connect, our clinicians draw on a range of evidence-based therapies, including ACT, where appropriate to your individual needs, goals, and preferences.
Jump to
What is Acceptance & Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a behavioural therapy developed by psychologist Steven C. Hayes and colleagues. It combines mindfulness strategies with behaviour change techniques to help people respond more flexibly to life’s inevitable challenges.
ACT is based on the understanding that emotional discomfort is a normal part of being human. Instead of using energy trying to control or avoid difficult thoughts and feelings, ACT helps people learn practical skills to acknowledge these experiences while focusing on what matters most.
The aim is to improve psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present, adapt to challenges, and take meaningful action even when life feels difficult.
How does Acceptance & Commitment Therapy work?
ACT helps people develop six core psychological skills.
Acceptance
Learning to make space for uncomfortable emotions rather than constantly fighting them.
Cognitive Defusion
Recognising thoughts as thoughts — not necessarily facts — and reducing their influence over behaviour.
Present Moment Awareness
Developing mindfulness skills to become more engaged with the present rather than becoming caught up in worries about the future or regrets about the past.
Self-as-Context
Learning to see yourself as more than your thoughts, emotions, or past experiences.
Values
Identifying what is genuinely important to you so your decisions reflect the life you want to build.
Committed Action
Taking realistic steps towards your goals, even when challenges arise.
What Can Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Help With?
Research suggests ACT may be helpful for a wide range of concerns, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Stress
- Burnout
- Grief and loss
- Workplace challenges
- Chronic pain
- Health-related adjustment
- Low self-esteem
- Life transitions
- Relationship difficulties
Your clinician will discuss whether ACT is an appropriate therapeutic approach based on your individual circumstances.
Benefits of ACT
People who engage in ACT often develop skills that help them:
- Respond more flexibly to difficult thoughts and emotions
- Increase self-awareness
- Clarify what matters most
- Build healthier habits
- Improve emotional resilience
- Reduce avoidance behaviours
- Develop practical coping strategies
- Engage more fully in work, relationships, and everyday life
Because every person is different, experiences and outcomes from therapy vary.
What happens during ACT sessions?
ACT is collaborative and tailored to your goals.
Your psychologist may work with you to:
- Understand your current challenges
- Explore patterns that may be keeping you stuck
- Teach mindfulness and psychological flexibility skills
- Clarify your personal values
- Develop practical strategies between sessions
- Review progress together over time
There is no “perfect” way to do ACT. Therapy is adapted to your individual circumstances.
Is ACT right for you?
ACT may be worth exploring if you:
- Feel overwhelmed by anxiety or stress
- Notice persistent overthinking
- Feel disconnected from what matters most
- Avoid situations because of fear or discomfort
- Want practical coping strategies
- Are looking for an evidence-based therapy
Your psychologist can discuss whether ACT or another therapeutic approach is likely to best meet your needs.
Why choose Attune Connect?
At Attune Connect, we believe therapy should feel collaborative, supportive, and personalised.
Our psychologist will work with you to understand your experiences, identify meaningful goals, and develop practical strategies that support your wellbeing. Where appropriate, they may draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy alongside other evidence-based therapeutic approaches.
If you’re considering therapy and would like to explore whether ACT is right for you, we’re here to help.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact Attune Connect to learn more about our services or book an appointment with one of our experienced clinicians.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. ACT has been extensively researched and is recognised as an evidence-based psychological therapy for a range of mental health concerns. Your clinician will determine whether it is suitable for your individual circumstances.
Both Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are evidence-based therapies. CBT often focuses on identifying and evaluating unhelpful thinking patterns, while ACT focuses on changing your relationship with thoughts and emotions while encouraging actions guided by your personal values.
No. ACT has been studied across many concerns including anxiety, depression, stress, chronic pain, grief, workplace wellbeing, and adjustment to life changes.
Yes. Mindfulness is one component of ACT. It helps people become more aware of the present moment while developing greater flexibility in responding to difficult experiences.
There is no standard number of sessions. The length of therapy depends on your goals, circumstances, and the recommendations of your clinician.
References
American Psychological Association. (2023). Clinical Practice Guideline for the Treatment of Depression Across Three Age Cohorts.
Gloster, A. T., Walder, N., Levin, M. E., Twohig, M. P., & Karekla, M. (2020). The empirical status of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A review of meta-analyses. Journal of Contextual Behavioral Science, 18, 181–192.
Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K. D., & Wilson, K. G. (2016). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change (2nd ed.). Guilford Press.
Powers, M. B., Zum Vörde Sive Vörding, M. B., & Emmelkamp, P. M. G. (2009). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: A meta-analytic review. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 78(2), 73–80.
Twohig, M. P., & Levin, M. E. (2017). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as a treatment for anxiety and depression: A review. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 40(4), 751–770.
