Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

What is Acceptance & Commitment Therapy?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a behavioral therapy that helps people develop a healthier relationship with difficult thoughts, emotions, and experiences. Rather than trying to eliminate uncomfortable thoughts or feelings, ACT focuses on learning how to respond to them in ways that support a meaningful and fulfilling life.

ACT is based on the idea that difficult emotions and thoughts are a normal part of life. When we spend a great deal of energy avoiding, controlling, or fighting those experiences, we can sometimes become stuck. ACT helps people develop greater psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present, make room for difficult experiences, and take actions that are consistent with what matters most to them.

How Does ACT Work?

ACT combines mindfulness, acceptance, and behavioral strategies to help people notice unhelpful patterns and make intentional choices.

Treatment may help you:

Identify thoughts and feelings that are getting in the way of daily life.
Learn to observe difficult thoughts without automatically acting on them.
Develop greater acceptance of uncomfortable emotions and experiences.
Clarify your personal values and what is important to you.
Set meaningful goals based on those values.
Take practical steps toward the life you want, even when difficult thoughts or emotions are present.

The goal isn’t to make difficult thoughts or feelings disappear. Instead, ACT helps you build skills to

Who Can Benefit From ACT?

ACT may be helpful for individuals who feel stuck in patterns of avoidance, worry, self-criticism, or emotional distress. It can also be useful for people who want to better understand their values and make changes that support their relationships, work, personal goals, and overall well-being.

ACT can be adapted to many different concerns and can be used as a primary approach or alongside other therapeutic approaches.

What Can ACT Help With?

ACT may be used to address a variety of concerns, including:

Anxiety and excessive worry
Depression and low mood
Stress and emotional distress
Trauma-related concerns
Self-criticism and low self-esteem
Difficulty coping with difficult emotions
Life transitions and adjustment
Relationship and interpersonal concerns
Avoidance and other unhelpful behavioral patterns
Difficulty identifying or pursuing personal goals

Your clinician can help determine whether ACT is an appropriate approach based on your individual needs and goals.

ACT at Modern Me Psychology

At Modern Me Psychology, ACT is used to help clients develop greater flexibility in how they respond to thoughts, emotions, and life experiences. Therapy is collaborative and individualized, with the focus on helping you understand what is keeping you stuck and identify practical steps toward the life you want.

ACT may be incorporated with other evidence-based approaches when that combination is appropriate for your needs.

Our Clinicians Who Use ACT

The following Modern Me Psychology clinicians use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT):

If you’re interested in ACT but aren’t sure which clinician may be the right fit, our Client Care team can help you identify an appropriate provider based on your needs, preferences, and availability.

Related Approaches

ACT may be used alongside or complement other approaches, including:

Ready to Get Started?

Finding the right therapeutic approach—and the right clinician—can make the process of starting therapy feel easier. If you’re interested in learning whether ACT may be right for you, contact Modern Me Psychology to discuss your needs and available treatment options.

Services are available in person at our Roselle, Illinois office and through telehealth for clients located in Illinois.

We accept several insurance plans, and coverage varies by plan and clinician. Contact us to confirm your benefits and whether your preferred provider and service are covered.