Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is an empirically-based psychological intervention belonging to the Third Wave CBT group of interventions. It can be helpful for managing a range of physical and psychological problems. The aim of ACT is to improve psychological flexibility, rather than to get rid of unwanted symptoms. This is not to say that we promote acceptance as a form of resignation to difficult circumstances - rather we collaborate with you to define what matters most and look for the ‘wiggle room’. ACT helps direct effort towards those values that matter and lean away from unhelpful strategies that maintain your struggle. What to expect… Initial focus is on exploring your goals and values, and identifying the Push and Pull factors that interfere with your ability to be your best version of yourself and live the best life that you can. As with other forms of CBT, you are expected to take an active part, with between- session tasks to optimise treatment. One at a time appointments… Whilst we might agree that several sessions could be required, we do not expect you to commit to a set number of appointments. Programmes have a typical duration of between four and ten sessions (based on previous clients’ experiences) but it is not our expectation that you commit to this; sessions are booked one at a time.