ACT (said as one word, “act”) is a modern, research-supported form of therapy. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult thoughts and emotions, ACT helps you change your relationship with them so they hold less power over your choices. The goal is psychological flexibility: the ability to stay present, make room for hard feelings, and keep moving toward what you care about.

ACT uses mindfulness and acceptance skills alongside values clarification and committed action. You learn to notice unhelpful thoughts without being controlled by them, to define what truly matters to you, and to take concrete steps in that direction. It’s used for a broad range of concerns and works well alongside CBT and DBT.

ACT is especially helpful when you’re caught in a struggle with your own thoughts and feelings, and that struggle has crowded out the life you actually want to live.

ACT tends to suit people who are tired of fighting their own thoughts and want to focus on building a meaningful life rather than only reducing symptoms. It blends mindfulness with action, so it works well if you like practical steps grounded in something that matters. If you’d prefer a more directly skills- and structure-focused approach, CBT or DBT may be a better starting point, and our therapists often blend them. Several of our therapists are trained in ACT, including Kelly King, Whittney Wakefield, and Natasha Griffiths. We’ll find the right fit at your intake.