Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Psychologists and Therapists in Northmead, NSW

Photo of Jodie Handley, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Jodie Handley
Counsellor, ACA-L2
2 Endorsed
Northmead, NSW 2152
I use a person-centred, integrative approach, incorporating modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and Narrative Therapy.
I am deeply passionate about helping clients in their journey of dealing with pain, mental health concerns, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief, and losses in life that may be hindering their ability to live life to the full. As my client, you’ll be met with a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can share what matters most to you.
I use a person-centred, integrative approach, incorporating modalities such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and Narrative Therapy.
I am deeply passionate about helping clients in their journey of dealing with pain, mental health concerns, relationship difficulties, trauma, grief, and losses in life that may be hindering their ability to live life to the full. As my client, you’ll be met with a safe, compassionate, and nonjudgmental space where you can share what matters most to you.
(02) 8609 3634 View (02) 8609 3634
Photo of Robyn Joanne Bowman - Robyn Bowman Counselling, Counsellor, MC, PACFA
Robyn Bowman Counselling
Counsellor, MC, PACFA
Serves Area
My goal is to empower you with self-compassion, acceptance, and other tools to help you find a more peaceful and manageable life, which truly syncs with your deep values, where you thrive with joy, resilience and hope.
With a Master of Counselling, many years of life experience and ongoing professional study in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion focussed and Internal Family Systems Therapy and Trauma Informed therapy, I bring a great deal of compassion, understanding and skills in order to relieve your suffering and show you a better future.
My goal is to empower you with self-compassion, acceptance, and other tools to help you find a more peaceful and manageable life, which truly syncs with your deep values, where you thrive with joy, resilience and hope.
With a Master of Counselling, many years of life experience and ongoing professional study in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion focussed and Internal Family Systems Therapy and Trauma Informed therapy, I bring a great deal of compassion, understanding and skills in order to relieve your suffering and show you a better future.
(02) 8609 3783 View (02) 8609 3783
Photo of Bulent Bill Ada, Psychologist, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member
Bulent Bill Ada
Psychologist, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Utilising CBT, ACT, EMDR, DBT, and Schema Therapy, I guide them to develop practical coping skills and challenge unhelpful thought patterns.
As a seasoned psychologist, I can help by blending evidence-based therapies with practical strategies. I specialise in CBT, ACT, EMDR, DBT, and Schema Therapy, focusing on anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and work issues. I offer a supportive space for personal discovery and growth, to enhance mental wellbeing and life quality.
Utilising CBT, ACT, EMDR, DBT, and Schema Therapy, I guide them to develop practical coping skills and challenge unhelpful thought patterns.
As a seasoned psychologist, I can help by blending evidence-based therapies with practical strategies. I specialise in CBT, ACT, EMDR, DBT, and Schema Therapy, focusing on anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship and work issues. I offer a supportive space for personal discovery and growth, to enhance mental wellbeing and life quality.
(02) 7804 4915 View (02) 7804 4915
Photo of Neelab Omar, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Neelab Omar
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I aim to create a warm, safe, and non-judgemental space where you can speak openly about what’s weighing on you — the painful emotions, experiences, and challenges that life can throw our way. One of the most meaningful parts of my work is seeing clients feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported. A strong therapeutic relationship is central to meaningful change, so my style is friendly, relaxed, and down-to-earth. At the same time, my approach is pragmatic and purposeful — therapy isn’t just about talking, but about making sense of your experiences and finding practical ways to move forward in everyday life.
I aim to create a warm, safe, and non-judgemental space where you can speak openly about what’s weighing on you — the painful emotions, experiences, and challenges that life can throw our way. One of the most meaningful parts of my work is seeing clients feel genuinely heard, understood, and supported. A strong therapeutic relationship is central to meaningful change, so my style is friendly, relaxed, and down-to-earth. At the same time, my approach is pragmatic and purposeful — therapy isn’t just about talking, but about making sense of your experiences and finding practical ways to move forward in everyday life.
(02) 8074 5413 View (02) 8074 5413
Photo of Yeou-Ling Wen - Voices of Hope, Psychotherapist, MC, PACFA
Voices of Hope
Psychotherapist, MC, PACFA
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
I draw from a range of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Narrative Therapy — tailored to your needs.
I am here to help you heal from trauma — whether it’s PTSD, CPTSD, narcissistic abuse, betrayal trauma, or the pain of a relationship breakdown. Life is not always fair, but together we can focus on your self-growth, identify areas for change, and work towards a more fulfilling, grounded, and meaningful life. My approach is client-centred and attachment-based, with a focus on understanding and working with your emotions. By learning to recognise, process, and regulate your emotions, you can begin to navigate challenges with greater clarity and confidence. Every story is unique and worth continuing, with the potential to flourish.
I draw from a range of evidence-based therapies, including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Emotion-Focused Therapy (EFT), Solution-Focused Therapy (SFT), Motivational Interviewing (MI), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and Narrative Therapy — tailored to your needs.
I am here to help you heal from trauma — whether it’s PTSD, CPTSD, narcissistic abuse, betrayal trauma, or the pain of a relationship breakdown. Life is not always fair, but together we can focus on your self-growth, identify areas for change, and work towards a more fulfilling, grounded, and meaningful life. My approach is client-centred and attachment-based, with a focus on understanding and working with your emotions. By learning to recognise, process, and regulate your emotions, you can begin to navigate challenges with greater clarity and confidence. Every story is unique and worth continuing, with the potential to flourish.
(02) 7804 4150 View (02) 7804 4150
Photo of Melissa Biddlecombe, Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Melissa Biddlecombe
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L2
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I am a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming therapist who works with individuals and families affected by trauma, including domestic and family violence, coercive control, and relational trauma. I understand that trauma can affect every part of life, including relationships, parenting, self-worth, emotional wellbeing, and the way we experience the world around us. My aim is to offer a space where you feel safe, seen, and held with care — a space where you can begin to make sense of what you have been through, reconnect with yourself, and move toward healing at a pace that feels right for you.
I am a trauma-informed, neuro-affirming therapist who works with individuals and families affected by trauma, including domestic and family violence, coercive control, and relational trauma. I understand that trauma can affect every part of life, including relationships, parenting, self-worth, emotional wellbeing, and the way we experience the world around us. My aim is to offer a space where you feel safe, seen, and held with care — a space where you can begin to make sense of what you have been through, reconnect with yourself, and move toward healing at a pace that feels right for you.
(02) 8403 0383 View (02) 8403 0383
Photo of Caitlin Wright, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
Caitlin Wright
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA General
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I am well-versed in a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behaviour therapy, Acceptance & Commitment therapy, Trauma-Informed therapy, and when appropriate, utilising components from Dialectical Behaviour therapy and Psychodynamic psychotherapy.
I am a registered clinical psychologist, with a special interest in supporting adolescents & adults who have experienced trauma, including survivors of childhood trauma, PTSD and vicarious trauma. I have also worked with individuals experiencing relational problems, family issues, work-place stress, depression, and anxiety. My ideal client is one that is willing to be open & vulnerable with me, so that we are able to create a strong connection, so that we can understand what is going on with you.
I am well-versed in a range of therapeutic modalities, including Cognitive Behaviour therapy, Acceptance & Commitment therapy, Trauma-Informed therapy, and when appropriate, utilising components from Dialectical Behaviour therapy and Psychodynamic psychotherapy.
I am a registered clinical psychologist, with a special interest in supporting adolescents & adults who have experienced trauma, including survivors of childhood trauma, PTSD and vicarious trauma. I have also worked with individuals experiencing relational problems, family issues, work-place stress, depression, and anxiety. My ideal client is one that is willing to be open & vulnerable with me, so that we are able to create a strong connection, so that we can understand what is going on with you.
(02) 9630 0451 View (02) 9630 0451
Photo of Tony Monaghan, Psychologist, MPsych, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member
Tony Monaghan
Psychologist, MPsych, Australian Association of Psychologists - Member
Serves Area
In the same way that you see a GP for physical illness, a physio for muscular problems, a psychologist can help with mental, emotional and situational problems. You have a safe place to talk about things. You are not alone, and what you face is often faced by others. When you don’t know what else to do, we can help you find safety, and ease the pain - of anxiety, depression, relationships, grief, and career. We can also get to the root cause, to end spiralling, to end the back and forth. We can meet face to face in Norwest or by Zoom. Access to medicare benefits for mental health plans are available.
In the same way that you see a GP for physical illness, a physio for muscular problems, a psychologist can help with mental, emotional and situational problems. You have a safe place to talk about things. You are not alone, and what you face is often faced by others. When you don’t know what else to do, we can help you find safety, and ease the pain - of anxiety, depression, relationships, grief, and career. We can also get to the root cause, to end spiralling, to end the back and forth. We can meet face to face in Norwest or by Zoom. Access to medicare benefits for mental health plans are available.
(02) 8609 3937 View (02) 8609 3937
Photo of Alison Bausse, Psychologist, PsyBA General
Alison Bausse
Psychologist, PsyBA General
Serves Area
I incorporate a mix of strategies from therapies such as CBT, ACT, DBT, +CBT and SFBT.
I am a Psychologist with over 13 years experience in working with people across a wide range of issues. I am passionate about helping people to find a way to address these difficulties and barriers that they feel are holding them back in life. I specifically enjoy working with those presenting with mood disorders, low self esteem, relationship difficulties, infidelity and parenting but am not limited to these areas in relation to expertise. I am warm, empathetic and non judgmental and strive to create a safe space to explore difficult issues. A positive experience of therapy is my goal for you.
I incorporate a mix of strategies from therapies such as CBT, ACT, DBT, +CBT and SFBT.
I am a Psychologist with over 13 years experience in working with people across a wide range of issues. I am passionate about helping people to find a way to address these difficulties and barriers that they feel are holding them back in life. I specifically enjoy working with those presenting with mood disorders, low self esteem, relationship difficulties, infidelity and parenting but am not limited to these areas in relation to expertise. I am warm, empathetic and non judgmental and strive to create a safe space to explore difficult issues. A positive experience of therapy is my goal for you.
(02) 8294 7467 View (02) 8294 7467
Photo of Khalida Nasir, Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Khalida Nasir
Psychologist, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT).
Khalida is a warm and empathetic Clinical Psychologist who takes on a collaborative approach, recognising that everybody is unique, she likes to draw from various modalities to tailor a treatment plan to the individual. Khalida is experienced in working with adolescents and adults working across various presentations. She works confidently with diverse cultures, navigating dual identity and in situations where cultural awareness and appreciation are integral priding herself in working together holistically.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapy (IPT).
Khalida is a warm and empathetic Clinical Psychologist who takes on a collaborative approach, recognising that everybody is unique, she likes to draw from various modalities to tailor a treatment plan to the individual. Khalida is experienced in working with adolescents and adults working across various presentations. She works confidently with diverse cultures, navigating dual identity and in situations where cultural awareness and appreciation are integral priding herself in working together holistically.
(02) 7804 4722 View (02) 7804 4722
Photo of Sarah Traynor, Social Worker, AASW
Sarah Traynor
Social Worker, AASW
Serves Area
I am an accredited social worker with 24 years of experience working across Sydney. I have experience working for NGOs, and State and Federal Government agencies in counselling, community development, case management, disaster recovery, group work and delivering training. I enjoy engaging with diverse individuals and families at varied stages of life, providing therapeutic intervention, and working towards positive change. I am available to provide a variety of support services to assist individuals with reaching their goals. I use talk therapy and creative therapy techniques and a strengths based approach to work towards change.
I am an accredited social worker with 24 years of experience working across Sydney. I have experience working for NGOs, and State and Federal Government agencies in counselling, community development, case management, disaster recovery, group work and delivering training. I enjoy engaging with diverse individuals and families at varied stages of life, providing therapeutic intervention, and working towards positive change. I am available to provide a variety of support services to assist individuals with reaching their goals. I use talk therapy and creative therapy techniques and a strengths based approach to work towards change.
(02) 7804 4770 View (02) 7804 4770
Photo of Gissia Castelnoble, Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Ed. Psych.
Gissia Castelnoble
Psychologist, MA, PsyBA - Ed. Psych.
Serves Area
I work within Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), solution-focused Therapy, and other psychological frameworks, which are well-researched psychological intervention modalities.
I am an educational and developmental psychologist with a particular interest in childhood, adolescent, and adult mental health, resilience building, and positive well-being. I practise from my clinic and provide specialised support to clients of all ages, empowering them to work through and achieve their treatment goals in a caring and safe environment.
I work within Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), solution-focused Therapy, and other psychological frameworks, which are well-researched psychological intervention modalities.
I am an educational and developmental psychologist with a particular interest in childhood, adolescent, and adult mental health, resilience building, and positive well-being. I practise from my clinic and provide specialised support to clients of all ages, empowering them to work through and achieve their treatment goals in a caring and safe environment.
(02) 7804 4890 View (02) 7804 4890
Photo of Tammy Maree Chen - The Recalibrate Hub, Counsellor, MA, ACA-L4
The Recalibrate Hub
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L4
Serves Area
Whether you’re excitedly planning for your wedding, feeling disappointed in your relationship or the spark has waned after decades of marriage, know I too have travelled the relationship roller coaster of euphoria & broken dreams. The reality is, these relationship struggles can overflow into parenting too. You may be excitedly expecting your first child or perhaps, you're feeling overwhelmed by your children's attitude. Regardless of what stage you're in, hope exists for you to recalibrate your relationships and parenting. I'm looking forward to supporting you to do this, so you can know empowerment & joy in your current season.
Whether you’re excitedly planning for your wedding, feeling disappointed in your relationship or the spark has waned after decades of marriage, know I too have travelled the relationship roller coaster of euphoria & broken dreams. The reality is, these relationship struggles can overflow into parenting too. You may be excitedly expecting your first child or perhaps, you're feeling overwhelmed by your children's attitude. Regardless of what stage you're in, hope exists for you to recalibrate your relationships and parenting. I'm looking forward to supporting you to do this, so you can know empowerment & joy in your current season.
(02) 8355 9790 View (02) 8355 9790
Photo of Dana Mitrovic, Psychologist, MPsych, MACPA
Dana Mitrovic
Psychologist, MPsych, MACPA
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
Drawing from a diverse range of modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), attachment-based psychotherapy, Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (CBT & Schema Therapy), psychodynamic therapies, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) suitable to your journey.
As a dedicated and authentic female clinical psychologist, I bring over a decade of therapeutic expertise to our meaningful connection. My unwavering commitment to integrity guides every step of our journey together. My ideal client is one who is experiencing difficulties in their life and seeking support in working through this. I work with clients from a large range of mental health presentations. I have a strong focus on the development of our adult selves through our early developmental experiences and working toward changing unhelpful patterns in your life to create a better present and future.
Drawing from a diverse range of modalities, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), attachment-based psychotherapy, Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies (CBT & Schema Therapy), psychodynamic therapies, and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) suitable to your journey.
As a dedicated and authentic female clinical psychologist, I bring over a decade of therapeutic expertise to our meaningful connection. My unwavering commitment to integrity guides every step of our journey together. My ideal client is one who is experiencing difficulties in their life and seeking support in working through this. I work with clients from a large range of mental health presentations. I have a strong focus on the development of our adult selves through our early developmental experiences and working toward changing unhelpful patterns in your life to create a better present and future.
(02) 9630 0451 View (02) 9630 0451
Photo of Queenie Tran, Counsellor, ACA-L2
Queenie Tran
Counsellor, ACA-L2
Serves Area
Using CBT, DBT, and ACT, I tailor strategies to support families with emotional regulation, parenting stress, and recovery from burnout.
I support parents, retirees and families navigating the emotional toll of caregiving, parenting, and life transitions. While I specialise in women’s mental health, I also work with fathers, couples, and whole families to strengthen relationships, set boundaries, and build resilience. Using a systemic approach, I help families communicate better, reduce conflict, and function more cooperatively. I also support young people to develop emotional regulation skills for long-term wellbeing and healthy relationships.
Using CBT, DBT, and ACT, I tailor strategies to support families with emotional regulation, parenting stress, and recovery from burnout.
I support parents, retirees and families navigating the emotional toll of caregiving, parenting, and life transitions. While I specialise in women’s mental health, I also work with fathers, couples, and whole families to strengthen relationships, set boundaries, and build resilience. Using a systemic approach, I help families communicate better, reduce conflict, and function more cooperatively. I also support young people to develop emotional regulation skills for long-term wellbeing and healthy relationships.
(02) 7804 4975 View (02) 7804 4975
Photo of Debbie Viengkham, Psychologist, MAPS
Debbie Viengkham
Psychologist, MAPS
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I primarily utilise Schema Therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy ( ACT) and believe the skills are immensely helpful in all areas of our lives, including our careers, relationships, home life.
My ideal client would be someone who is motivated to change, and keen to understand their own behaviours and motivations in hopes for a more balanced life. I have a passion for understanding human behaviour, our motivations and what influences our choices, decisions, and actions whether conscious or subconscious. I find the dynamics between people and their environment fascinating, and how individual differences allow us to perceive the world in our own unique ways.
I primarily utilise Schema Therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy ( ACT) and believe the skills are immensely helpful in all areas of our lives, including our careers, relationships, home life.
My ideal client would be someone who is motivated to change, and keen to understand their own behaviours and motivations in hopes for a more balanced life. I have a passion for understanding human behaviour, our motivations and what influences our choices, decisions, and actions whether conscious or subconscious. I find the dynamics between people and their environment fascinating, and how individual differences allow us to perceive the world in our own unique ways.
(02) 7804 4203 View (02) 7804 4203
Photo of Jonathan Righetti, Psychotherapist, ACA-L2
Jonathan Righetti
Psychotherapist, ACA-L2
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
For me, the heart of therapy is building a real, human connection. I like to keep the process authentic and, at times, a little unconventional—because no two people are the same, and neither is the way we work together. My role is to offer compassion, understanding, and steady support as we navigate whatever life is throwing your way. I believe in focusing on what’s gone right in your life—your wins, your strengths, and the moments you’ve already overcome—rather than only looking at setbacks. Every experience, whether uplifting or challenging, shapes who you are and can be a stepping stone toward who you want to become.
For me, the heart of therapy is building a real, human connection. I like to keep the process authentic and, at times, a little unconventional—because no two people are the same, and neither is the way we work together. My role is to offer compassion, understanding, and steady support as we navigate whatever life is throwing your way. I believe in focusing on what’s gone right in your life—your wins, your strengths, and the moments you’ve already overcome—rather than only looking at setbacks. Every experience, whether uplifting or challenging, shapes who you are and can be a stepping stone toward who you want to become.
(02) 7804 4773 View (02) 7804 4773
Photo of Katalin Janssens, Psychotherapist, MA, ACA-L3
Katalin Janssens
Psychotherapist, MA, ACA-L3
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Drawing on Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, existential, and polyvagal-informed approaches, we’ll focus on emotional safety, self-compassion, and the skills that support lasting healing.
I help adults heal from trauma, grief, and life transitions in a space that is safe, grounded, and genuinely human. Many people reach out when anxiety feels louder, loss feels overwhelming, or unhelpful patterns keep repeating. Therapy offers a place to slow down, understand what is happening beneath the surface, and work toward depth, clarity, healing, and a more satisfying way of living. Together, we combine practical tools with thoughtful exploration so change feels steady, meaningful, and sustainable.
Drawing on Internal Family Systems, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, existential, and polyvagal-informed approaches, we’ll focus on emotional safety, self-compassion, and the skills that support lasting healing.
I help adults heal from trauma, grief, and life transitions in a space that is safe, grounded, and genuinely human. Many people reach out when anxiety feels louder, loss feels overwhelming, or unhelpful patterns keep repeating. Therapy offers a place to slow down, understand what is happening beneath the surface, and work toward depth, clarity, healing, and a more satisfying way of living. Together, we combine practical tools with thoughtful exploration so change feels steady, meaningful, and sustainable.
(02) 9630 0451 View (02) 9630 0451
Photo of Stephen Hewitson, Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Stephen Hewitson
Psychologist, MPsych, PsyBA - Clin. Psych
Serves Area
I use CBT, ACT, DBT and schema therapy to help people break free from long standing patterns and move them towards the life they want to live.
I take a collaborative, evidence-based approach, helping clients explore the patterns, beliefs, and behaviours that keep them stuck. Together, we create practical strategies to manage anxiety, reduce stress, improve relationships, increase self-esteem and break free from unhelpful patterns. Interventions are tailored to the individual and their difficulties.
I use CBT, ACT, DBT and schema therapy to help people break free from long standing patterns and move them towards the life they want to live.
I take a collaborative, evidence-based approach, helping clients explore the patterns, beliefs, and behaviours that keep them stuck. Together, we create practical strategies to manage anxiety, reduce stress, improve relationships, increase self-esteem and break free from unhelpful patterns. Interventions are tailored to the individual and their difficulties.
(02) 4703 5882 View (02) 4703 5882

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Cathy Lee - Holding the Space, Counsellor, MA, ACA-L1
Holding the Space
Counsellor, MA, ACA-L1
Online Only
My approach draws from Focusing, Somatic EMDR, ACT, and therapeutic touch-based work—always at a pace that honours your system.
Gentle, body-based therapy to help you feel safer, calmer, and more connected. You might feel anxious, disconnected, overwhelmed—or like you’re holding it all together but never quite landing. Maybe your body feels tense or shut down. Maybe you long for more ease, more self-trust, or simply a space where you don’t have to work so hard to be okay. Whether you’re new to therapy or looking for a deeper, more embodied approach, you’re welcome here. Together, we move gently—toward safety, connection, and change that lasts.
My approach draws from Focusing, Somatic EMDR, ACT, and therapeutic touch-based work—always at a pace that honours your system.
Gentle, body-based therapy to help you feel safer, calmer, and more connected. You might feel anxious, disconnected, overwhelmed—or like you’re holding it all together but never quite landing. Maybe your body feels tense or shut down. Maybe you long for more ease, more self-trust, or simply a space where you don’t have to work so hard to be okay. Whether you’re new to therapy or looking for a deeper, more embodied approach, you’re welcome here. Together, we move gently—toward safety, connection, and change that lasts.
(02) 9100 0362 View (02) 9100 0362
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists
How does acceptance and commitment therapy work?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy encourages a person to listen to their self-talk. A person’s inner dialog can be indicative of how they treat themselves. ACT also encourages self-compassion; this can lead to a better understanding of negative thought patterns and emotional states. This understanding can then lead the individual to needed behavior change.

What are the goals of acceptance and commitment therapy?
The goal of acceptance and commitment is to expand a person’s psychological flexibility, a trait that encourages an individual to live in the present moment and to accept all their thoughts, feelings, and emotions, even ones that are difficult such as sadness and anxiety. In ACT, this acceptance is congruent with the individual’s values and beliefs.

Does acceptance and commitment therapy work for depression?
Acceptance and commitment therapy is effective for depression because it allows the individual to view their discomfort and suffering differently. Depressive feelings about relationship heartaches, for example, are a part of life. A despondent person learns to let go of their struggles and instead view their painful thoughts and feelings with compassion. This will lead the individual toward positive change.

How long are people typically in acceptance and commitment therapy?
A typical acceptance and commitment therapy session is 50 minutes long with one session per week. Treatment for common problems such as anxiety, depression, or relationship difficulties can last between eight weeks to four months. However, more severe cases may require more than one session a week and/or a longer time frame for treatment.