Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in Ontario

My personal philosophy is radical acceptance.
My approach tailors/ mixes and matches best fitting modalities and resources to your needs. My specialties include CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), DBT Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative, Harm Reduction, Solution-Focused, Psycho dynamic, Family Systems, Structural, Trauma-Informed, Gestalt and Mindfulness.
My personal philosophy is radical acceptance.
My approach tailors/ mixes and matches best fitting modalities and resources to your needs. My specialties include CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy), DBT Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, Narrative, Harm Reduction, Solution-Focused, Psycho dynamic, Family Systems, Structural, Trauma-Informed, Gestalt and Mindfulness.

I provide evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches to help you meet your goals.
Through these scientifically validated methods, I aim not only to help alleviate your current struggles but to empower you with the skills necessary to navigate life's difficulties independently.
I provide evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), and mindfulness-based approaches to help you meet your goals.
Through these scientifically validated methods, I aim not only to help alleviate your current struggles but to empower you with the skills necessary to navigate life's difficulties independently.

Our approach combines evidence-based tools— ACT, CFT, mindfulness, and somatic work—to help clients untangle patterns, regulate emotions, and create meaningful change.
This is the space for anyone feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, burnout, or life transitions. You’ve been holding it all together—but it’s exhausting. Whether you’re a professional navigating nonstop demands, a parent craving more balance, a teen under pressure, a child with anxieties, or a woman seeking clarity—you’re ready for change. You want to stop overthinking, feel more grounded, and reconnect with yourself. You’re looking for support that actually helps you move forward with more calm, confidence, and direction.
Our approach combines evidence-based tools— ACT, CFT, mindfulness, and somatic work—to help clients untangle patterns, regulate emotions, and create meaningful change.
This is the space for anyone feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, burnout, or life transitions. You’ve been holding it all together—but it’s exhausting. Whether you’re a professional navigating nonstop demands, a parent craving more balance, a teen under pressure, a child with anxieties, or a woman seeking clarity—you’re ready for change. You want to stop overthinking, feel more grounded, and reconnect with yourself. You’re looking for support that actually helps you move forward with more calm, confidence, and direction.

I have experience in providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
How to find hope? If you are feeling stuck, engaging in therapy can help you get moving again. You are seeking CHANGE. You feel stuck or you are sliding into habits that cause pain and suffering. Insecurity and conflict are things you are experiencing more than you want to. You may have turned to substances to numb the pain. It takes courage to seek support. Healing begins in the presence of someone who cares and tries to understand your journey. I can offer you that support.
I have experience in providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT).
How to find hope? If you are feeling stuck, engaging in therapy can help you get moving again. You are seeking CHANGE. You feel stuck or you are sliding into habits that cause pain and suffering. Insecurity and conflict are things you are experiencing more than you want to. You may have turned to substances to numb the pain. It takes courage to seek support. Healing begins in the presence of someone who cares and tries to understand your journey. I can offer you that support.

We'll also incorporate mindfulness and acceptance strategies, where you'll learn to acknowledge and work through difficult thoughts and feelings without letting them control your actions.
You know you’re capable of something more—something meaningful, impactful, maybe even big—but you feel stuck. You’re not sure what direction to move in, or how to take the next step. Life looks fine from the outside, but inside, it’s like you’re carrying a weight you can’t name. Maybe your relationship feels off, or you’ve lost your spark in work or family life. You’re doing everything you’re “supposed” to—but something’s missing. You want clarity. You want calm. And more than anything, you want to feel like you’re actually living your life, not just managing it.
We'll also incorporate mindfulness and acceptance strategies, where you'll learn to acknowledge and work through difficult thoughts and feelings without letting them control your actions.
You know you’re capable of something more—something meaningful, impactful, maybe even big—but you feel stuck. You’re not sure what direction to move in, or how to take the next step. Life looks fine from the outside, but inside, it’s like you’re carrying a weight you can’t name. Maybe your relationship feels off, or you’ve lost your spark in work or family life. You’re doing everything you’re “supposed” to—but something’s missing. You want clarity. You want calm. And more than anything, you want to feel like you’re actually living your life, not just managing it.

I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Solution-Focused approaches.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed by outside stress and demands or internal struggles that make daily life difficult? Life can be challenging and unpredictable at times, however you can learn to not only cope, but thrive, in the face of these difficulties. Through therapy, we can work together to discover skills and strategies that will allow you to tackle those difficulties in a healthy way and start to live the life you desire.
I primarily use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy and Solution-Focused approaches.
Do you find yourself overwhelmed by outside stress and demands or internal struggles that make daily life difficult? Life can be challenging and unpredictable at times, however you can learn to not only cope, but thrive, in the face of these difficulties. Through therapy, we can work together to discover skills and strategies that will allow you to tackle those difficulties in a healthy way and start to live the life you desire.

I am an integrative therapist, drawing on ACT, CBT, Narrative Therapy, SFT, EFT, Gottman Couples techniques, and other modalities to create tailor made treatment plans for individuals and couples.
Life can be challenging. Problems at work, discord at home, relationship troubles, unresolved past events, feelings of depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, isolation, and countless other difficulties can make us feel overwhelmed and hopeless. Whatever your reasons for seeking help, I aim to create a supportive, ‘non-judgy’ space where we can talk through whatever is on your mind, understand what is happening and move forward.
I am an integrative therapist, drawing on ACT, CBT, Narrative Therapy, SFT, EFT, Gottman Couples techniques, and other modalities to create tailor made treatment plans for individuals and couples.
Life can be challenging. Problems at work, discord at home, relationship troubles, unresolved past events, feelings of depression, anxiety, grief, trauma, isolation, and countless other difficulties can make us feel overwhelmed and hopeless. Whatever your reasons for seeking help, I aim to create a supportive, ‘non-judgy’ space where we can talk through whatever is on your mind, understand what is happening and move forward.

I use a person-centered approach including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) Gottman Couples Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT).
This integrative style allows me to support you in healing from unresolved experiences, developing a stronger sense of self, and building effective tools to manage your triggers and meet your needs.
If you’re not feeling like yourself, there’s a name for that—and healing is possible.
I use a person-centered approach including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT) Gottman Couples Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT).
This integrative style allows me to support you in healing from unresolved experiences, developing a stronger sense of self, and building effective tools to manage your triggers and meet your needs.
If you’re not feeling like yourself, there’s a name for that—and healing is possible.

I enjoy working with parts work, ACT and mindfulness, as well as CBT and blending these modalities to explore and build emotional, behavioural, and cognitive tools.
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or pressured to maintain your responsibilities and relationships? This can take a toll on your mental health; sometimes, it feels like anxiety and/or depression, which often manifest as fatigue, listlesness, or avoidance.
Maybe you push yourself in the other direction: over-achieving, held to impossible standards of perfectionism, and a chronically busy schedule?
I’m passionate about mental health, and enjoy meeting clients in a safe, empowering, genuine way. I believe that you are the best authority on your life, and my job is to help you navigate a path through self-discovery and healing.
I enjoy working with parts work, ACT and mindfulness, as well as CBT and blending these modalities to explore and build emotional, behavioural, and cognitive tools.
Are you feeling stressed, overwhelmed, or pressured to maintain your responsibilities and relationships? This can take a toll on your mental health; sometimes, it feels like anxiety and/or depression, which often manifest as fatigue, listlesness, or avoidance.
Maybe you push yourself in the other direction: over-achieving, held to impossible standards of perfectionism, and a chronically busy schedule?
I’m passionate about mental health, and enjoy meeting clients in a safe, empowering, genuine way. I believe that you are the best authority on your life, and my job is to help you navigate a path through self-discovery and healing.

My therapeutic approach integrates Solution Focused Therapy with Acceptance Commitment Therapy principles and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skill-building.
With over ten years of experience working therapeutically with adults, youth, and families, I bring real-world therapeutic skills that help my clients tackle some of life’s biggest challenges, exploring their past and pain in a safe and healing way, and reconciling relationships within themselves and others.
I collaborate with you to build a vision of your future self, uncovering and developing the pathways needed to build these visions into reality, and live more of the life you are hoping for.
My therapeutic approach integrates Solution Focused Therapy with Acceptance Commitment Therapy principles and Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) skill-building.
With over ten years of experience working therapeutically with adults, youth, and families, I bring real-world therapeutic skills that help my clients tackle some of life’s biggest challenges, exploring their past and pain in a safe and healing way, and reconciling relationships within themselves and others.
I collaborate with you to build a vision of your future self, uncovering and developing the pathways needed to build these visions into reality, and live more of the life you are hoping for.

Wendy Elizabeth Brown
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, ICADC, ICCS, CCAC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
Positive changes can occur through discussion, reflection, validation and acceptance of self and others.
Wendy Brown is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. As well, she is a seasoned veteran in the field of Addiction Counselling for over 30 years. Wendy's practice and experience has focused on the continuum of treatment, including harm reduction, stabilization, abstinence and relapse prevention depending on each individuals goals. She specializes in Issues of mental health and substance use for adults, young adults and youth. Challenges such as internal and external stressors such as grief, trauma, emotional regulation and issues related to the Criminal Justice System.
Positive changes can occur through discussion, reflection, validation and acceptance of self and others.
Wendy Brown is a Registered Psychotherapist with the College of Registered Psychotherapists of Ontario. As well, she is a seasoned veteran in the field of Addiction Counselling for over 30 years. Wendy's practice and experience has focused on the continuum of treatment, including harm reduction, stabilization, abstinence and relapse prevention depending on each individuals goals. She specializes in Issues of mental health and substance use for adults, young adults and youth. Challenges such as internal and external stressors such as grief, trauma, emotional regulation and issues related to the Criminal Justice System.

We work primarily with adults as well as teenagers, utilizing an integrative approach that includes person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy ( ACT), narrative therapy, and solution-focused techniques tailored to your unique situation.
Taking a trauma-informed approach, we focus on the full picture of your life and consider how your childhood experiences shape your present self and influence your current challenges. With specialized training in anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationships, we are dedicated to supporting your unique perspective.
We work primarily with adults as well as teenagers, utilizing an integrative approach that includes person-centered therapy, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy ( ACT), narrative therapy, and solution-focused techniques tailored to your unique situation.
Taking a trauma-informed approach, we focus on the full picture of your life and consider how your childhood experiences shape your present self and influence your current challenges. With specialized training in anxiety, depression, life transitions, and relationships, we are dedicated to supporting your unique perspective.

I focus on Somatic, EMDR, Polyvagal, Acceptance and Commitment Based and client-centred approaches.
I understand how it feels to be overwhelmed, disconnected, and uncertain in your relationships. You might be carrying a weight that no one else can see, trying to meet everyone’s expectations but never quite feeling like yourself. Many of us get torn between who we’re expected to be and who we truly are. You’re not alone in wanting to stop pretending everything is fine when it’s not.
In our work together, we’ll explore the roots of these struggles and gently guide you toward healing and clarity.
I focus on Somatic, EMDR, Polyvagal, Acceptance and Commitment Based and client-centred approaches.
I understand how it feels to be overwhelmed, disconnected, and uncertain in your relationships. You might be carrying a weight that no one else can see, trying to meet everyone’s expectations but never quite feeling like yourself. Many of us get torn between who we’re expected to be and who we truly are. You’re not alone in wanting to stop pretending everything is fine when it’s not.
In our work together, we’ll explore the roots of these struggles and gently guide you toward healing and clarity.

I can provide cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, psychotherapy, and mindfulness training for individuals, couples, and families.
No wait list! Now offering in-home sessions! Would you like a therapist to come to your home and work with your entire family? I am now offering assessments and family therapy in your own home. Weekend appointments are available. If you've been struggling to manage family stress and can't get family members on board with services, try suggesting something in-home. It couldn't be easier.
In-office sessions are also available at The River Vibe Wellness and Event Centre. Take the plunge today!
I can provide cognitive behavioural therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, psychotherapy, and mindfulness training for individuals, couples, and families.
No wait list! Now offering in-home sessions! Would you like a therapist to come to your home and work with your entire family? I am now offering assessments and family therapy in your own home. Weekend appointments are available. If you've been struggling to manage family stress and can't get family members on board with services, try suggesting something in-home. It couldn't be easier.
In-office sessions are also available at The River Vibe Wellness and Event Centre. Take the plunge today!

It is an act of self-compassion that can make a wonderful difference in your life, so congratulations on taking this step.
I integrate many approaches because everyone is different. Your life may be affected by any combination of your beliefs, needs, emotions, and relationships.
It is an act of self-compassion that can make a wonderful difference in your life, so congratulations on taking this step.
I integrate many approaches because everyone is different. Your life may be affected by any combination of your beliefs, needs, emotions, and relationships.

I believe in creating a compassionate space where all parts of yourself & welcomed with empathy & acceptance.
Accepting Female Clients Only. If you're feeling lost or overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or cultural, family, relationship, or career stress, I’m here to support you. My own experiences navigating school and relationship stress as a young adult have given me a deep appreciation for the transformative impact of therapy. My journey as a client helped me connect with a more authentic, fulfilling life, and I now work with young women facing similar challenges in a judgment-free, safe space to explore life’s most pressing concerns.
I believe in creating a compassionate space where all parts of yourself & welcomed with empathy & acceptance.
Accepting Female Clients Only. If you're feeling lost or overwhelmed by anxiety, depression, or cultural, family, relationship, or career stress, I’m here to support you. My own experiences navigating school and relationship stress as a young adult have given me a deep appreciation for the transformative impact of therapy. My journey as a client helped me connect with a more authentic, fulfilling life, and I now work with young women facing similar challenges in a judgment-free, safe space to explore life’s most pressing concerns.

I also draw on other evidence-based approaches including: ACT, DBT, and CBT.
These are strange times in which we have found ourselves. Trying to reconnect and re-engage in our "new" world can be overwhelming and exhausting. What were once little worries are now becoming cycling thoughts with no end. We tell ourselves that it's easier to stay on the couch than it is to venture out, call a friend, start that project, or discover a new interest. Perhaps you feel torn? Part of you knows what it wants to see happen in your life and knows what to do to get you there, but another part seems so intent on convincing you that you don't have the motivation or strength to change; you feel so stuck. I know ways to help.
I also draw on other evidence-based approaches including: ACT, DBT, and CBT.
These are strange times in which we have found ourselves. Trying to reconnect and re-engage in our "new" world can be overwhelming and exhausting. What were once little worries are now becoming cycling thoughts with no end. We tell ourselves that it's easier to stay on the couch than it is to venture out, call a friend, start that project, or discover a new interest. Perhaps you feel torn? Part of you knows what it wants to see happen in your life and knows what to do to get you there, but another part seems so intent on convincing you that you don't have the motivation or strength to change; you feel so stuck. I know ways to help.

I draw from a variety of therapeutic styles, such as parts work/IFS, Narrative, ACT, and DBT, and will tailor my approach to your needs and preferences.
If you are struggling with overwhelming emotions, relationship issues, trauma, or marginalization, you may find hope and empowerment through therapy. As a queer, non-binary therapist, I focus on social justice and how oppression can both impact you and be resisted on a personal level. I will support you to work with overwhelming emotions so that they don’t control you or damage your relationships, and instead guide you towards a more fulfilling life. Through a supportive and collaborative relationship, we can deeply understand your experiences, help you heal from their impacts, and work towards your hopes for your life.
I draw from a variety of therapeutic styles, such as parts work/IFS, Narrative, ACT, and DBT, and will tailor my approach to your needs and preferences.
If you are struggling with overwhelming emotions, relationship issues, trauma, or marginalization, you may find hope and empowerment through therapy. As a queer, non-binary therapist, I focus on social justice and how oppression can both impact you and be resisted on a personal level. I will support you to work with overwhelming emotions so that they don’t control you or damage your relationships, and instead guide you towards a more fulfilling life. Through a supportive and collaborative relationship, we can deeply understand your experiences, help you heal from their impacts, and work towards your hopes for your life.

Key Straughan Counselling
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MACP, MA, BEd, OCT, CT/RTC
2 Endorsed
Hamilton, ON L8H
I strive to create a space where clients feel seen and can deepen their self knowledge and acceptance, while also developing skills and strategies to make meaningful change.
Welcome, I am so glad you are here! I am a lifelong learner, teacher and now a psychotherapist. Therapy should be accessible to all, and I am proud to offer experienced support at sliding rates at the Ottawa Street Health Collective. As a trans and neurodivergent therapist, I know the challenges and rewards of navigating life as a minority. I’d love to use my lived experience to help you deal with your struggles, be they with anxiety, executive functioning, life transitions, social challenges or just dropping the mask and becoming your true self.
I strive to create a space where clients feel seen and can deepen their self knowledge and acceptance, while also developing skills and strategies to make meaningful change.
Welcome, I am so glad you are here! I am a lifelong learner, teacher and now a psychotherapist. Therapy should be accessible to all, and I am proud to offer experienced support at sliding rates at the Ottawa Street Health Collective. As a trans and neurodivergent therapist, I know the challenges and rewards of navigating life as a minority. I’d love to use my lived experience to help you deal with your struggles, be they with anxiety, executive functioning, life transitions, social challenges or just dropping the mask and becoming your true self.

Drawing from EMDR, ACT, distress tolerance, and motivational interviewing, I tailor therapy to meet you where you are.
You might be a young woman—or a woman in a season of transition—feeling unsettled, stuck, or unsure of your next step. Maybe you're navigating changes in relationships, career, or identity, and it’s bringing up anxiety, self-doubt, or a harsh inner critic. You want to feel more grounded, more connected to your values, and more compassionate toward yourself. Whether you're processing past trauma, struggling with boundaries, or trying to find clarity in the chaos, you’re not alone—and it’s okay to ask for support.
Drawing from EMDR, ACT, distress tolerance, and motivational interviewing, I tailor therapy to meet you where you are.
You might be a young woman—or a woman in a season of transition—feeling unsettled, stuck, or unsure of your next step. Maybe you're navigating changes in relationships, career, or identity, and it’s bringing up anxiety, self-doubt, or a harsh inner critic. You want to feel more grounded, more connected to your values, and more compassionate toward yourself. Whether you're processing past trauma, struggling with boundaries, or trying to find clarity in the chaos, you’re not alone—and it’s okay to ask for support.
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Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Counsellors
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.