Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Counselling in Chelmsford

Photo of Debbie Cooke, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Debbie Cooke
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
I am a qualified integrative Counsellor. I work from my therapy room in a converted woodshed on a farm in Writtle, my home in Westcliff or online via zoom. My main aim is to provide you with a confidential, warm and safe environment so that you will feel at ease and be able to talk to me about whatever is concerning you. In our 1st session together we will explore your reasons for seeking counselling/therapy and whether we can build a mutual relationship of trust and respect. We can then work towards you developing strategies and coping skills, bringing about effective change to resolve difficulties and enhance your wellbeing.
I am a qualified integrative Counsellor. I work from my therapy room in a converted woodshed on a farm in Writtle, my home in Westcliff or online via zoom. My main aim is to provide you with a confidential, warm and safe environment so that you will feel at ease and be able to talk to me about whatever is concerning you. In our 1st session together we will explore your reasons for seeking counselling/therapy and whether we can build a mutual relationship of trust and respect. We can then work towards you developing strategies and coping skills, bringing about effective change to resolve difficulties and enhance your wellbeing.
01277 505549 View 01277 505549
Photo of Sophie Edwards, Psychologist, PsychD, CPsychol
Sophie Edwards
Psychologist, PsychD, CPsychol
I am a Chartered Health Psychologist, practicing for over 8 years within NHS funded services. I have a special interest in disordered eating such as binge or emotional eating, and am passionate about assisting people on their journey to a healthy relationship with food, fitness and their bodies. I help people with most issues that relate to health behaviour change or the psychology of health and illness including: improving nutrition, disordered eating and body image, improving physical activity levels, managing stress, adapting to long term health conditions such as diabetes, smoking cessation, reducing alcohol or drug use.
I am a Chartered Health Psychologist, practicing for over 8 years within NHS funded services. I have a special interest in disordered eating such as binge or emotional eating, and am passionate about assisting people on their journey to a healthy relationship with food, fitness and their bodies. I help people with most issues that relate to health behaviour change or the psychology of health and illness including: improving nutrition, disordered eating and body image, improving physical activity levels, managing stress, adapting to long term health conditions such as diabetes, smoking cessation, reducing alcohol or drug use.
01245 967673 View 01245 967673
Photo of Dr Sarah MacLean, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Sarah MacLean
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Waitlist for new clients
Hi. My name is Dr. Sarah MacLean. I’m a highly trained Clinical Psychologist with over 14 years experience providing a professional psychology service based in Chelmsford, Essex and also online. I work with people with a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties including but not limited to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, childhood abuse, grief, relationship and interpersonal difficulties. I will work collaboratively with you in order to help you understand your difficulties and distress and help you find relief and make the changes towards the life you seek.
Hi. My name is Dr. Sarah MacLean. I’m a highly trained Clinical Psychologist with over 14 years experience providing a professional psychology service based in Chelmsford, Essex and also online. I work with people with a wide range of emotional and psychological difficulties including but not limited to anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, trauma, childhood abuse, grief, relationship and interpersonal difficulties. I will work collaboratively with you in order to help you understand your difficulties and distress and help you find relief and make the changes towards the life you seek.
01245 945248 View 01245 945248
Photo of Indiana Montaque - Dr Indiana Montaque (Olea Therapy), Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Indiana Montaque (Olea Therapy)
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
I use evidence-based approaches including Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), and trauma-focused techniques, adapting them to support you individually or as a couple, helping you build practical skills and lasting insights for everyday life, in a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment.
I offer therapy in-person in Chelmsford and online, providing a calm, compassionate, and non-judgmental space to explore life’s complexities. Therapy with me is an opportunity to process overwhelming emotions, navigate experiences, and develop deeper insights, in a way that feels meaningful and empowering. I am attentive to the ways culture, society, and identity shape wellbeing, and I am committed to creating a space that honours all aspects of your background, heritage, and personal identity. I support clients navigating relationship difficulties, identity concerns, and the pressure of carrying multiple roles and expectations.
I use evidence-based approaches including Narrative Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), and trauma-focused techniques, adapting them to support you individually or as a couple, helping you build practical skills and lasting insights for everyday life, in a safe, supportive, and collaborative environment.
I offer therapy in-person in Chelmsford and online, providing a calm, compassionate, and non-judgmental space to explore life’s complexities. Therapy with me is an opportunity to process overwhelming emotions, navigate experiences, and develop deeper insights, in a way that feels meaningful and empowering. I am attentive to the ways culture, society, and identity shape wellbeing, and I am committed to creating a space that honours all aspects of your background, heritage, and personal identity. I support clients navigating relationship difficulties, identity concerns, and the pressure of carrying multiple roles and expectations.
01245 823545 View 01245 823545
Photo of Victoria Hirst, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Victoria Hirst
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Using evidence based cognitive behavioural protocols and drawing from other therapeutic modalities such as compassion focused theory and acceptance and mindfulness strategies I can provide a safe space for you to explore your difficulties and support you in making active, positive changes in your life to attain your goals.
Hi there, I am an accredited Cognitive Behaviour Therapist (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapist (IPT) with over 12 years experience working in mental health. I work with adults experiencing mental health difficulties who would like to use practical talking therapy to support their recovery. I support people in overcoming depression as well as a variety of anxiety disorders including panic disorder, social phobia, PTSD, OCD and Generalised Anxiety Disorder. I also have a special interest in working with low self esteem and improving confidence/performance.
Using evidence based cognitive behavioural protocols and drawing from other therapeutic modalities such as compassion focused theory and acceptance and mindfulness strategies I can provide a safe space for you to explore your difficulties and support you in making active, positive changes in your life to attain your goals.
Hi there, I am an accredited Cognitive Behaviour Therapist (CBT) and Interpersonal Psychotherapist (IPT) with over 12 years experience working in mental health. I work with adults experiencing mental health difficulties who would like to use practical talking therapy to support their recovery. I support people in overcoming depression as well as a variety of anxiety disorders including panic disorder, social phobia, PTSD, OCD and Generalised Anxiety Disorder. I also have a special interest in working with low self esteem and improving confidence/performance.
01245 945027 View 01245 945027
Photo of Grant Cowie, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Grant Cowie
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
I am an accredited CBT therapist and qualified EMDR therapist. My career has been focused on the support of those navigating mental health challenges in an empathetic, non-judgemental way. I recognise that every client has different needs and strive to not only understand their current difficulties but also help to recognise what has been perpetuating the problem, reducing the chance of relapse. I have a proven ability to consistently achieve excellent outcomes with complex presentations and I also provide supervision to other CBT therapists as part of both my NHS and private practice.
I am an accredited CBT therapist and qualified EMDR therapist. My career has been focused on the support of those navigating mental health challenges in an empathetic, non-judgemental way. I recognise that every client has different needs and strive to not only understand their current difficulties but also help to recognise what has been perpetuating the problem, reducing the chance of relapse. I have a proven ability to consistently achieve excellent outcomes with complex presentations and I also provide supervision to other CBT therapists as part of both my NHS and private practice.
01245 945878 View 01245 945878
Photo of Carla Harnell, Counsellor
Carla Harnell
Counsellor
I work with adults who appear to be coping but feel anxious, overwhelmed or stuck. Many struggle with overthinking, difficulty switching off, low mood, or patterns they don’t fully understand. I also support those who find it hard to open up, including men’s mental health. I provide a calm, non-judgemental space to help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface, gain clarity, and move forward with greater confidence and emotional balance.
I work with adults who appear to be coping but feel anxious, overwhelmed or stuck. Many struggle with overthinking, difficulty switching off, low mood, or patterns they don’t fully understand. I also support those who find it hard to open up, including men’s mental health. I provide a calm, non-judgemental space to help you understand what’s going on beneath the surface, gain clarity, and move forward with greater confidence and emotional balance.
01245 823617 View 01245 823617
Photo of Laurisse Comparini, Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
Laurisse Comparini
Counsellor, MSc, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
I draw on my skills and knowledge and have a two pronged approach, education about how your brain works, why it is sometimes unhelpful and what we can do to change that, and acceptance of who and where you are.
I help people through stress, depression, anxiety, disordered eating and relationship difficulties. As someone who has engaged in disordered eating I know how hard it can be. Through psychodynamic practices I uncovered why I engaged in these unhelpful behaviours, ultimately leading me to develop a better relationship and response to both. I hope that we can take that journey together working towards creating a life that feels better for you. ​
I draw on my skills and knowledge and have a two pronged approach, education about how your brain works, why it is sometimes unhelpful and what we can do to change that, and acceptance of who and where you are.
I help people through stress, depression, anxiety, disordered eating and relationship difficulties. As someone who has engaged in disordered eating I know how hard it can be. Through psychodynamic practices I uncovered why I engaged in these unhelpful behaviours, ultimately leading me to develop a better relationship and response to both. I hope that we can take that journey together working towards creating a life that feels better for you. ​
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Photo of Gillian Louise Dubock, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Gillian Louise Dubock
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Hi! I am Gill and I am a psychotherapist and founder of The Therapy Space Chelmsford. I am here to support you through depression, anxiety, life stress and trauma. If you are reading this it is likely that you have had enough of feeling stressed, down or low. Perhaps worrying constantly or feeling panicky? Struggling to get out of bed and feeling exhausted? Or feeling like your past is affecting your present? If you relate to these feelings then cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling or EMDR can help. You do not have to continue suffering. Your life can have meaning again and your symptoms can improve.
Hi! I am Gill and I am a psychotherapist and founder of The Therapy Space Chelmsford. I am here to support you through depression, anxiety, life stress and trauma. If you are reading this it is likely that you have had enough of feeling stressed, down or low. Perhaps worrying constantly or feeling panicky? Struggling to get out of bed and feeling exhausted? Or feeling like your past is affecting your present? If you relate to these feelings then cognitive behavioural therapy, counselling or EMDR can help. You do not have to continue suffering. Your life can have meaning again and your symptoms can improve.
01245 945835 View 01245 945835
Photo of Dr Remy Hayes, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Remy Hayes
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Online Only
These include psychodynamic approaches, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
I have worked in multiple specialist services in the NHS, which has led to my developing an integrative way of working (bringing the strengths of different psychological and therapeutic approaches together). This means I match approaches and techniques to each individual person and the scientific evidence-base for their effectiveness.
These include psychodynamic approaches, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing therapy (EMDR), Dialectical Behavioural Therapy (DBT) and Sensorimotor Psychotherapy.
I have worked in multiple specialist services in the NHS, which has led to my developing an integrative way of working (bringing the strengths of different psychological and therapeutic approaches together). This means I match approaches and techniques to each individual person and the scientific evidence-base for their effectiveness.
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Photo of Dr Noreen Dera - Trauma Psychologist - Dr Noreen Dera, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Trauma Psychologist - Dr Noreen Dera
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
2 Endorsed
I offer a wide range of therapies such as IFS, CBT, DBT, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Compassion-Focussed Therapy,.
On paper, your life works but something still feels off. Maybe you’re doing all the right things, but you’ve lost the spark. Perhaps you notice the same patterns repeating and you are ready to break free of them. Our sessions together can be a place to figure things out, to untangle the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that have left you feeling lost, disconnected or uncertain. I offer a warm, calm and compassionate space to help you understand yourself more deeply, reconnect with what matters, and create lasting change from the inside and out.
I offer a wide range of therapies such as IFS, CBT, DBT, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Compassion-Focussed Therapy,.
On paper, your life works but something still feels off. Maybe you’re doing all the right things, but you’ve lost the spark. Perhaps you notice the same patterns repeating and you are ready to break free of them. Our sessions together can be a place to figure things out, to untangle the thoughts, emotions, and behaviours that have left you feeling lost, disconnected or uncertain. I offer a warm, calm and compassionate space to help you understand yourself more deeply, reconnect with what matters, and create lasting change from the inside and out.
01279 744854 View 01279 744854
Photo of Chris Harrad, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Chris Harrad
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Perhaps you're feeling down or anxious, maybe you're unsure about the future of a relationship, or just feel that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Therapy I offer represents a safe, accepting, confidential space to look at whatever issues you may be facing right now, and find a way forwards. I can offer a chance to be heard and seen, an opportunity to work through your thoughts and feelings, and a time to develop new skills. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support.
Perhaps you're feeling down or anxious, maybe you're unsure about the future of a relationship, or just feel that you aren't living the life you were meant to lead. Therapy I offer represents a safe, accepting, confidential space to look at whatever issues you may be facing right now, and find a way forwards. I can offer a chance to be heard and seen, an opportunity to work through your thoughts and feelings, and a time to develop new skills. Whatever your needs may be, I am here to offer support.
01245 945727 View 01245 945727
Photo of Dr Heidi King, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Heidi King
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
I’m passionate about helping people develop into the most authentic, and chosen, version of themselves. Are you feeling ashamed, anxious, angry or sad? Do you find you get stuck in the same patterns of relationships? Are you trying to avoid difficult memories, and is this limiting your quality of life? I get the exhaustion. You are not alone. I am trained to doctoral level in a variety of therapeutic approaches (including CBT) and have additional training in CAT and EMDR. In a nutshell, this means, together, we can work out what’s going on for you and use a variety of approaches to get you heading in the direction.
I’m passionate about helping people develop into the most authentic, and chosen, version of themselves. Are you feeling ashamed, anxious, angry or sad? Do you find you get stuck in the same patterns of relationships? Are you trying to avoid difficult memories, and is this limiting your quality of life? I get the exhaustion. You are not alone. I am trained to doctoral level in a variety of therapeutic approaches (including CBT) and have additional training in CAT and EMDR. In a nutshell, this means, together, we can work out what’s going on for you and use a variety of approaches to get you heading in the direction.
01245 945092 View 01245 945092
Photo of Louise Hards, Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
Louise Hards
Counsellor, PNCPS Acc.
I offer a pluralistic approach to counselling, tailoring therapy to your unique needs. I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach, so we work collaboratively to explore what feels most helpful for you. Alongside talking therapy, I integrate nature-based practices and somatic awareness, supporting the connection between mind and body. Spending time in nature and gently noticing bodily sensations can help with grounding, emotional regulation and self-understanding. I aim to provide a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.
I offer a pluralistic approach to counselling, tailoring therapy to your unique needs. I believe there is no one-size-fits-all approach, so we work collaboratively to explore what feels most helpful for you. Alongside talking therapy, I integrate nature-based practices and somatic awareness, supporting the connection between mind and body. Spending time in nature and gently noticing bodily sensations can help with grounding, emotional regulation and self-understanding. I aim to provide a safe, compassionate space where you can explore your thoughts and feelings at your own pace.
01245 823674 View 01245 823674
Photo of Agnieszka Agata Waclawik, Psychotherapist, MA, MNCPS Acc.
Agnieszka Agata Waclawik
Psychotherapist, MA, MNCPS Acc.
1 Endorsed
Life can feel overwhelming when grief, anxiety, trauma, or repeating patterns leave you feeling stuck. I work in a trauma-informed way and have completed EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) Module 1 training, enabling me to offer EMDR for distressing memories and emotional triggers. As a pluralistic psychotherapist, I draw on Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, CBT, Gestalt, and Transactional Analysis to tailor therapy to you. I provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can feel truly heard, supported, and able to move toward meaningful change.
Life can feel overwhelming when grief, anxiety, trauma, or repeating patterns leave you feeling stuck. I work in a trauma-informed way and have completed EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing) Module 1 training, enabling me to offer EMDR for distressing memories and emotional triggers. As a pluralistic psychotherapist, I draw on Person-Centred, Psychodynamic, CBT, Gestalt, and Transactional Analysis to tailor therapy to you. I provide a safe, confidential, and non-judgemental space where you can feel truly heard, supported, and able to move toward meaningful change.
01371 701971 View 01371 701971
Photo of Adam Coombes, Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Adam Coombes
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
If you’re here, something may not feel right. You might be managing anxiety that never fully switches off, carrying the weight of trauma, navigating relationship strain, or simply feeling stuck and exhausted. I pride my practice on being down-to-earth, professional, non-judgmental and confidential. Therapy with me is structured and evidence-based, but never cold or overly clinical. Clients often say they value having a therapist who is steady, straightforward and genuinely human. You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Some people come with clear goals; others just know they can’t keep going as they are.
If you’re here, something may not feel right. You might be managing anxiety that never fully switches off, carrying the weight of trauma, navigating relationship strain, or simply feeling stuck and exhausted. I pride my practice on being down-to-earth, professional, non-judgmental and confidential. Therapy with me is structured and evidence-based, but never cold or overly clinical. Clients often say they value having a therapist who is steady, straightforward and genuinely human. You don’t need to have everything figured out before reaching out. Some people come with clear goals; others just know they can’t keep going as they are.
01621 738584 View 01621 738584
Photo of Carleen Scott-Manu, Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Carleen Scott-Manu
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
2 Endorsed
A typical plan combines assessment, personalised strategies, and therapies such as CBT, ACT, CFT, and EMDR for PTSD.
I support clients (both children and adults) experiencing cognitive, emotional, or behavioural challenges following stroke, brain injury, long-COVID, dementia, PTSD, or mood changes that affect daily life. Clients may feel frustrated, anxious, or unsure why symptoms persist and need clarity, personalised assessment, and practical strategies. The goal may be to regain confidence, improve functioning, and manage emotional distress or process psychological trauma. This can all help to reconnect with meaningful activities using the support of compassionate, evidence-based neuropsychological care.
A typical plan combines assessment, personalised strategies, and therapies such as CBT, ACT, CFT, and EMDR for PTSD.
I support clients (both children and adults) experiencing cognitive, emotional, or behavioural challenges following stroke, brain injury, long-COVID, dementia, PTSD, or mood changes that affect daily life. Clients may feel frustrated, anxious, or unsure why symptoms persist and need clarity, personalised assessment, and practical strategies. The goal may be to regain confidence, improve functioning, and manage emotional distress or process psychological trauma. This can all help to reconnect with meaningful activities using the support of compassionate, evidence-based neuropsychological care.
020 4634 9856 View 020 4634 9856
Photo of Iliana Kosmidi, Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Iliana Kosmidi
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in self-doubt, or finding the same patterns repeating in your relationships? You don’t have to work through it alone. Therapy offers a calm, supportive space to pause, reflect, and begin making meaningful change. As a CBT psychotherapist and couples counsellor, I help individuals understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours interact. Together, we gently identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck- such as overthinking, perfectionism, avoidance, or self-criticism — and develop practical tools to respond differently.
Are you feeling overwhelmed by anxiety, stuck in self-doubt, or finding the same patterns repeating in your relationships? You don’t have to work through it alone. Therapy offers a calm, supportive space to pause, reflect, and begin making meaningful change. As a CBT psychotherapist and couples counsellor, I help individuals understand how their thoughts, emotions, and behaviours interact. Together, we gently identify patterns that may be keeping you stuck- such as overthinking, perfectionism, avoidance, or self-criticism — and develop practical tools to respond differently.
01708 596582 View 01708 596582
Photo of Dr Matt Slavin, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Matt Slavin
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych), Registered Clinical Psychologist with the HCPC (PYL37765), >10 years' experience across NHS, private, and performance settings, Specialist training in EMDR, ACT, and trauma-informed coaching
You’ve been holding it together for too long. On the surface, you’re functioning - maybe even succeeding - but inside, you feel wired, tired, and never truly at rest. I’m Dr Matt Slavin, a Clinical Psychologist and EMDR Therapist. I help people who’ve carried stress, trauma, or pressure for too long rebuild balance, clarity, and confidence in how they meet life’s demands. My approach blends evidence-based therapy with practical tools for modern life. Together we work on both the deep patterns that keep you stuck and the day-to-day habits that help you move forward.
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (DClinPsych), Registered Clinical Psychologist with the HCPC (PYL37765), >10 years' experience across NHS, private, and performance settings, Specialist training in EMDR, ACT, and trauma-informed coaching
You’ve been holding it together for too long. On the surface, you’re functioning - maybe even succeeding - but inside, you feel wired, tired, and never truly at rest. I’m Dr Matt Slavin, a Clinical Psychologist and EMDR Therapist. I help people who’ve carried stress, trauma, or pressure for too long rebuild balance, clarity, and confidence in how they meet life’s demands. My approach blends evidence-based therapy with practical tools for modern life. Together we work on both the deep patterns that keep you stuck and the day-to-day habits that help you move forward.
020 4634 3050 View 020 4634 3050
Photo of Marie Sewell, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Marie Sewell
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
My main therapeutic approach draws from Psychotherapy, EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Compassion Focus,
Are you genuinely curious about exploring your inner self and discovering more about your thoughts, emotions, and behaviour's. You may be facing challenges related to mental health, life transitions, or relationships. Do you want a safe and supportive environment to unpack these issues. I can offer guidance in navigating personal struggles, gaining a deeper self-awareness, and developing coping strategies tailored to your unique experiences. Supporting personal growth, and improving your emotional resilience, and health.
My main therapeutic approach draws from Psychotherapy, EMDR, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Compassion Focus,
Are you genuinely curious about exploring your inner self and discovering more about your thoughts, emotions, and behaviour's. You may be facing challenges related to mental health, life transitions, or relationships. Do you want a safe and supportive environment to unpack these issues. I can offer guidance in navigating personal struggles, gaining a deeper self-awareness, and developing coping strategies tailored to your unique experiences. Supporting personal growth, and improving your emotional resilience, and health.
01376 319176 View 01376 319176

See more therapy options for Chelmsford

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.