Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Counselling in Exeter

Siobhan Gilliam
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
I have further training in compassion focused therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, which can be helpful additions to CBT.
I'm a warm, compassionate and experienced Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist (BABCP Accredited).
I completed my training in CBT at the Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre (Oxford University) and have 10+ years experience of working within the NHS and university mental health. Alongside private practice, I work as a university clinical educator.
I have a specialist interest in perinatal mental health. I have experience working with clients who may be pregnant, have young children, or are trying to balance work and family life.
I have further training in compassion focused therapy and acceptance and commitment therapy, which can be helpful additions to CBT.
I'm a warm, compassionate and experienced Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapist (BABCP Accredited).
I completed my training in CBT at the Oxford Cognitive Therapy Centre (Oxford University) and have 10+ years experience of working within the NHS and university mental health. Alongside private practice, I work as a university clinical educator.
I have a specialist interest in perinatal mental health. I have experience working with clients who may be pregnant, have young children, or are trying to balance work and family life.

Sessions thereafter are focused on helping you develop the skills and tools to think and act differently, in order to gradually feel much better.
Hello there, I’m Menah. It can be hard to reach out when you’re struggling so you’ve taken the first important step. I understand how problems with low mood and anxiety can overshadow everything, leaving you feeling hopeless and out of control. When you're stuck and overwhelmed by your thoughts and feelings this often means being unable to do what you need to do. I can work with you to feel better and get back on track. I'm here to help.
Sessions thereafter are focused on helping you develop the skills and tools to think and act differently, in order to gradually feel much better.
Hello there, I’m Menah. It can be hard to reach out when you’re struggling so you’ve taken the first important step. I understand how problems with low mood and anxiety can overshadow everything, leaving you feeling hopeless and out of control. When you're stuck and overwhelmed by your thoughts and feelings this often means being unable to do what you need to do. I can work with you to feel better and get back on track. I'm here to help.

I also integrate other third wave therapies such as mindfulness, ACT, DBT and compassion focused therapy.
I am an accredited High Intensity Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist, having completed my clinical studies at Exeter University. For the past 15 years I have worked in core NHS, Social Care, Education and Forensic Services. I work with older children and adults and have a particular interest in working with trauma, anxiety, OCD and low mood. I have undertaken specialist training in SEN, neurodivergence and developmental language disorders.
I also integrate other third wave therapies such as mindfulness, ACT, DBT and compassion focused therapy.
I am an accredited High Intensity Cognitive Behavioral Psychotherapist, having completed my clinical studies at Exeter University. For the past 15 years I have worked in core NHS, Social Care, Education and Forensic Services. I work with older children and adults and have a particular interest in working with trauma, anxiety, OCD and low mood. I have undertaken specialist training in SEN, neurodivergence and developmental language disorders.

As an integrative counsellor I weave together a variety of approaches including person centered counselling, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, parts work (IFS informed), neuroscience, Gestalt, neurobiology, somatic approaches and compassion based therapies.
I offer a warm, informal and grounded presence where you'll be empowered to safely explore the issues affecting you right now. As an integrative therapist, I bring multiple therapeutic approaches to our sessions with down to earth realness, and gentle understanding.
As an integrative counsellor I weave together a variety of approaches including person centered counselling, Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, parts work (IFS informed), neuroscience, Gestalt, neurobiology, somatic approaches and compassion based therapies.
I offer a warm, informal and grounded presence where you'll be empowered to safely explore the issues affecting you right now. As an integrative therapist, I bring multiple therapeutic approaches to our sessions with down to earth realness, and gentle understanding.

Hello, I am Becky a HCPC registered Applied Health Psychologist, I am trained in person-centred care, CBT, CFT, ACT, DBT, systemic and narrative therapy.
Developing a trusting relationship is essential in therapy. I offer a safe compassionate space where I provide my unconditional positive regard to help you explore your thoughts and life situations. I offer a free 15 minutes consultation for us to get to know each other to ensure you feel comfortable working together.
Hello, I am Becky a HCPC registered Applied Health Psychologist, I am trained in person-centred care, CBT, CFT, ACT, DBT, systemic and narrative therapy.
Developing a trusting relationship is essential in therapy. I offer a safe compassionate space where I provide my unconditional positive regard to help you explore your thoughts and life situations. I offer a free 15 minutes consultation for us to get to know each other to ensure you feel comfortable working together.

These may include Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and Mindfulness.
I offer weekly sessions aswell as intensives (longer EMDR sessions over several days). EMDR is an effective way of addressing Trauma and PTSD symptoms, overwhelming or difficult experiences we may have faced, and the resulting unhelpful behaviours or thinking. I also offer EMDR-informed coaching which can be an energising and creative way of working.
These may include Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and Mindfulness.
I offer weekly sessions aswell as intensives (longer EMDR sessions over several days). EMDR is an effective way of addressing Trauma and PTSD symptoms, overwhelming or difficult experiences we may have faced, and the resulting unhelpful behaviours or thinking. I also offer EMDR-informed coaching which can be an energising and creative way of working.

I utilise several approaches to achieve this including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), clinical hypnotherapy and mindfulness based interventions.
As an integrative psychotherapist I utilise several therapeutic approaches and draw on their interventions to support my clients in achieving their goals. I meet each client as the unique individual you are. My focus is on finding the most beneficial way for you to achieve your outcomes. I'm here to help you get results not just to listen. I offer a safe, comfortable and protective environment in which we can explore concerns to do with your future, past or present that are affecting you. Therapy is about making sense of your internal world and developing a greater awareness of Self allowing you to form more meaningful connections.
I utilise several approaches to achieve this including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), clinical hypnotherapy and mindfulness based interventions.
As an integrative psychotherapist I utilise several therapeutic approaches and draw on their interventions to support my clients in achieving their goals. I meet each client as the unique individual you are. My focus is on finding the most beneficial way for you to achieve your outcomes. I'm here to help you get results not just to listen. I offer a safe, comfortable and protective environment in which we can explore concerns to do with your future, past or present that are affecting you. Therapy is about making sense of your internal world and developing a greater awareness of Self allowing you to form more meaningful connections.

My main approach is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and I incorporate ideas from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT) and Narrative Therapy where these may be helpful.
I specialise in supporting people with depression and anxiety difficulties, including OCD, Generalised Anxiety (GAD), Panic, Health Anxiety, Social Anxiety. My priority is creating a safe and non-judgemental space to help people feel comfortable sharing their concerns and to feel heard and supported.
My main approach is Cognitive Behaviour Therapy and I incorporate ideas from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Compassion Focussed Therapy (CFT) and Narrative Therapy where these may be helpful.
I specialise in supporting people with depression and anxiety difficulties, including OCD, Generalised Anxiety (GAD), Panic, Health Anxiety, Social Anxiety. My priority is creating a safe and non-judgemental space to help people feel comfortable sharing their concerns and to feel heard and supported.

Additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy.
I offer affordable integrative counselling, which helps with overcoming difficulties such as low mood, anxiety, poor self-esteem, bereavement and relationship issues. You may be lacking direction in your life at the moment, it may seem meaningless or you might feel low in confidence. Perhaps you are looking to find some clarity around what's important to you and to explore how you can bring more of this into your life? Or maybe you want to improve how you feel about yourself? Or perhaps you need a warm and compassionate space where you can fully feel your grief to be able to start to move forwards in life again?
Additional training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy.
I offer affordable integrative counselling, which helps with overcoming difficulties such as low mood, anxiety, poor self-esteem, bereavement and relationship issues. You may be lacking direction in your life at the moment, it may seem meaningless or you might feel low in confidence. Perhaps you are looking to find some clarity around what's important to you and to explore how you can bring more of this into your life? Or maybe you want to improve how you feel about yourself? Or perhaps you need a warm and compassionate space where you can fully feel your grief to be able to start to move forwards in life again?

I hope to encourage self- acceptance as a good enough person, quietening the inner critic & bringing self-compassion to the relationship you have with yourself & transforming your relationship with others.
You will find me relatable and easy to talk to, as well practical, supportive & straightforward. I take my work seriously but believe humour & laughter are also important. Encouraging with gentle curiosity, & a holistic mind-body approach, I work with approaches including mindfulness, Internal Family Systems Level 2, Polyvagal and the work of Gabor Mate.
I hope to encourage self- acceptance as a good enough person, quietening the inner critic & bringing self-compassion to the relationship you have with yourself & transforming your relationship with others.
You will find me relatable and easy to talk to, as well practical, supportive & straightforward. I take my work seriously but believe humour & laughter are also important. Encouraging with gentle curiosity, & a holistic mind-body approach, I work with approaches including mindfulness, Internal Family Systems Level 2, Polyvagal and the work of Gabor Mate.

I am here to provide a safe, confidential space for you and an opportunity to be heard, with no judgement and complete acceptance, whatever your issues are.
Are you struggling to make sense of your world, finding it difficult to get through your day? Do you feel out of step with everyone else? Are feeling alone and not sure what to do next? Have you had traumatic experiences that affect your present life? Do you have a feeling of impending doom that makes you wake up anxious? Do you want to self harm or end your life? Can you only manage by using drugs or alcohol? Do you have no one to understand or that you can talk to? Are you and your partner having problems connecting with and understanding each other. Do you need help to improve your communication and get back on the same page.
I am here to provide a safe, confidential space for you and an opportunity to be heard, with no judgement and complete acceptance, whatever your issues are.
Are you struggling to make sense of your world, finding it difficult to get through your day? Do you feel out of step with everyone else? Are feeling alone and not sure what to do next? Have you had traumatic experiences that affect your present life? Do you have a feeling of impending doom that makes you wake up anxious? Do you want to self harm or end your life? Can you only manage by using drugs or alcohol? Do you have no one to understand or that you can talk to? Are you and your partner having problems connecting with and understanding each other. Do you need help to improve your communication and get back on the same page.
Meet Our Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Counsellors

Dr Amy Peters - Perinatal Clinical Psychologist
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
EMDR, CFT, SFT, ACT
Hello, I’m Dr. Amy Peters, a Clinical Psychologist with 10 years of experience working across the NHS and charity sector. I offer online therapy and specialise in supporting women, birthing people, and couples who have experienced infertility, pregnancy and birth trauma, and baby loss. For many women and couples, these can be overwhelming and lonely experiences and leave you feeling unsure how to move forward.
I aim to work with you to think about your hopes for therapy, and create a compassionate and safe space where you can explore your feelings, process your experiences, and begin to heal.
EMDR, CFT, SFT, ACT
Hello, I’m Dr. Amy Peters, a Clinical Psychologist with 10 years of experience working across the NHS and charity sector. I offer online therapy and specialise in supporting women, birthing people, and couples who have experienced infertility, pregnancy and birth trauma, and baby loss. For many women and couples, these can be overwhelming and lonely experiences and leave you feeling unsure how to move forward.
I aim to work with you to think about your hopes for therapy, and create a compassionate and safe space where you can explore your feelings, process your experiences, and begin to heal.

Dr Caroline Shinner
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I draw on a range of approaches, including CBT, ACT and CFT.
Hello, I’m Caroline. I’m an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist and ACAT-accredited CAT Practitioner. I offer assessments and therapy interventions to adults aged 18+. I aim to provide a compassionate and non-judgemental space in which to hear your story, and work alongside you to identify specific goals for therapy. Therapy interventions will be evidence-based and tailored to your needs. I have over 14 years' experience of working in NHS Adult Mental Health services, and services for adults with acquired brain injury and neurological conditions (including spinal injuries and Multiple Sclerosis).
I draw on a range of approaches, including CBT, ACT and CFT.
Hello, I’m Caroline. I’m an HCPC-registered Clinical Psychologist and ACAT-accredited CAT Practitioner. I offer assessments and therapy interventions to adults aged 18+. I aim to provide a compassionate and non-judgemental space in which to hear your story, and work alongside you to identify specific goals for therapy. Therapy interventions will be evidence-based and tailored to your needs. I have over 14 years' experience of working in NHS Adult Mental Health services, and services for adults with acquired brain injury and neurological conditions (including spinal injuries and Multiple Sclerosis).

My primary model is ' Acceptance and Commitment Therapy'; an evidence based approach that is 'transdiagnostic' meaning it can be applied to any situation or difficulty.
Thank you for taking the time to look at my profile! I am a Clinical Psychologist providing a range of approaches to support you using evidence-based practice tailored to your individual needs. I have worked extensively with trauma, anxiety, low mood / depression, OCD as well as other common mental health conditions. I have particular expertise in working with adjustment to physical health conditions, as well as unexpected life changes or circumstances. I have also worked extensively with Neurological conditions, Neurodivergence and Intellectual Disabilities, including work with those supporting people with the above.
My primary model is ' Acceptance and Commitment Therapy'; an evidence based approach that is 'transdiagnostic' meaning it can be applied to any situation or difficulty.
Thank you for taking the time to look at my profile! I am a Clinical Psychologist providing a range of approaches to support you using evidence-based practice tailored to your individual needs. I have worked extensively with trauma, anxiety, low mood / depression, OCD as well as other common mental health conditions. I have particular expertise in working with adjustment to physical health conditions, as well as unexpected life changes or circumstances. I have also worked extensively with Neurological conditions, Neurodivergence and Intellectual Disabilities, including work with those supporting people with the above.

As a psychologist, I specialise in helping people who didn't feel good enough as children, and still don't feel good enough now, to change the way they think, feel and act so they can be kinder to the person they are and become the person they want to be.
What makes me different is the use of Emotional Freedom Techniques and EMDR during our sessions. EFT is a practical self-help healing tool which can help you treat issues related to emotional distress, physical pain and performance. Let's get your life back on track!
As a psychologist, I specialise in helping people who didn't feel good enough as children, and still don't feel good enough now, to change the way they think, feel and act so they can be kinder to the person they are and become the person they want to be.
What makes me different is the use of Emotional Freedom Techniques and EMDR during our sessions. EFT is a practical self-help healing tool which can help you treat issues related to emotional distress, physical pain and performance. Let's get your life back on track!

I have an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in Psychology, a Level 5 psychotherapeutic counselling diploma as well as additional training in Trauma Focused CBT and a certificate in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Are you finding relationships difficult? Do you find that you're often thinking about the past, or worrying about the future, and that you struggle to connect to the present moment? You might find that you feel unable to control your emotions, and that you feel you're doing everything wrong?
I have an undergraduate and postgraduate degree in Psychology, a Level 5 psychotherapeutic counselling diploma as well as additional training in Trauma Focused CBT and a certificate in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
Are you finding relationships difficult? Do you find that you're often thinking about the past, or worrying about the future, and that you struggle to connect to the present moment? You might find that you feel unable to control your emotions, and that you feel you're doing everything wrong?

As a compassionate and nurturing male with experience working with Mind, the NHS and a leading dementia charity as well as volunteering with the Samaritans and Cruse Bereavement Support, I offer a special therapeutic relationship for those undergoing unwanted and distressing changes in their lives. I therefore place great store by the initial free phone or Zoom meeting as a ‘get to know’ session, where we will also explore how best I could support you. I will not claim to erase life problems, but I can help you to cope positively with them through developing new insights, enabling you to live with purpose.
As a compassionate and nurturing male with experience working with Mind, the NHS and a leading dementia charity as well as volunteering with the Samaritans and Cruse Bereavement Support, I offer a special therapeutic relationship for those undergoing unwanted and distressing changes in their lives. I therefore place great store by the initial free phone or Zoom meeting as a ‘get to know’ session, where we will also explore how best I could support you. I will not claim to erase life problems, but I can help you to cope positively with them through developing new insights, enabling you to live with purpose.

Many people seek a sense of peace in their lives. You may experience emotional issues causing distress or you wish to make important changes in your life. Perhaps you have a desire to develop greater balance and calm in your daily life.
Discovering where your focus is and reconnecting with yourself is always a good way to begin a journey of change. You will gain clarity and confidence that helps you move through a process of transformation while feeling understood and supported as key to enhancing this experience of personal growth.
Many people seek a sense of peace in their lives. You may experience emotional issues causing distress or you wish to make important changes in your life. Perhaps you have a desire to develop greater balance and calm in your daily life.
Discovering where your focus is and reconnecting with yourself is always a good way to begin a journey of change. You will gain clarity and confidence that helps you move through a process of transformation while feeling understood and supported as key to enhancing this experience of personal growth.

Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted by stress, burnout, or life’s demands? Struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or navigating a midlife crisis? You’re not alone. I help Millennials and Gen X break free from overwhelm, rebuild confidence, and create a life of clarity, balance, and fulfillment. Whether you're facing work stress, ADHD, loneliness, or weight challenges, I offer compassionate support and proven strategies to help you regain control. It’s time to prioritize your well-being—let’s take the first step toward your transformation today.
Feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or exhausted by stress, burnout, or life’s demands? Struggling with anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, or navigating a midlife crisis? You’re not alone. I help Millennials and Gen X break free from overwhelm, rebuild confidence, and create a life of clarity, balance, and fulfillment. Whether you're facing work stress, ADHD, loneliness, or weight challenges, I offer compassionate support and proven strategies to help you regain control. It’s time to prioritize your well-being—let’s take the first step toward your transformation today.

Life’s challenges can leave deep marks, especially when they stem from abusive relationships, chronic pain, or the relentless pressures of anxiety and burnout. With 25 years of experience as a Psychologist and a published author, I’m here to offer a compassionate and supportive space where we can work together to navigate these difficulties. My approach focuses on creating real, meaningful change, rather than solely revisiting the past. We’ll work together to move forward, addressing your current struggles while finding practical solutions that empower you to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Life’s challenges can leave deep marks, especially when they stem from abusive relationships, chronic pain, or the relentless pressures of anxiety and burnout. With 25 years of experience as a Psychologist and a published author, I’m here to offer a compassionate and supportive space where we can work together to navigate these difficulties. My approach focuses on creating real, meaningful change, rather than solely revisiting the past. We’ll work together to move forward, addressing your current struggles while finding practical solutions that empower you to live a healthier, more fulfilling life.
See more therapy options for Exeter
Nearby Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Counsellors Searches for Exeter
- Barnstaple
- Bridgwater
- Exmouth
- Newton Abbot
- Okehampton
- Sidmouth
- Taunton
- Tavistock
- Teignmouth
- Tiverton
- Torquay
- Totnes
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.