Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Counselling in Kingston upon Thames

Photo of Katarina Anderson, Counsellor, MBACP
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, confusing, or lonely - even when things appear fine on the surface. If you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties or feeling stuck, I can help you to slow down and make sense of what you’re going through. I aim to provide a safe, confidential space where you can explore the parts of yourself that may feel painful, confusing, or difficult to put into words. Being able to talk openly and feel truly heard can often be the first step towards meaningful change. I will be alongside you, offering support and understanding at a pace that feels right for you.
Life can sometimes feel overwhelming, confusing, or lonely - even when things appear fine on the surface. If you’re experiencing stress, anxiety, low mood, relationship difficulties or feeling stuck, I can help you to slow down and make sense of what you’re going through. I aim to provide a safe, confidential space where you can explore the parts of yourself that may feel painful, confusing, or difficult to put into words. Being able to talk openly and feel truly heard can often be the first step towards meaningful change. I will be alongside you, offering support and understanding at a pace that feels right for you.
020 3697 5349 View 020 3697 5349
Photo of Dr Hema Chowdhury, Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Dr Hema Chowdhury
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Thank you for visiting my page, perhaps you are struggling with relationships, overwhelmed with family commitments or work-related stress. You may be suffering from feelings of anxiety, low, depressive moods and a lack of joy and motivation. I am trained in multiple psychological modalities and adapt my approach to suit your needs. Please feel free to get in touch for a free 15-minute consultation, I would be happy to talk through how I work, and how I can help you through this difficult period. I am also offering clinical supervision to counsellors and therapists.
Thank you for visiting my page, perhaps you are struggling with relationships, overwhelmed with family commitments or work-related stress. You may be suffering from feelings of anxiety, low, depressive moods and a lack of joy and motivation. I am trained in multiple psychological modalities and adapt my approach to suit your needs. Please feel free to get in touch for a free 15-minute consultation, I would be happy to talk through how I work, and how I can help you through this difficult period. I am also offering clinical supervision to counsellors and therapists.
020 8125 4061 View 020 8125 4061
Photo of Jonathan Rushforth, Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
Jonathan Rushforth
Counsellor, DCounsPsych, MBACP
I work with anxiety, stress, burnout and chronic health conditions. Hello and welcome! I am interested to talk to you about how you're feeling now, what led you to this place, practical steps to make current daily life more manageable, and options going forward that fit with your values. I draw from different therapeutic approaches to suit you. I lean towards a client-led approach, so that you feel empowered to resolve your own issues. My areas of interest are anxiety, burn-out and chronic pain. I am also experienced in working with carers and people with chronic conditions.
I work with anxiety, stress, burnout and chronic health conditions. Hello and welcome! I am interested to talk to you about how you're feeling now, what led you to this place, practical steps to make current daily life more manageable, and options going forward that fit with your values. I draw from different therapeutic approaches to suit you. I lean towards a client-led approach, so that you feel empowered to resolve your own issues. My areas of interest are anxiety, burn-out and chronic pain. I am also experienced in working with carers and people with chronic conditions.
020 4634 7259 View 020 4634 7259
Photo of Liz Woods, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Liz Woods
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
There are times in everyone's life when we might feel angry, sad, worried or anxious and this is perfectly normal. However, if you are looking for support through a difficult time or want to make sense of your thoughts and feelings, then having the opportunity to talk openly and freely with a counsellor can help. Counselling and self-exploration can move you toward a more positive and enjoyable life, bringing you closer to living your life well and being the person you want to be.
There are times in everyone's life when we might feel angry, sad, worried or anxious and this is perfectly normal. However, if you are looking for support through a difficult time or want to make sense of your thoughts and feelings, then having the opportunity to talk openly and freely with a counsellor can help. Counselling and self-exploration can move you toward a more positive and enjoyable life, bringing you closer to living your life well and being the person you want to be.
020 4572 2433 View 020 4572 2433
Photo of Claudia Maschi, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Claudia Maschi
Psychotherapist, MBACP
We all wish for our children to thrive and live life to their full potential. Difficulties however may arise in life which may lead to children/teenagers struggling with day-to-day, experiencing overwhelm and worries they are unable to manage. This may be due to a traumatic event, changes within the family unit, loss of a loved, challenges due to being neurodivergent and/or the impact of the demands of school and the environment. At times it may be a combination of challenges which even the child or caregiver may not understand the root of. Counselling for the child or adolescent or specialist support for the parent can help.
We all wish for our children to thrive and live life to their full potential. Difficulties however may arise in life which may lead to children/teenagers struggling with day-to-day, experiencing overwhelm and worries they are unable to manage. This may be due to a traumatic event, changes within the family unit, loss of a loved, challenges due to being neurodivergent and/or the impact of the demands of school and the environment. At times it may be a combination of challenges which even the child or caregiver may not understand the root of. Counselling for the child or adolescent or specialist support for the parent can help.
020 4538 0498 View 020 4538 0498
Photo of Irena Sperlingova, Counsellor, MBACP
Irena Sperlingova
Counsellor, MBACP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
You might be the one who keeps it all together — the helper, the caretaker — but inside, you’re exhausted, anxious, or quietly overwhelmed. Maybe you’re carrying pain from childhood, stuck in old patterns, or longing to feel truly accepted for who you are. You may have always felt a little different — sensitive, deep-feeling, or like you didn’t quite fit in. You’re ready for real change and gentle support to help get there.
You might be the one who keeps it all together — the helper, the caretaker — but inside, you’re exhausted, anxious, or quietly overwhelmed. Maybe you’re carrying pain from childhood, stuck in old patterns, or longing to feel truly accepted for who you are. You may have always felt a little different — sensitive, deep-feeling, or like you didn’t quite fit in. You’re ready for real change and gentle support to help get there.
020 4572 8003 View 020 4572 8003
Photo of Noor Akhtar - Talk in Therapy, Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Talk in Therapy
Counsellor, MNCPS Acc.
Online Only
talkintherapy.com - As a UK qualified CBT therapist, my passion lies in helping individuals achieve their best selves by prioritising their wellbeing and mental health. I am highly skilled in working with anxiety, depression, and many other mental health issues, and I approach each case with a distinct perspective, understanding that every individual's story and healing journey is unique. If you're looking for a therapist who is caring, compassionate, and committed to helping you achieve your goals, then look no further. I would be honoured to work with you on your journey towards healing and growth.
talkintherapy.com - As a UK qualified CBT therapist, my passion lies in helping individuals achieve their best selves by prioritising their wellbeing and mental health. I am highly skilled in working with anxiety, depression, and many other mental health issues, and I approach each case with a distinct perspective, understanding that every individual's story and healing journey is unique. If you're looking for a therapist who is caring, compassionate, and committed to helping you achieve your goals, then look no further. I would be honoured to work with you on your journey towards healing and growth.
020 4538 3031 View 020 4538 3031
Photo of Matthew Gould, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Matthew Gould
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP Accred
Serves Area
Improvement comes from insight, new behaviours, understanding and acceptance but also from stepwise, practical change.
I am a qualified CBT and integrative therapist experienced working with anxiety, depression, generalised anxiety, shyness, phobia, health anxiety and OCD. I'm flexible – I can either give you the space to talk, or if you would rather not revisit painful memories, or require advice and techniques, there is plenty of useful work we can do.
Improvement comes from insight, new behaviours, understanding and acceptance but also from stepwise, practical change.
I am a qualified CBT and integrative therapist experienced working with anxiety, depression, generalised anxiety, shyness, phobia, health anxiety and OCD. I'm flexible – I can either give you the space to talk, or if you would rather not revisit painful memories, or require advice and techniques, there is plenty of useful work we can do.
020 4538 4899 View 020 4538 4899
Photo of Genevieve von Lob - Dr Genevieve, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Genevieve
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I draw on a wide range of approaches which I will tailor to you and your individual needs, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT) (based on mindfulness), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR (this is particularly good for past traumas).
I work with adults and young people who are looking for a safe space to understand themselves and make sense of their experiences. I'm an HCPC registered and Chartered Clinical Psychologist (DClinPsych) with 20 years of experience. I previously worked in NHS adult primary care and Child and Adolescent Mental Health services (CAMHS) as well as in private practice in Harley Street and Canary Wharf and inside big corporations. Please note that I'm not able to work with young people who are presenting with a high level of risk to themselves (e.g., self harming , eating disorder, psychosis).
I draw on a wide range of approaches which I will tailor to you and your individual needs, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT) (based on mindfulness), Internal Family Systems (IFS) and EMDR (this is particularly good for past traumas).
I work with adults and young people who are looking for a safe space to understand themselves and make sense of their experiences. I'm an HCPC registered and Chartered Clinical Psychologist (DClinPsych) with 20 years of experience. I previously worked in NHS adult primary care and Child and Adolescent Mental Health services (CAMHS) as well as in private practice in Harley Street and Canary Wharf and inside big corporations. Please note that I'm not able to work with young people who are presenting with a high level of risk to themselves (e.g., self harming , eating disorder, psychosis).
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Photo of Dr Manveer Kaur, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Manveer Kaur
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I offer a warm and compassionate approach to therapy, working with each person as a unique individual, and drawing from a range of therapy models, including CBT, ACT and EMDR.
Alongside supporting adults with low mood, depression, low self-esteem, stress and anxiety, my specialist area of expertise is in the treatment of trauma, PTSD and complex PTSD.
I offer a warm and compassionate approach to therapy, working with each person as a unique individual, and drawing from a range of therapy models, including CBT, ACT and EMDR.
Alongside supporting adults with low mood, depression, low self-esteem, stress and anxiety, my specialist area of expertise is in the treatment of trauma, PTSD and complex PTSD.
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Photo of Sinisa Jovic, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Sinisa Jovic
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Serves Area
Hello, I am Sinisa. I am an experienced therapist and Lecturer in Counselling at the University of East London. Working with me, you will find a warm and safe environment to explore your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. I am here to empower you to help yourself to create meaningful and lasting change. No matter what your background is, I am here to listen and help. I support people with a range of issues, some of which include: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, stress, low moods, sexuality and gender identity issues, low self-esteem, sadness, separation, divorce, middle-life crisis, procrastination, spiritual issues, etc.
Hello, I am Sinisa. I am an experienced therapist and Lecturer in Counselling at the University of East London. Working with me, you will find a warm and safe environment to explore your thoughts, feelings, and beliefs. I am here to empower you to help yourself to create meaningful and lasting change. No matter what your background is, I am here to listen and help. I support people with a range of issues, some of which include: anxiety, depression, relationship issues, stress, low moods, sexuality and gender identity issues, low self-esteem, sadness, separation, divorce, middle-life crisis, procrastination, spiritual issues, etc.
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Photo of Stuart Olive, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Stuart Olive
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Online Only
If you’re looking for clarity, practical tools, and a calm, supportive space to understand what’s going on, CBT can help. Together, we can work towards feeling more in control, more grounded, and more like yourself again.
If you’re looking for clarity, practical tools, and a calm, supportive space to understand what’s going on, CBT can help. Together, we can work towards feeling more in control, more grounded, and more like yourself again.
01737 948414 View 01737 948414
Photo of Dr Bradley Platt, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Bradley Platt
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
I use evidence-based therapies including CBT, ACT, and CFT.
Living with a long-term health condition, persistent pain, trauma, or the effects of illness or injury can feel exhausting, isolating, and overwhelming. Physical health difficulties often have a significant impact on emotional wellbeing, influencing mood, confidence, relationships, identity, work, and day-to-day functioning. I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with experience across NHS and private healthcare settings, specialising in the psychological impact and adjustment to long-term health conditions, trauma, injury, and persistent pain.
I use evidence-based therapies including CBT, ACT, and CFT.
Living with a long-term health condition, persistent pain, trauma, or the effects of illness or injury can feel exhausting, isolating, and overwhelming. Physical health difficulties often have a significant impact on emotional wellbeing, influencing mood, confidence, relationships, identity, work, and day-to-day functioning. I am a Consultant Clinical Psychologist with experience across NHS and private healthcare settings, specialising in the psychological impact and adjustment to long-term health conditions, trauma, injury, and persistent pain.
020 4634 3168 View 020 4634 3168
Photo of Emily Yao, Psychotherapist, MSc
Emily Yao
Psychotherapist, MSc
Serves Area
I draw on many therapeutic traditions to suit your needs, with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Existential Therapy at the core.
Do you struggle with focus, procrastination, or emotional overwhelm? I support people whose minds are often in hyperdrive, especially those with ADHD and/or anxiety. Over time, living this way can put strain on your relationships, wear down your self-esteem, and drain the joy from life. I offer a space where you don't have to mask and where you'll be supported by someone who has been there personally, and who brings a strong grounding in the research on both ADHD and anxiety. Together we'll work towards more ease and clarity, and a steadier trust in yourself.
I draw on many therapeutic traditions to suit your needs, with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Existential Therapy at the core.
Do you struggle with focus, procrastination, or emotional overwhelm? I support people whose minds are often in hyperdrive, especially those with ADHD and/or anxiety. Over time, living this way can put strain on your relationships, wear down your self-esteem, and drain the joy from life. I offer a space where you don't have to mask and where you'll be supported by someone who has been there personally, and who brings a strong grounding in the research on both ADHD and anxiety. Together we'll work towards more ease and clarity, and a steadier trust in yourself.
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Photo of Dr Katja Windheim, Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Dr Katja Windheim
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
4 Endorsed
Serves Area
Many of my clients come to therapy because they feel stuck in patterns they cannot shift on their own. You may be living with intense emotions, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or the impact of trauma. These struggles can leave you exhausted, hopeless, uncertain about who you are, and so overwhelmed that you detach from others. You might long to feel more grounded and confident, more at peace with uncertainty, and with the energy to move forward in the areas of life that matter most. I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ practice in the NHS and settings, helping clients move towards lasting change.
Many of my clients come to therapy because they feel stuck in patterns they cannot shift on their own. You may be living with intense emotions, low self-esteem, anxiety, depression, or the impact of trauma. These struggles can leave you exhausted, hopeless, uncertain about who you are, and so overwhelmed that you detach from others. You might long to feel more grounded and confident, more at peace with uncertainty, and with the energy to move forward in the areas of life that matter most. I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years’ practice in the NHS and settings, helping clients move towards lasting change.
020 8138 8519 View 020 8138 8519
Photo of Manch Joshi, Psychotherapist, MBACP
Manch Joshi
Psychotherapist, MBACP
Serves Area
Hello. I’m a compassionate therapist who understands problems and helps you apply different techniques to help you move forwards in life, unburdened. My approach is to deeply understand what causes disturbances and set an inspiring goal to enable and empower you to become unstuck and heal. We work to build: - ways to better manage any unhelpful thoughts and beliefs about yourself - awareness of what triggers you and how to respond in a healthy way, not react in an unhealthy way - ways to feel calm and in the moment - a helpful inner voice, whist dampening the inner critic's voice - self-confidence, self-belief and resilience.
Hello. I’m a compassionate therapist who understands problems and helps you apply different techniques to help you move forwards in life, unburdened. My approach is to deeply understand what causes disturbances and set an inspiring goal to enable and empower you to become unstuck and heal. We work to build: - ways to better manage any unhelpful thoughts and beliefs about yourself - awareness of what triggers you and how to respond in a healthy way, not react in an unhealthy way - ways to feel calm and in the moment - a helpful inner voice, whist dampening the inner critic's voice - self-confidence, self-belief and resilience.
020 4538 8435 View 020 4538 8435
Photo of Karen Francis - Retrain Your Brain, Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Retrain Your Brain
Counsellor, MSc, MBACP
Serves Area
Whether you are an adolescent, adult, sports person or busy executive there are some common themes that resonate with my clients: Finding it hard to make decisions - fear of getting it wrong and constantly worrying/Being less tolerant, irritable over things that wouldn't normally bother you/Needing to do everything perfectly and setting high unrealistic expectations resulting in procrastination/Never feeling you have done enough/A very critical internal voice - Exhausting! Most of my clients want to quieten that negative voice and find ways to achieve and live life without the gnawing anxiety and self-doubt
Whether you are an adolescent, adult, sports person or busy executive there are some common themes that resonate with my clients: Finding it hard to make decisions - fear of getting it wrong and constantly worrying/Being less tolerant, irritable over things that wouldn't normally bother you/Needing to do everything perfectly and setting high unrealistic expectations resulting in procrastination/Never feeling you have done enough/A very critical internal voice - Exhausting! Most of my clients want to quieten that negative voice and find ways to achieve and live life without the gnawing anxiety and self-doubt
01372 679022 View 01372 679022
Photo of Susanna Wong, Counsellor, MA
Susanna Wong
Counsellor, MA
Online Only
我深信每個人的成長經歷同需要都唔同, 所以喺輔導中, 我會將多種治療技巧靈活結合, 例如以靜觀為本嘅技巧, 認知行為治療CBT, 接納與承諾治療 ACT, 同埋情緒焦點治療EFT
Empathic and personalised Mental Health and Fertility Counselling for individuals and couple internationally in English, Cantonese and simple Mandarin. Testimonials: “Her sensitivity and empathy were evident in every interaction and we sensed a genuine desire to help and support us, beyond the standard level of care one might expect.” Couple G&S “Each session, she approached with mindfulness and genuine empathy, offering invaluable guidance as I navigated my personal challenges.” – EL “Susanna was a beacon of hope in my darkest hours, guiding me through very difficult times with empathy, compassion and sensibility.” - MY
我深信每個人的成長經歷同需要都唔同, 所以喺輔導中, 我會將多種治療技巧靈活結合, 例如以靜觀為本嘅技巧, 認知行為治療CBT, 接納與承諾治療 ACT, 同埋情緒焦點治療EFT
Empathic and personalised Mental Health and Fertility Counselling for individuals and couple internationally in English, Cantonese and simple Mandarin. Testimonials: “Her sensitivity and empathy were evident in every interaction and we sensed a genuine desire to help and support us, beyond the standard level of care one might expect.” Couple G&S “Each session, she approached with mindfulness and genuine empathy, offering invaluable guidance as I navigated my personal challenges.” – EL “Susanna was a beacon of hope in my darkest hours, guiding me through very difficult times with empathy, compassion and sensibility.” - MY
01932 501920 View 01932 501920
Photo of Peter Klein, Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Peter Klein
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I also make use of many forms of CBT including Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy.
I am specialised in treating problems such as ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Low Self-Esteem, OCD, Stress, Perfectionism, People Pleasing and Conflict Avoidance. I have over 13 years of experience. I emphasise the use of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapies as these offer a wealth of scientific evidence backing their effectiveness. From the first session onwards, we will focus on getting a tailored understanding of your concerns. We will then engage in an individualised treatment plan using scientifically backed methods. I am fully accredited by the BABCP and use a sophisticated form of CBT called the UCL Case Formulation Model.
I also make use of many forms of CBT including Schema Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy.
I am specialised in treating problems such as ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Low Self-Esteem, OCD, Stress, Perfectionism, People Pleasing and Conflict Avoidance. I have over 13 years of experience. I emphasise the use of Cognitive Behavioural Psychotherapies as these offer a wealth of scientific evidence backing their effectiveness. From the first session onwards, we will focus on getting a tailored understanding of your concerns. We will then engage in an individualised treatment plan using scientifically backed methods. I am fully accredited by the BABCP and use a sophisticated form of CBT called the UCL Case Formulation Model.
01748 902453 View 01748 902453
Photo of Amanda Salib Rafaïl, Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Amanda Salib Rafaïl
Psychotherapist, MA, MBACP
Serves Area
Shame dies when stories are shared in safe spaces. Each of us has our own unique story, and over my 7 years, I’ve had the privilege of hearing stories from people of all ages and backgrounds. The heart of my therapy is creating that safe space for you to share your story. Together, we can explore how you've arrived at this point in your life and what may be holding you back from moving forward. If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or past trauma, or find it hard to maintain relationships or confidence, I offer a supportive, non-judgmental environment to help you navigate life’s challenges and find clarity.
Shame dies when stories are shared in safe spaces. Each of us has our own unique story, and over my 7 years, I’ve had the privilege of hearing stories from people of all ages and backgrounds. The heart of my therapy is creating that safe space for you to share your story. Together, we can explore how you've arrived at this point in your life and what may be holding you back from moving forward. If you feel overwhelmed by anxiety, stress, or past trauma, or find it hard to maintain relationships or confidence, I offer a supportive, non-judgmental environment to help you navigate life’s challenges and find clarity.
020 4572 0484 View 020 4572 0484

See more therapy options for Kingston upon Thames

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.