Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Counselling in Oxford
Compassion, empathy, warm acceptance, non judgemental listening, techniques for you to learn to manage difficult emotions.
Adults, Children, couples and families. Suffering anxiety, depression, effects of trauma or just want to review some difficult years?
Compassion, empathy, warm acceptance, non judgemental listening, techniques for you to learn to manage difficult emotions.
Adults, Children, couples and families. Suffering anxiety, depression, effects of trauma or just want to review some difficult years?
I draw from a blend of Person-Centred Therapy, Transactional Analysis, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT).
If the idea of a therapist who simply nods along doesn’t sit right with you, you’re not alone. Many of the people I work with come to therapy wanting more—more insight, more honesty, and more practical tools for change. I have a particular interest in working with clients in midlife and their many challenges.
My approach is active, collaborative, and grounded in real dialogue. I use psychoeducation not just to explain therapeutic ideas, but to help us discover what actually works best for you. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all process—it’s a dynamic, evolving conversation built on trust, challenge, and understanding.
I draw from a blend of Person-Centred Therapy, Transactional Analysis, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT).
If the idea of a therapist who simply nods along doesn’t sit right with you, you’re not alone. Many of the people I work with come to therapy wanting more—more insight, more honesty, and more practical tools for change. I have a particular interest in working with clients in midlife and their many challenges.
My approach is active, collaborative, and grounded in real dialogue. I use psychoeducation not just to explain therapeutic ideas, but to help us discover what actually works best for you. This isn’t a one-size-fits-all process—it’s a dynamic, evolving conversation built on trust, challenge, and understanding.
I am trained in a range of therapeutic approaches, including: CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy and mindfulness.
I aim to help and support people to overcome the difficult struggles that life can throw at us. I work with people experiencing a range of difficulties, in particular: low mood, anxiety, trauma (PTSD), and stress/burnout. I understand that our worries can grip us so tightly we feel paralysed by them. Or that life can feel so overwhelming, we want to stay in bed all day and wish the world away. I hope to use my experience and skills in a range of therapeutic approaches to support people out of this distress.
I am trained in a range of therapeutic approaches, including: CBT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy and mindfulness.
I aim to help and support people to overcome the difficult struggles that life can throw at us. I work with people experiencing a range of difficulties, in particular: low mood, anxiety, trauma (PTSD), and stress/burnout. I understand that our worries can grip us so tightly we feel paralysed by them. Or that life can feel so overwhelming, we want to stay in bed all day and wish the world away. I hope to use my experience and skills in a range of therapeutic approaches to support people out of this distress.
My therapeutic approach is integrative, person centred and in my therapeutic work I draw on various models including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Based Therapy, Cognitive-Analytic Therapy, Systemic Therapy and Psychodynamic Theory.
I provide a client -centred, compassionate and non-judgemental psychological therapy service, and my approach to therapeutic work is to be open and collaborative. Central to my approach is the importance of the therapeutic relationship; a safe and supportive space within which you can work on achieving positive change. I am trained and accredited in a range of evidence based therapeutic models and I draw on these to provide a therapy that is tailored to your individual needs and will focus on helping you to achieve your goals. I am particularly interested in helping people to recognise, connect to and develop their strengths.
My therapeutic approach is integrative, person centred and in my therapeutic work I draw on various models including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Compassion Focused Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Based Therapy, Cognitive-Analytic Therapy, Systemic Therapy and Psychodynamic Theory.
I provide a client -centred, compassionate and non-judgemental psychological therapy service, and my approach to therapeutic work is to be open and collaborative. Central to my approach is the importance of the therapeutic relationship; a safe and supportive space within which you can work on achieving positive change. I am trained and accredited in a range of evidence based therapeutic models and I draw on these to provide a therapy that is tailored to your individual needs and will focus on helping you to achieve your goals. I am particularly interested in helping people to recognise, connect to and develop their strengths.
I can use CBT to reduce our fears, conquer overwhelmed feelings, change our thinking and act in meaningful ways on Online / Phone
I can help you if you are feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of life. You might be grappling with challenges such as anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. You seek a way out of your emotional and mental struggles, yearning to realize your true potential. Your deepest desire is to cultivate healthier and more meaningful relationships with yourself and others, ultimately leading a more fulfilling life. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), you aim to reconstruct your thoughts and emotions, enhancing your self-confidence and resilience. For you, CBT is a crucial tool in your journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
I can use CBT to reduce our fears, conquer overwhelmed feelings, change our thinking and act in meaningful ways on Online / Phone
I can help you if you are feeling overwhelmed by the complexities of life. You might be grappling with challenges such as anxiety, depression, or relationship issues. You seek a way out of your emotional and mental struggles, yearning to realize your true potential. Your deepest desire is to cultivate healthier and more meaningful relationships with yourself and others, ultimately leading a more fulfilling life. Through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), you aim to reconstruct your thoughts and emotions, enhancing your self-confidence and resilience. For you, CBT is a crucial tool in your journey of self-discovery and empowerment.
My main treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and EMDR.
I am passionate about helping clients intercept 'stuck' cycles by finding new ways of adjusting and coping. Many of the clients that I work with find themselves struggling with life demands or what the World Health Organisation (WHO) typically defines as 'burn-out' (ICD-10). Quite often they feel overwhelmed, depleted and unable to find an obvious solution to their problem. They find themselves chronically ruminating about the past or worrying about the future, leading to vicious cycles of depression and anxiety. These clients require a specialised therapist who can offer brief, effective treatment.
My main treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and EMDR.
I am passionate about helping clients intercept 'stuck' cycles by finding new ways of adjusting and coping. Many of the clients that I work with find themselves struggling with life demands or what the World Health Organisation (WHO) typically defines as 'burn-out' (ICD-10). Quite often they feel overwhelmed, depleted and unable to find an obvious solution to their problem. They find themselves chronically ruminating about the past or worrying about the future, leading to vicious cycles of depression and anxiety. These clients require a specialised therapist who can offer brief, effective treatment.
I am very experienced in a range of different therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Hi, I'm Sarah. I specialise in trauma/PTSD, spirituality, and sexual and relationship issues. I am polyamory, BDSM and kink aware. I am sex positive and supportive of diverse relationship orientations, sexualities and lifestyles. I am very experienced in third wave CBT, the trauma therapies (including EMDR) and energy psychology. I have just completed a Certificate in Psychosexual Therapy.
I am very experienced in a range of different therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitisation and Reprocessing (EMDR).
Hi, I'm Sarah. I specialise in trauma/PTSD, spirituality, and sexual and relationship issues. I am polyamory, BDSM and kink aware. I am sex positive and supportive of diverse relationship orientations, sexualities and lifestyles. I am very experienced in third wave CBT, the trauma therapies (including EMDR) and energy psychology. I have just completed a Certificate in Psychosexual Therapy.
I offer both psychodynamic and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which complement each other so well.
I offer help for stress, loss, depression, anxiety, and feelings of being angry, upset, stuck, or confused. I have a particular interest in making my practice autism-friendly. The working relationship is key to productive therapy, and through a compassionate approach I can help you to explore issues at your own pace, and live a life that matches your values.
I offer both psychodynamic and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, which complement each other so well.
I offer help for stress, loss, depression, anxiety, and feelings of being angry, upset, stuck, or confused. I have a particular interest in making my practice autism-friendly. The working relationship is key to productive therapy, and through a compassionate approach I can help you to explore issues at your own pace, and live a life that matches your values.
Dr Joanne Ablett (Flow Clinical Psychology)
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Models include EMDR, ACT, Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness and Yoga Therapy.
I work supporting and coaching individuals to improve their overall wellbeing with a mind-body approach using both psychology and somatic methods in an integrated way. If you are struggling with the flow in your life, in any area, whether it be health, work, relationships, past or a bit of everything, please do get in touch for a collaborative and tailored approach to your needs. I am particularly interested in the how trauma can be expressed through the body and skilled in working holistically with the impact of physical symptoms. Lets help you to move forwards with your goals, whatever they may be.
Models include EMDR, ACT, Hypnotherapy, Mindfulness and Yoga Therapy.
I work supporting and coaching individuals to improve their overall wellbeing with a mind-body approach using both psychology and somatic methods in an integrated way. If you are struggling with the flow in your life, in any area, whether it be health, work, relationships, past or a bit of everything, please do get in touch for a collaborative and tailored approach to your needs. I am particularly interested in the how trauma can be expressed through the body and skilled in working holistically with the impact of physical symptoms. Lets help you to move forwards with your goals, whatever they may be.
Appreciates the collaborative bond between you and me, working towards establishing a genuine therapeutic environment rooted in mutual trust and acceptance.
We encounter various kinds of difficulties and challenges every day. At times, it can be challenging to open up to others, therefore leading to feelings of confusion and a sense of powerlessness. Recently, many individuals from Hong Kong who have relocated to the UK have faced setbacks in their social, professional, or academic pursuits. Such challenges often stem from uncertainties surrounding self-image and self-worth while adapting to a new environment. If you find yourself in a similar situation, exploring yourself through psychological counseling can provide you with more effective means to understand and address these emotions
Appreciates the collaborative bond between you and me, working towards establishing a genuine therapeutic environment rooted in mutual trust and acceptance.
We encounter various kinds of difficulties and challenges every day. At times, it can be challenging to open up to others, therefore leading to feelings of confusion and a sense of powerlessness. Recently, many individuals from Hong Kong who have relocated to the UK have faced setbacks in their social, professional, or academic pursuits. Such challenges often stem from uncertainties surrounding self-image and self-worth while adapting to a new environment. If you find yourself in a similar situation, exploring yourself through psychological counseling can provide you with more effective means to understand and address these emotions
Dr Hjördis Lorenz (Abode Therapy)
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
My work is informed by principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and Systemic therapy.
I am a Clinical Psychologist who works with a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, phobias, grief and loss, and relationship difficulties. I am particularly experienced in working with people struggling with the effects of trauma from childhood or adulthood, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD, substance use, and social anxiety. In all my work, I adapt therapy to your needs, including neurodiversity (e.g. ADHD), health issues, and cultural contexts. Alongside my work at ABODE, I work in a specialist trauma service in the NHS, and research social anxiety treatments at University of Oxford.
My work is informed by principles of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT), Narrative Exposure Therapy (NET), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and Systemic therapy.
I am a Clinical Psychologist who works with a range of mental health difficulties including anxiety, phobias, grief and loss, and relationship difficulties. I am particularly experienced in working with people struggling with the effects of trauma from childhood or adulthood, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), Complex PTSD, substance use, and social anxiety. In all my work, I adapt therapy to your needs, including neurodiversity (e.g. ADHD), health issues, and cultural contexts. Alongside my work at ABODE, I work in a specialist trauma service in the NHS, and research social anxiety treatments at University of Oxford.
Meet Our Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Counsellors
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.
I use an integrative and pragmatic approach, where I pull from different therapeutic modalities (CBT, ACT, Psychodynamic, Narrative, Existential) to help you achieve your current goals.
So often our difficulties make us feel stuck, bound in place. We can feel caught in a loop, and not know how to get free. We might even know what to do - but either can't seem to do it or it won't work. And sometimes we don't even know what is making us feel stuck and where to start. Problems with our health, mood, traumatic experiences, changes to our life circumstances like work or living arrangement, relationships, habits- any of these can make us feel stuck.
I use an integrative and pragmatic approach, where I pull from different therapeutic modalities (CBT, ACT, Psychodynamic, Narrative, Existential) to help you achieve your current goals.
So often our difficulties make us feel stuck, bound in place. We can feel caught in a loop, and not know how to get free. We might even know what to do - but either can't seem to do it or it won't work. And sometimes we don't even know what is making us feel stuck and where to start. Problems with our health, mood, traumatic experiences, changes to our life circumstances like work or living arrangement, relationships, habits- any of these can make us feel stuck.
We are accredited CBT therapists with additional training in EMDR, Compassion-Focused Therapy, ACT, and DBT.
We understand that making the first contact can feel intimidating and takes a great deal of courage. Our goal is to help you explore how you got to where you are and guide you in finding ways to move forward. Each session is designed to be supportive and productive, helping you work toward your therapy goals.
We are accredited CBT therapists with additional training in EMDR, Compassion-Focused Therapy, ACT, and DBT.
We understand that making the first contact can feel intimidating and takes a great deal of courage. Our goal is to help you explore how you got to where you are and guide you in finding ways to move forward. Each session is designed to be supportive and productive, helping you work toward your therapy goals.
I integrate CBT, ACT, CFT, EMDR, and Schema Therapy, drawing from over two decades of clinical experience to offer a personalised, flexible approach.
Struggling with stress, anxiety, or low mood? Feeling stuck or disconnected from who you want to be?
I’m a chartered Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years’ experience helping people navigate life’s emotional challenges with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based support.
I offer online therapy across the UK and internationally, working with adults facing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs.
Together, we’ll make sense of your difficulties and identify practical steps forward.
I integrate CBT, ACT, CFT, EMDR, and Schema Therapy, drawing from over two decades of clinical experience to offer a personalised, flexible approach.
Struggling with stress, anxiety, or low mood? Feeling stuck or disconnected from who you want to be?
I’m a chartered Clinical Psychologist with over 25 years’ experience helping people navigate life’s emotional challenges with clarity, compassion, and evidence-based support.
I offer online therapy across the UK and internationally, working with adults facing issues such as anxiety, depression, trauma, self-esteem, and life transitions. My approach is warm, collaborative, and tailored to your unique needs.
Together, we’ll make sense of your difficulties and identify practical steps forward.
I like to weave evidence based practices such as Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Person-Centred and Psychodynamic therapy, with ancient wisdom traditions.
My approach is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and a deep understanding that healing is as much about reconnecting with yourself as it is about addressing the wounds you’ve endured. Where relevant I can help you to understand the source of your core pain, which acknowledges and honours the struggles you have already endured while identifying the strengths you have developed to adapt and survive. Where some of these adaptations have become unhelpful, I work with you to discover healthy coping mechanisms and tools moving forward.
I like to weave evidence based practices such as Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Person-Centred and Psychodynamic therapy, with ancient wisdom traditions.
My approach is rooted in compassion, authenticity, and a deep understanding that healing is as much about reconnecting with yourself as it is about addressing the wounds you’ve endured. Where relevant I can help you to understand the source of your core pain, which acknowledges and honours the struggles you have already endured while identifying the strengths you have developed to adapt and survive. Where some of these adaptations have become unhelpful, I work with you to discover healthy coping mechanisms and tools moving forward.
I offer established approaches like CBT, ACT, CFT, EMDR, psychodynamic, and somatic (body) awareness.
Are you seeking a reflective space to explore challenges, deepen self-understanding, and grow? You may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or stuck—or have a sense that there’s more to life, but something is holding you back.
Perhaps living with a long-term condition (like chronic illness or depression) has affected your sense of identity or self-worth. Maybe past trauma—whether recent or from childhood—continues to shape your emotions, lifestyle, or physical health.
I am an experienced senior psychologist offering a compassionate space to help you process present struggles and/or deeper patterns rooted in the past.
I offer established approaches like CBT, ACT, CFT, EMDR, psychodynamic, and somatic (body) awareness.
Are you seeking a reflective space to explore challenges, deepen self-understanding, and grow? You may feel overwhelmed, frustrated, or stuck—or have a sense that there’s more to life, but something is holding you back.
Perhaps living with a long-term condition (like chronic illness or depression) has affected your sense of identity or self-worth. Maybe past trauma—whether recent or from childhood—continues to shape your emotions, lifestyle, or physical health.
I am an experienced senior psychologist offering a compassionate space to help you process present struggles and/or deeper patterns rooted in the past.
I am a compassionate and highly experienced CBT Therapist/EMDR/ ACT/CFT Therapist and Mindfulness Teacher with over eighteen years experience in NHS and specialist health care settings.
I am trained in a range of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Mindfulness & Cognitive Analytical Therapy informed therapy. I specialise in working with people with health conditions/low self esteem.
I am a compassionate and highly experienced CBT Therapist/EMDR/ ACT/CFT Therapist and Mindfulness Teacher with over eighteen years experience in NHS and specialist health care settings.
I am trained in a range of therapeutic modalities including Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing (EMDR) Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Mindfulness & Cognitive Analytical Therapy informed therapy. I specialise in working with people with health conditions/low self esteem.
Sleep Well Oxford - Oxford Sleep Clinic
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Online Only
With insomnia, the evidence-based treatment is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia, but Dr Gavriloff's background includes training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as Mindfulness-based Therapy for Insomnia.
Sleep Well Oxford is an online sleep clinic providing diagnostics and evidence-based treatment for a range of non-respiratory sleep disorders, including insomnia. It is run by Dr Dimitri Gavriloff, a Clinical Psychologist and ESRS Certified Sleep Medicine Specialist. As well as running Sleep Well Oxford, Dr Gavriloff works for Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust where he runs a non-respiratory sleep service, and for the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, University of Oxford.
With insomnia, the evidence-based treatment is Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia, but Dr Gavriloff's background includes training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as well as Mindfulness-based Therapy for Insomnia.
Sleep Well Oxford is an online sleep clinic providing diagnostics and evidence-based treatment for a range of non-respiratory sleep disorders, including insomnia. It is run by Dr Dimitri Gavriloff, a Clinical Psychologist and ESRS Certified Sleep Medicine Specialist. As well as running Sleep Well Oxford, Dr Gavriloff works for Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust where he runs a non-respiratory sleep service, and for the Sleep and Circadian Neuroscience Institute, University of Oxford.
I incorporate a range of therapeutic approaches from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Jungian Psychoanalysis, Narrative therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
I work internationally with clients in general counselling and high performance coaching with professionals in the performing arts, business, athletics, film, advertising and creative industries. Areas clients and I have successfully worked in: stress, anxiety and depression, relationships, menopause and peri-menopause, coping with injury and chronic pain, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), international re-settlement, problems with confidence, over-thinking, preparing for interviews and auditions, creative blocks, interpersonal difficulties at work, major life and career changes. I work online and in person (UK and Finland).
I incorporate a range of therapeutic approaches from Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Jungian Psychoanalysis, Narrative therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
I work internationally with clients in general counselling and high performance coaching with professionals in the performing arts, business, athletics, film, advertising and creative industries. Areas clients and I have successfully worked in: stress, anxiety and depression, relationships, menopause and peri-menopause, coping with injury and chronic pain, Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD), international re-settlement, problems with confidence, over-thinking, preparing for interviews and auditions, creative blocks, interpersonal difficulties at work, major life and career changes. I work online and in person (UK and Finland).
See more therapy options for Oxford
Nearby Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Counsellors Searches for Oxford
- Abingdon
- Aylesbury
- Banbury
- Bicester
- Buckingham
- Hemel Hempstead
- Henley-on-Thames
- High Wycombe
- Marlow
- Reading
- Thame
- Witney
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.