Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Counselling in Sunderland
I am Dr Sonia Ahmed, a chartered counselling psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC), and founder of Serene Psychology. I have significant experience working with a range of issues and difficulties, varying from day-to-day stress to severe mental health issues. These include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, relationship issues, amongst others. Furthermore, I have substantial experience working with trauma and PTSD presentations. Alongside my work, I have a team of experienced associate therapists who offer a range of services & expertise to meet needs.
I am Dr Sonia Ahmed, a chartered counselling psychologist, registered with the Health and Care Professionals Council (HCPC), and founder of Serene Psychology. I have significant experience working with a range of issues and difficulties, varying from day-to-day stress to severe mental health issues. These include, but are not limited to, anxiety, depression, stress, grief and loss, relationship issues, amongst others. Furthermore, I have substantial experience working with trauma and PTSD presentations. Alongside my work, I have a team of experienced associate therapists who offer a range of services & expertise to meet needs.
I’m a qualified Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor with over 7 years of experience running my own practice. I’m deeply committed to helping clients navigate lifes challenges, working through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, burnout, or relationship difficulties.
I support children and adults, tailoring therapy to meet each clients emotional, developmental, and psychological needs. My approach is compassionate and grounded in the belief that clients deserve to feel safe, understood, respected, heard and supported. I take an integrative, person-centred approach, combining evidence-based therapies to best suit your needs.
I’m a qualified Counsellor and Clinical Supervisor with over 7 years of experience running my own practice. I’m deeply committed to helping clients navigate lifes challenges, working through anxiety, depression, grief, trauma, burnout, or relationship difficulties.
I support children and adults, tailoring therapy to meet each clients emotional, developmental, and psychological needs. My approach is compassionate and grounded in the belief that clients deserve to feel safe, understood, respected, heard and supported. I take an integrative, person-centred approach, combining evidence-based therapies to best suit your needs.
I'm a clinical psychologist with the skill and experience to help you better understand and manage your mental health. I use evidence-based approaches to best suit your needs. Sessions with me will feel informative and helpful. We'll focus on developing coping skills and strategies for you to take forwards so that when our sessions end, you'll feel empowered to reach your potential.
I'm a clinical psychologist with the skill and experience to help you better understand and manage your mental health. I use evidence-based approaches to best suit your needs. Sessions with me will feel informative and helpful. We'll focus on developing coping skills and strategies for you to take forwards so that when our sessions end, you'll feel empowered to reach your potential.
I utilise evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and third-wave therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) to support clients in managing difficulties with their mental health.
I am a Clinical Psychologist providing therapy tailored to individuals with general mental health difficulties, long-term health conditions and neurodiversity. Additionally, I have experience working with people living with HIV, chronic pain, neurological disorders, FND, and traumatic brain injury.
I also provide neurorehabilitation, assessment of challenging behaviour, behaviour support plans, and mental capacity assessments.
I utilise evidence-based approaches such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) and third-wave therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and Compassion-Focused Therapy (CFT) to support clients in managing difficulties with their mental health.
I am a Clinical Psychologist providing therapy tailored to individuals with general mental health difficulties, long-term health conditions and neurodiversity. Additionally, I have experience working with people living with HIV, chronic pain, neurological disorders, FND, and traumatic brain injury.
I also provide neurorehabilitation, assessment of challenging behaviour, behaviour support plans, and mental capacity assessments.
I tailor therapy to your needs, drawing on EMDR, ACT, CBT, and mindfulness, with a focus on trauma-informed care and creating a safe, trusting space.
Hello and welcome - I’m really glad you’re here. I’m Louise, an experienced Clinical Psychologist. I support people with mental health difficulties, life changes, and adjusting to physical health conditions.
I qualified in Newcastle in 2006 and have over 20 years’ experience in NHS community and hospital settings. I now run a private clinic in Jesmond and offer face-to-face, online, and telephone appointments for those aged 16+, so you can access support in a way that feels most comfortable for you. Concessionary rates are available for NHS and Blue Light workers.
I tailor therapy to your needs, drawing on EMDR, ACT, CBT, and mindfulness, with a focus on trauma-informed care and creating a safe, trusting space.
Hello and welcome - I’m really glad you’re here. I’m Louise, an experienced Clinical Psychologist. I support people with mental health difficulties, life changes, and adjusting to physical health conditions.
I qualified in Newcastle in 2006 and have over 20 years’ experience in NHS community and hospital settings. I now run a private clinic in Jesmond and offer face-to-face, online, and telephone appointments for those aged 16+, so you can access support in a way that feels most comfortable for you. Concessionary rates are available for NHS and Blue Light workers.
In addition to being a fully qualified Clinical Psychologist, I have also trained in a range of different therapeutic approaches including CBT, ACT, EMDR, DBT, and Mindfulness.
I have a warm and empathetic approach, and a wealth of experience both in the NHS and in private practice working with adults, adolescents and children with a range of problems, including: anxiety; depression; trauma and PTSD; stress and burnout; obsessions and compulsions; relationship problems; Personality Disorder and emotional regulation; and, emotional difficulties associated with physical health problems. I regularly work with clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, and learning disabilities.
In addition to being a fully qualified Clinical Psychologist, I have also trained in a range of different therapeutic approaches including CBT, ACT, EMDR, DBT, and Mindfulness.
I have a warm and empathetic approach, and a wealth of experience both in the NHS and in private practice working with adults, adolescents and children with a range of problems, including: anxiety; depression; trauma and PTSD; stress and burnout; obsessions and compulsions; relationship problems; Personality Disorder and emotional regulation; and, emotional difficulties associated with physical health problems. I regularly work with clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder, Attention Deficit and Hyperactivity Disorder, and learning disabilities.
With a strong interest in the mind-body connection, I draw on a range of approaches to meet your individual needs, including integrative counselling, ACT, somatic and energetic body-based work, NLP, inner child and coaching tools.
Hi I'm Amy - a BA (Hons) integrative therapist specialising in whole-person healing for emotionally exhausted women experiencing depression, anxiety, overwhelm, trauma, and burnout. You may feel stuck in patterns of overthinking, over-responsibility, or constant coping, while feeling disconnected from yourself.
If you are seeking true calm, balance, and a deeper sense of emotional safety, we will work together to help you move out of survival mode and towards a more regulated and sustainable way of living. This is through a clearer connection to your needs, boundaries, and resources to support greater self-trust and confidence.
With a strong interest in the mind-body connection, I draw on a range of approaches to meet your individual needs, including integrative counselling, ACT, somatic and energetic body-based work, NLP, inner child and coaching tools.
Hi I'm Amy - a BA (Hons) integrative therapist specialising in whole-person healing for emotionally exhausted women experiencing depression, anxiety, overwhelm, trauma, and burnout. You may feel stuck in patterns of overthinking, over-responsibility, or constant coping, while feeling disconnected from yourself.
If you are seeking true calm, balance, and a deeper sense of emotional safety, we will work together to help you move out of survival mode and towards a more regulated and sustainable way of living. This is through a clearer connection to your needs, boundaries, and resources to support greater self-trust and confidence.
I work with chronic pain, trauma, and the distress that comes with loss and mortality, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, and existential approaches.
Chronic pain changes more than the body. It changes how you think about your future, your work, and who you are. I work with people carrying that weight, alongside those facing trauma, and those grappling with loss, bereavement, or the fear of death itself. These experiences share something: they ask you to keep living fully in the presence of something you cannot fix or undo. That is the work I know well.
I work with chronic pain, trauma, and the distress that comes with loss and mortality, drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, EMDR, and existential approaches.
Chronic pain changes more than the body. It changes how you think about your future, your work, and who you are. I work with people carrying that weight, alongside those facing trauma, and those grappling with loss, bereavement, or the fear of death itself. These experiences share something: they ask you to keep living fully in the presence of something you cannot fix or undo. That is the work I know well.
Life is hard. Talking helps. Talk Works deliver counselling, CBT, EMDR and psychology to individuals who require mental health support. Therapy offers you a safe, confidential place to talk about your life and anything that may be distressing. Whenever we get people talking, great things happen.
Life is hard. Talking helps. Talk Works deliver counselling, CBT, EMDR and psychology to individuals who require mental health support. Therapy offers you a safe, confidential place to talk about your life and anything that may be distressing. Whenever we get people talking, great things happen.
As a qualified Clinical Psychologist with advanced training in a range of specialties, I am trained and experienced in a variety of proven talking therapies, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Family Therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, Counselling, and Mindfulness based approaches.
I specialise in helping people overcome problems such as depression, anxiety (whether due to worry, obsessive-compulsive disorder, health anxiety, or intrusive thoughts), and sleep disorders (such as insomnia, nightmares and early waking) so they can feel better and function better in day to day life again.
As a qualified Clinical Psychologist with advanced training in a range of specialties, I am trained and experienced in a variety of proven talking therapies, including Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Family Therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, Counselling, and Mindfulness based approaches.
I specialise in helping people overcome problems such as depression, anxiety (whether due to worry, obsessive-compulsive disorder, health anxiety, or intrusive thoughts), and sleep disorders (such as insomnia, nightmares and early waking) so they can feel better and function better in day to day life again.
I offer warm, practical wellbeing support using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT), solution-focused approaches, and simple tools to help life feel lighter, healthier, and more manageable — from noisy minds to routines that actually stick.
Sometimes life feels harder than it should.
I work with adults who feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, disconnected from themselves, or simply not quite like they used to. Many people come to me when overthinking is taking over, routines feel hard to maintain, life pressures are building up, or they’re navigating change, caregiving, pain, or uncertainty.
Some people are looking for something more practical or accessible than traditional therapy, while others want support alongside it. Together, we focus on making things feel lighter, clearer, healthier, and more manageable — in ways that fit real life.
I offer warm, practical wellbeing support using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT), solution-focused approaches, and simple tools to help life feel lighter, healthier, and more manageable — from noisy minds to routines that actually stick.
Sometimes life feels harder than it should.
I work with adults who feel overwhelmed, anxious, stuck, disconnected from themselves, or simply not quite like they used to. Many people come to me when overthinking is taking over, routines feel hard to maintain, life pressures are building up, or they’re navigating change, caregiving, pain, or uncertainty.
Some people are looking for something more practical or accessible than traditional therapy, while others want support alongside it. Together, we focus on making things feel lighter, clearer, healthier, and more manageable — in ways that fit real life.
I also work in other cognitive therapies such as CBT and schema focused therapy but have a particular interest in mindfulness based and acceptance based therapies.
I specialise in working with individuals who have difficulties in managing their emotions and therefore struggle with things like relationships, drinking, substance use, self harming and other impulsive behaviour. You don't need a formal diagnosis to work with me, but I do have a speciality of working with people with personality disorders. I also have lots of experience of working with people who have had traumatic histories and are struggling to manage as a result. This might mean they are depressed, anxious or just finding trusting people hard. As well as these specialities, I also work with all major mental health issues
I also work in other cognitive therapies such as CBT and schema focused therapy but have a particular interest in mindfulness based and acceptance based therapies.
I specialise in working with individuals who have difficulties in managing their emotions and therefore struggle with things like relationships, drinking, substance use, self harming and other impulsive behaviour. You don't need a formal diagnosis to work with me, but I do have a speciality of working with people with personality disorders. I also have lots of experience of working with people who have had traumatic histories and are struggling to manage as a result. This might mean they are depressed, anxious or just finding trusting people hard. As well as these specialities, I also work with all major mental health issues
My work is to empower you to understand and manage your own and your family's psychological wellbeing. From initial confusion and hopelessness the end game is enlightenment and clarity. I rely on data, clear aims, objectives, and objective measurement.
My work is to empower you to understand and manage your own and your family's psychological wellbeing. From initial confusion and hopelessness the end game is enlightenment and clarity. I rely on data, clear aims, objectives, and objective measurement.
Are you a parent feeling overwhelmed by your child’s big emotions, anxiety, low self-esteem, or challenging behaviour? You’re not alone. I’m a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years’ experience helping families like yours. Together, we can reduce conflict, strengthen your connection, and help your child feel more secure and confident. Let’s create a calmer, more connected home.
Are you a parent feeling overwhelmed by your child’s big emotions, anxiety, low self-esteem, or challenging behaviour? You’re not alone. I’m a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years’ experience helping families like yours. Together, we can reduce conflict, strengthen your connection, and help your child feel more secure and confident. Let’s create a calmer, more connected home.
Dr Laura Taylor-Gray
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Serves Area
Not accepting new clients
These include Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy.
As a Highly Specialist Practitioner Psychologist, I have worked mainly with individuals who have suffered some kind of childhood trauma and I also offer assessments for ADHD & ASD. As a result I have found that individuals with personality issues, CPTSD, mood disorders and neurodiversity feel that I am the best fit for them. The types of clients who are drawn to me tend to have difficulties with rejection, abandonment, being judged and not accepted. I provide the space to counteract that, to develop self-empathy and self-compassion and to simply accept and learn to love who we truly are.
These include Cognitive Analytic Therapy, Dialectical Behaviour Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Compassion Focused Therapy.
As a Highly Specialist Practitioner Psychologist, I have worked mainly with individuals who have suffered some kind of childhood trauma and I also offer assessments for ADHD & ASD. As a result I have found that individuals with personality issues, CPTSD, mood disorders and neurodiversity feel that I am the best fit for them. The types of clients who are drawn to me tend to have difficulties with rejection, abandonment, being judged and not accepted. I provide the space to counteract that, to develop self-empathy and self-compassion and to simply accept and learn to love who we truly are.
More Therapists Nearby
I offer a confidential, safe space and time for clients to explore any concerns or problems they are experiencing. During our sessions you will have the opportunity to discuss whatever issues you are struggling with in order to reach a deeper understanding of yourself, others and your circumstances, and most crucially to identify anything that you wish to change and work towards your goals. Together in our sessions, I will work sensitively so as to strengthen and empower you in the here-and-now to deal with recent events, on-going or long-standing issues that may have surfaced in your life.
I offer a confidential, safe space and time for clients to explore any concerns or problems they are experiencing. During our sessions you will have the opportunity to discuss whatever issues you are struggling with in order to reach a deeper understanding of yourself, others and your circumstances, and most crucially to identify anything that you wish to change and work towards your goals. Together in our sessions, I will work sensitively so as to strengthen and empower you in the here-and-now to deal with recent events, on-going or long-standing issues that may have surfaced in your life.
While CBT often forms the foundation of my work, I also draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), tailoring treatment to your individual needs, preferences and goals.
I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). I offer online therapy for adults experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, burnout, excessive worry, overthinking, perfectionism and self-criticism. Working remotely allows me to offer therapy to clients throughout the UK.
Many people I work with feel overwhelmed, stuck in patterns of worry or self-criticism, struggling with stress at work, or finding that anxiety is affecting their confidence, relationships or day-to-day life. Therapy provides an opportunity to better understand these patterns and develop more effective ways of responding.
While CBT often forms the foundation of my work, I also draw on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), tailoring treatment to your individual needs, preferences and goals.
I am a Clinical Psychologist registered with the Health and Care Professions Council (HCPC). I offer online therapy for adults experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, burnout, excessive worry, overthinking, perfectionism and self-criticism. Working remotely allows me to offer therapy to clients throughout the UK.
Many people I work with feel overwhelmed, stuck in patterns of worry or self-criticism, struggling with stress at work, or finding that anxiety is affecting their confidence, relationships or day-to-day life. Therapy provides an opportunity to better understand these patterns and develop more effective ways of responding.
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist offering psychological therapy in a cosy log cabin, whilst walking through woodland, or sitting together on a hillside with far reaching views. I offer therapy in natural settings because many people find that being outdoors helps them feel calmer, think more clearly, and connect more openly. Research demonstrates that spending time in green spaces can support emotional regulation, restore attention, calm the nervous system, and promote a greater sense of connection. Therapy in nature can offer a welcome pause from the pace and pressures of modern life.
I am an experienced Clinical Psychologist offering psychological therapy in a cosy log cabin, whilst walking through woodland, or sitting together on a hillside with far reaching views. I offer therapy in natural settings because many people find that being outdoors helps them feel calmer, think more clearly, and connect more openly. Research demonstrates that spending time in green spaces can support emotional regulation, restore attention, calm the nervous system, and promote a greater sense of connection. Therapy in nature can offer a welcome pause from the pace and pressures of modern life.
We support a wide range of clients and are perfectly placed to be able to support clients of any age including children. We also offer flexible rates that work to your budget meaning money never has to be a barrier to your progress and with late evening and weekend availability too we can work around your busy lifestyle to a time that suits you best. Any therapists working with Forward Steps are able to use a range of different types of therapy too meaning we can create a level of support that works to exactly to your age, personality and preferences.
We support a wide range of clients and are perfectly placed to be able to support clients of any age including children. We also offer flexible rates that work to your budget meaning money never has to be a barrier to your progress and with late evening and weekend availability too we can work around your busy lifestyle to a time that suits you best. Any therapists working with Forward Steps are able to use a range of different types of therapy too meaning we can create a level of support that works to exactly to your age, personality and preferences.
I use a range of therapeutic approaches including CBT, EMDR, ACT, Mindfulness, EFT and coaching.
I'm a highly experienced CBT/EMDR/EFT therapist and have over 23 years of working with people with a variety of physical and mental health conditions. I am registered with the HCPC. My approach will help you make sense of your past and current experiences. I aim to provide a safe, friendly space where you can talk openly to explore your challenges.
I use a range of therapeutic approaches including CBT, EMDR, ACT, Mindfulness, EFT and coaching.
I'm a highly experienced CBT/EMDR/EFT therapist and have over 23 years of working with people with a variety of physical and mental health conditions. I am registered with the HCPC. My approach will help you make sense of your past and current experiences. I aim to provide a safe, friendly space where you can talk openly to explore your challenges.
Nearby Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Counsellors Searches for Sunderland
- Chester le Street
- Corbridge
- Durham
- Gateshead
- Hartlepool
- Newcastle upon Tyne
- North Shields
- Ponteland
- South Shields
- Stockton-on-Tees
- Tynemouth
- Whitley Bay
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.