Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Counselling in West Wickham
I am an HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist and trained CBT and DBT therapist. I have been working in mental health for 9 years with both NHS and private health care experience. I work inline with my values of openness, integrity, non judgemental stance and positive regard. I have an interest in equality and diversity which is considered in the work I do and reflected in my academic research.
I am an HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist and trained CBT and DBT therapist. I have been working in mental health for 9 years with both NHS and private health care experience. I work inline with my values of openness, integrity, non judgemental stance and positive regard. I have an interest in equality and diversity which is considered in the work I do and reflected in my academic research.
I am fully accredited CBT and EMDR psychotherapist and HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist, my main approaches in therapy is ACT ( Acceptance and Commitment therapy) as well as EMDR (Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing).
Welcome!
As a qualified and experienced psychotherapist and Practitioner Psychologist , I can help you explore and process emotional difficulties that might be preventing you from having the quality of life you want.
I can guide you to develop cognitive, emotional and behavioural strategies that will contribute towards preventing any further psychological problems as well as being more positive. You will be encouraged to explore both intrinsic and interpersonal problems and to develop new behavioral skills.
I work with individuals and groups in the Mental Health sector.
Psychotherapy is potentially a life changing process.
I am fully accredited CBT and EMDR psychotherapist and HCPC registered Counselling Psychologist, my main approaches in therapy is ACT ( Acceptance and Commitment therapy) as well as EMDR (Eye movement desensitisation and reprocessing).
Welcome!
As a qualified and experienced psychotherapist and Practitioner Psychologist , I can help you explore and process emotional difficulties that might be preventing you from having the quality of life you want.
I can guide you to develop cognitive, emotional and behavioural strategies that will contribute towards preventing any further psychological problems as well as being more positive. You will be encouraged to explore both intrinsic and interpersonal problems and to develop new behavioral skills.
I work with individuals and groups in the Mental Health sector.
Psychotherapy is potentially a life changing process.
You might be someone who thinks and feels deeply—and often finds the world overwhelming or like it wasn’t built with you in mind. You may have spent years masking, pushing through, or wondering why life seems harder than it should. Maybe you've been told you're too sensitive—or you’ve just never quite felt like you fit in. You carry a lot, even if no one sees it.
What you want might be simple: to stop holding it all in. To speak freely, feel understood, and not have to pretend. A place where your pain is taken seriously—and where you don’t have to go through it alone.
You might be someone who thinks and feels deeply—and often finds the world overwhelming or like it wasn’t built with you in mind. You may have spent years masking, pushing through, or wondering why life seems harder than it should. Maybe you've been told you're too sensitive—or you’ve just never quite felt like you fit in. You carry a lot, even if no one sees it.
What you want might be simple: to stop holding it all in. To speak freely, feel understood, and not have to pretend. A place where your pain is taken seriously—and where you don’t have to go through it alone.
I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, with training in CBT, psychodynamic, CFT, ACT and EMDR.
Feeling overwhelmed and anxious? Waking in the middle of the night, or struggling to get to sleep? Endless racing thoughts? Feeling like you can't breathe? Doubting yourself? Finding it hard to feel motivated? It feels like uncertainty and anxiety are unavoidable at the moment. This impacts our mood and mental health. New, troubling feelings and experiences may have been triggered, you may have been struggling for a while, or old problems may have resurfaced. Whatever the case, therapy can provide a space to reflect, talk and make sense of the difficulties you are facing.
I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, with training in CBT, psychodynamic, CFT, ACT and EMDR.
Feeling overwhelmed and anxious? Waking in the middle of the night, or struggling to get to sleep? Endless racing thoughts? Feeling like you can't breathe? Doubting yourself? Finding it hard to feel motivated? It feels like uncertainty and anxiety are unavoidable at the moment. This impacts our mood and mental health. New, troubling feelings and experiences may have been triggered, you may have been struggling for a while, or old problems may have resurfaced. Whatever the case, therapy can provide a space to reflect, talk and make sense of the difficulties you are facing.
Welcome to my profile. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Sometimes life can be a struggle and reaching out can be daunting, it can be helpful to talk with someone that is not connected to your life or the difficulties you are facing. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
Welcome to my profile. I believe that you are the expert of your story and that you have many strengths that will assist you in overcoming things that challenge you. Sometimes life can be a struggle and reaching out can be daunting, it can be helpful to talk with someone that is not connected to your life or the difficulties you are facing. Taking the first step to sign up for therapy can take courage and I am proud of you for getting started!
My approach is warm, practical, and directive, with ACT at its heart.
If you're in a couple, chances are your relationship is in crisis: you and your partner have drifted apart, you don't understand each other any more, and communication is a challenge. I can help you step outside of the patterns that lead to conflict, indifference, and misunderstanding. You'll feel closer to your partner, rediscover yourself, and build a future that honours both your needs.
If you're a woman, gay, NB or POC, chances are you've been systemically disempowered. You feel invisible, exhausted, and what you want seems constantly out of reach. I can help you learn the mechanics of power to build the life of your dreams.
My approach is warm, practical, and directive, with ACT at its heart.
If you're in a couple, chances are your relationship is in crisis: you and your partner have drifted apart, you don't understand each other any more, and communication is a challenge. I can help you step outside of the patterns that lead to conflict, indifference, and misunderstanding. You'll feel closer to your partner, rediscover yourself, and build a future that honours both your needs.
If you're a woman, gay, NB or POC, chances are you've been systemically disempowered. You feel invisible, exhausted, and what you want seems constantly out of reach. I can help you learn the mechanics of power to build the life of your dreams.
The Glow Up Project is a therapy-based CIC supporting children (4–18) and families through 1:1 therapy, family work, student counsellor placements, and our mobile Therapy Bus. We work with schools, local authorities and agencies to deliver trauma-informed, creative support for issues like attachment, trauma, emotional regulation, anxiety, identity and family breakdown. As a CIC, we reinvest into communities to improve access, outcomes and long-term wellbeing.
The Glow Up Project is a therapy-based CIC supporting children (4–18) and families through 1:1 therapy, family work, student counsellor placements, and our mobile Therapy Bus. We work with schools, local authorities and agencies to deliver trauma-informed, creative support for issues like attachment, trauma, emotional regulation, anxiety, identity and family breakdown. As a CIC, we reinvest into communities to improve access, outcomes and long-term wellbeing.
You likely look fine, but are exhausted. Finding the therapist who understands that matters. I work with people figuring out identity, couples who've drifted into parallel lives, neurodivergent adults tired of translating themselves, and anyone for whom intimacy or desire has become complicated. You don't need to have already worked yourself out to start, but you do need a space where you don't have to perform first. I offer warm, confidential understanding of where you’re coming from. You can speak openly and be met with genuine care and respect, honouring your whole self, working at your own pace and guided by your own goals.
You likely look fine, but are exhausted. Finding the therapist who understands that matters. I work with people figuring out identity, couples who've drifted into parallel lives, neurodivergent adults tired of translating themselves, and anyone for whom intimacy or desire has become complicated. You don't need to have already worked yourself out to start, but you do need a space where you don't have to perform first. I offer warm, confidential understanding of where you’re coming from. You can speak openly and be met with genuine care and respect, honouring your whole self, working at your own pace and guided by your own goals.
More Therapists Nearby
I deliver an Integrative Therapy of Occupational Therapy & Mindfulness-Based Approaches, incorporating Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Compassion-Focused Approaches & Somatic-Focused Therapy.
My therapy practice is built on many years of experience– from NHS mental health services to fatigue & pain management clinics & now having particular resonance for people living with non-visible health challenges, ADHD presentations and feelings of burnout & overwhelm. I help build pathways to feeling more anchored, more autonomous, towards living life better. This is personal to everyone - maybe building helpful rhythms, habits, more meaning to life; maybe supporting self-management; feeling more regulated in mind & body; breaking cycles of masking, over-doing, self-judgement; or maybe it's towards re-connecting with yourself.
I deliver an Integrative Therapy of Occupational Therapy & Mindfulness-Based Approaches, incorporating Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, Compassion-Focused Approaches & Somatic-Focused Therapy.
My therapy practice is built on many years of experience– from NHS mental health services to fatigue & pain management clinics & now having particular resonance for people living with non-visible health challenges, ADHD presentations and feelings of burnout & overwhelm. I help build pathways to feeling more anchored, more autonomous, towards living life better. This is personal to everyone - maybe building helpful rhythms, habits, more meaning to life; maybe supporting self-management; feeling more regulated in mind & body; breaking cycles of masking, over-doing, self-judgement; or maybe it's towards re-connecting with yourself.
I’m Michelle, a Psychotherapist working with adults and couples whose current struggles are often shaped by earlier relational experiences, trauma, or emotional neglect. Many clients feel anxious, emotionally shut down, or stuck in repeating relationship patterns they don’t fully understand. I offer a compassionate, attachment-informed space where we explore how your past has shaped your nervous system and ways of relating, supporting safer connections with yourself and others.
I’m Michelle, a Psychotherapist working with adults and couples whose current struggles are often shaped by earlier relational experiences, trauma, or emotional neglect. Many clients feel anxious, emotionally shut down, or stuck in repeating relationship patterns they don’t fully understand. I offer a compassionate, attachment-informed space where we explore how your past has shaped your nervous system and ways of relating, supporting safer connections with yourself and others.
There are many reasons why individuals choose to access therapy and it can be a daunting, sometimes painful, step. Please be assured that, with over a decade of experience, I offer an even-handed yet supportive approach in a safe, confidential setting. If you are feeling disconnected from yourself and those around you, are struggling to manage feelings of anxiety, are managing your distress through strategies such as alcohol, illegal substances, or self-harming behaviours, have experienced a trauma, or witnessed a traumatic event, I can help.
There are many reasons why individuals choose to access therapy and it can be a daunting, sometimes painful, step. Please be assured that, with over a decade of experience, I offer an even-handed yet supportive approach in a safe, confidential setting. If you are feeling disconnected from yourself and those around you, are struggling to manage feelings of anxiety, are managing your distress through strategies such as alcohol, illegal substances, or self-harming behaviours, have experienced a trauma, or witnessed a traumatic event, I can help.
If anxiety, self-doubt or a constant sense of unease has become part of your everyday life, it can feel as though you're always on edge. You might find yourself trying hard to keep others happy, putting your own needs last or listening to an inner voice that is rarely kind. Perhaps difficult past experiences still affect you in ways that don't fully make sense. Some situations might leave you feeling unexpectedly overwhelmed or out of control. Over time, all of this can leave you feeling disconnected; from others, and from your sense of yourself. If this resonates with you then you're in the right place.
If anxiety, self-doubt or a constant sense of unease has become part of your everyday life, it can feel as though you're always on edge. You might find yourself trying hard to keep others happy, putting your own needs last or listening to an inner voice that is rarely kind. Perhaps difficult past experiences still affect you in ways that don't fully make sense. Some situations might leave you feeling unexpectedly overwhelmed or out of control. Over time, all of this can leave you feeling disconnected; from others, and from your sense of yourself. If this resonates with you then you're in the right place.
Reaching out is already an act of willingness, and that's where effective therapy begins.
I work with adults and couples navigating anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, life transitions, and identity. Using a blend of Person-centred, Somatic, Gestalt, and CBT approaches, I tailor therapy to what you actually need. I have particular experience with South Asian clients and expats who are holding a lot across cultures.
Reaching out is already an act of willingness, and that's where effective therapy begins.
I work with adults and couples navigating anxiety, relationship difficulties, grief, life transitions, and identity. Using a blend of Person-centred, Somatic, Gestalt, and CBT approaches, I tailor therapy to what you actually need. I have particular experience with South Asian clients and expats who are holding a lot across cultures.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck in repeating patterns, or unsure why the same difficulties keep resurfacing despite your best efforts. When something feels persistently difficult — whether that’s anxiety, low mood, trauma or relationship strain — it can be hard to know where to begin.
I work with children, young people, adults and families to make sense of what may be happening beneath the surface — not just to ease symptoms, but to deepen understanding and support meaningful, lasting change.
I have extensive experience supporting those affected by marginalisation, discrimination, exclusion and identity-related challenges.
You might be feeling overwhelmed, stuck in repeating patterns, or unsure why the same difficulties keep resurfacing despite your best efforts. When something feels persistently difficult — whether that’s anxiety, low mood, trauma or relationship strain — it can be hard to know where to begin.
I work with children, young people, adults and families to make sense of what may be happening beneath the surface — not just to ease symptoms, but to deepen understanding and support meaningful, lasting change.
I have extensive experience supporting those affected by marginalisation, discrimination, exclusion and identity-related challenges.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like life just isn’t working the way it used to?
Maybe you’re constantly anxious, low in mood, or finding it hard to feel connected—to yourself, to others, or to the life you’re living. Perhaps you're carrying the weight of grief, trauma, or past experiences that won’t let go. Or maybe you just know that something needs to change, but you’re not sure where to start.
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
I’m Sarah MacFarlane, a fully qualified and registered psychotherapist with over 8 years of experience working with teens, adults, and couples, both in person and online.
Are you feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or like life just isn’t working the way it used to?
Maybe you’re constantly anxious, low in mood, or finding it hard to feel connected—to yourself, to others, or to the life you’re living. Perhaps you're carrying the weight of grief, trauma, or past experiences that won’t let go. Or maybe you just know that something needs to change, but you’re not sure where to start.
You don’t have to figure it out alone.
I’m Sarah MacFarlane, a fully qualified and registered psychotherapist with over 8 years of experience working with teens, adults, and couples, both in person and online.
I primarily use an ACT framework to help clients identify problematic thinking, to build coping strategies and to begin to understand what is important to them and what support they require.
I find that most clients are struggling because they lack coping strategies to manage distress, but also often because they are out of touch with what is important to them, their values, their strengths, their preferred life directions, and there are barriers such as anxiety, fear and/or emotional discomfort which lead to avoidance and other unhelpful behaviours. In turn, these factors thwart their goals and increase distress. Clients want reduced distress and increased pleasure and engagement with a life in which they can feel confident and empowered.
I primarily use an ACT framework to help clients identify problematic thinking, to build coping strategies and to begin to understand what is important to them and what support they require.
I find that most clients are struggling because they lack coping strategies to manage distress, but also often because they are out of touch with what is important to them, their values, their strengths, their preferred life directions, and there are barriers such as anxiety, fear and/or emotional discomfort which lead to avoidance and other unhelpful behaviours. In turn, these factors thwart their goals and increase distress. Clients want reduced distress and increased pleasure and engagement with a life in which they can feel confident and empowered.
Lisa trained as a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist with CICS in the UK. She is a GSRD (Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity) Therapist. Lisa integrates her expertise as a Yoga Therapist, Educator, and EMDR Trauma Therapist to support individuals, couples, and polycules in achieving greater emotional, mental, physical, and sexual well-being.
Pluralistic in her approach using a bio-psycho-social framework, while working somatically to help people feel safe in their bodies, gain a deeper understanding of their sexuality, explore how it fits within their relationships, and access pleasure.
Australian, sex-positive & Queer.
Lisa trained as a Psychosexual and Relationship Therapist with CICS in the UK. She is a GSRD (Gender, Sexual and Relationship Diversity) Therapist. Lisa integrates her expertise as a Yoga Therapist, Educator, and EMDR Trauma Therapist to support individuals, couples, and polycules in achieving greater emotional, mental, physical, and sexual well-being.
Pluralistic in her approach using a bio-psycho-social framework, while working somatically to help people feel safe in their bodies, gain a deeper understanding of their sexuality, explore how it fits within their relationships, and access pleasure.
Australian, sex-positive & Queer.
Depending on the circumstances I can use psychodynamic, transpersonal, humanist, CBT, ACT and other approaches to reach the desired outcomes defined by the individual.
Hello & thank you for visiting my profile!
Life is a very personal journey & everyone faces their own challenges within it. These unique experiences might leave us feeling depressed, stressed, overwhelmed, less confident, lost, alone, helpless, without purpose & so on. It is often during these difficult times that the therapeutic alliance helps us to explore all the root issues such as identity, confidence, sexuality, mental health, meaning etc, that keep us from creating & living fulfilling lives. Lives based on our own unique gifts, qualities and desires that we discover & clarify when we get to know ourselves on deeper levels!
Depending on the circumstances I can use psychodynamic, transpersonal, humanist, CBT, ACT and other approaches to reach the desired outcomes defined by the individual.
Hello & thank you for visiting my profile!
Life is a very personal journey & everyone faces their own challenges within it. These unique experiences might leave us feeling depressed, stressed, overwhelmed, less confident, lost, alone, helpless, without purpose & so on. It is often during these difficult times that the therapeutic alliance helps us to explore all the root issues such as identity, confidence, sexuality, mental health, meaning etc, that keep us from creating & living fulfilling lives. Lives based on our own unique gifts, qualities and desires that we discover & clarify when we get to know ourselves on deeper levels!
Maybe you’re someone who feels overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected from yourself, even if things appear fine on the outside. You may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, or the impact of past experiences. Perhaps you’re facing a period of change, trying to understand yourself more clearly, or simply wanting support with something that has been difficult to manage alone. You may not have all the answers yet you just know that something needs to change and are ready to explore what might help
Maybe you’re someone who feels overwhelmed, stuck or disconnected from yourself, even if things appear fine on the outside. You may be experiencing anxiety, low mood, stress, relationship difficulties, low self-esteem, or the impact of past experiences. Perhaps you’re facing a period of change, trying to understand yourself more clearly, or simply wanting support with something that has been difficult to manage alone. You may not have all the answers yet you just know that something needs to change and are ready to explore what might help
I’m a UK based BACP and NCPS Accredited integrative psychotherapist with over 10 years of experience across private practice, Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), organisational wellbeing, and complex therapeutic work. Alongside therapy practice, I also deliver wellbeing and psychoeducational training internationally and have worked within clinical leadership roles across both national and global services.
I’m a UK based BACP and NCPS Accredited integrative psychotherapist with over 10 years of experience across private practice, Employee Assistance Programmes (EAPs), organisational wellbeing, and complex therapeutic work. Alongside therapy practice, I also deliver wellbeing and psychoeducational training internationally and have worked within clinical leadership roles across both national and global services.
Nearby Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Counsellors Searches for West Wickham
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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.