Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Counselling in Woking

Matthew Starritt
Psychotherapist, MBACP Accred
Woking GU22
I tailor therapy to your individual experience, drawing on approaches including EMDR stabilisation and reprocessing, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and mindful self-compassion to support acceptance, healing and meaningful change.
I am a BACP-accredited counsellor and psychotherapist with over five years’ experience providing therapy for adults and young people aged 16 and over. My approach is integrative-relational, which means I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches to meet your individual needs rather than working from a single model. My work is informed by humanistic, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural therapies, and is underpinned by Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). I have a particular interest in supporting people experiencing psychological distress, trauma, grief, OCD and neurodiversity.
I tailor therapy to your individual experience, drawing on approaches including EMDR stabilisation and reprocessing, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and mindful self-compassion to support acceptance, healing and meaningful change.
I am a BACP-accredited counsellor and psychotherapist with over five years’ experience providing therapy for adults and young people aged 16 and over. My approach is integrative-relational, which means I draw on a range of therapeutic approaches to meet your individual needs rather than working from a single model. My work is informed by humanistic, psychodynamic and cognitive behavioural therapies, and is underpinned by Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT). I have a particular interest in supporting people experiencing psychological distress, trauma, grief, OCD and neurodiversity.
01932 393469 View 01932 393469
Markus Flaherty
Counsellor, MBACP
Woking GU21
Are you struggling to adjust to a diagnosis, living with ongoing symptoms, or feeling like you’re no longer the person you were before your health changed? You may feel anxious, overwhelmed, low in mood, or stuck — trying to cope with uncertainty, fatigue, or pain, while everything around you continues as normal. Hi, I’m Markus — a Counsellor and Psychotherapist specialising in chronic illness, new diagnosis, and living with pain.
Are you struggling to adjust to a diagnosis, living with ongoing symptoms, or feeling like you’re no longer the person you were before your health changed? You may feel anxious, overwhelmed, low in mood, or stuck — trying to cope with uncertainty, fatigue, or pain, while everything around you continues as normal. Hi, I’m Markus — a Counsellor and Psychotherapist specialising in chronic illness, new diagnosis, and living with pain.
01932 393803 View 01932 393803
Colleen Shelswell
Psychotherapist, DCounsPsych, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
Woking GU21
I use EMDR,to work with Trauma also ACT, & CBT in my practice
Hello, my name is Colleen. And I am an EMDR Trauma practitioner. Are you experiencing Anxiety, low self-esteem, work & life stresses or attachment issues? Sexual abuse, or childhood trauma. Irrespective of age, diversity or differing cultural backgrounds. I work calmly & professionally, and will help you understand any unconscious habits. If these need changing & how to change them. Empowering you to move away from some behaviours, & find a more positive way to make sense of your thoughts & what you are feeling. Get in touch today and allow me to help you get back in control of your happier future.
I use EMDR,to work with Trauma also ACT, & CBT in my practice
Hello, my name is Colleen. And I am an EMDR Trauma practitioner. Are you experiencing Anxiety, low self-esteem, work & life stresses or attachment issues? Sexual abuse, or childhood trauma. Irrespective of age, diversity or differing cultural backgrounds. I work calmly & professionally, and will help you understand any unconscious habits. If these need changing & how to change them. Empowering you to move away from some behaviours, & find a more positive way to make sense of your thoughts & what you are feeling. Get in touch today and allow me to help you get back in control of your happier future.
01276 740123 View 01276 740123
Samaira Hanif
Psychotherapist, MSc, MBABCP
Online Only
Using trauma-informed, culturally sensitive CBT—including ACT and mindfulness—we’ll gently untangle patterns, build emotional resilience, and create space for calm.
Together, we’ll focus on what matters to you—whether that’s easing intrusive thoughts, managing panic, or healing from trauma. I offer structured, compassionate therapy that honours your cultural identity and lived experience, using third-wave CBT to support lasting change and a more grounded, confident sense of self.
Using trauma-informed, culturally sensitive CBT—including ACT and mindfulness—we’ll gently untangle patterns, build emotional resilience, and create space for calm.
Together, we’ll focus on what matters to you—whether that’s easing intrusive thoughts, managing panic, or healing from trauma. I offer structured, compassionate therapy that honours your cultural identity and lived experience, using third-wave CBT to support lasting change and a more grounded, confident sense of self.
01276 748114 View 01276 748114
Online CBT - Briegel-Jones Psychotherapy
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Do you feel capable on the outside but struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, or perfectionism beneath the surface? I help high-functioning adults make sense of long-standing coping patterns and develop practical ways to respond differently, building more ease, authenticity, and self-trust. I’m a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist with over 10 years’ NHS experience. Alongside structured, evidence-based CBT, I draw on an understanding of early relational experiences to help you understand how patterns develop, what maintains them, and how to respond differently in ways that feel authentic.
Do you feel capable on the outside but struggle with anxiety, self-doubt, or perfectionism beneath the surface? I help high-functioning adults make sense of long-standing coping patterns and develop practical ways to respond differently, building more ease, authenticity, and self-trust. I’m a BABCP-accredited CBT therapist with over 10 years’ NHS experience. Alongside structured, evidence-based CBT, I draw on an understanding of early relational experiences to help you understand how patterns develop, what maintains them, and how to respond differently in ways that feel authentic.
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Susan Webb
Psychologist, PsychD, AFBPSsS
Woking GU21
Have you been struggling with something which is interfering with you being able to get on with your usual things? Maybe you have been feeling down more than usual, or feeling very anxious and tired for a long time. Changes in your ability to sleep, eat or concentrate for a while could mean that you are depressed, or that anxiety is overwhelming you and stopping you from functioning properly. Life events such as illness, bereavement, divorce, trauma or even great events like becoming a parent or grandparent can create changes that are hard to cope with. If so, a therapist can help you to get back on your feet again.
Have you been struggling with something which is interfering with you being able to get on with your usual things? Maybe you have been feeling down more than usual, or feeling very anxious and tired for a long time. Changes in your ability to sleep, eat or concentrate for a while could mean that you are depressed, or that anxiety is overwhelming you and stopping you from functioning properly. Life events such as illness, bereavement, divorce, trauma or even great events like becoming a parent or grandparent can create changes that are hard to cope with. If so, a therapist can help you to get back on your feet again.
01483 694445 View 01483 694445
Dr Becca Loftus
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Hello, my name is Becca and I am here to help you on your therapeutic journey. You are the expert of your experiences, and my role is to work alongside you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and to support you in taking steps toward positive changes.
Hello, my name is Becca and I am here to help you on your therapeutic journey. You are the expert of your experiences, and my role is to work alongside you to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviours, and to support you in taking steps toward positive changes.
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Marina Morgan
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Drama Therap.
Serves Area
Psychotherapy and the creative arts therapies offers a special and unique therapeutic relationship, which gives you the confidentiality and empathy to truly express yourself and find your own solutions to problems that previously felt unmanageable. I am an award-winning, fully qualified and highly experienced creative arts psychotherapist and counsellor. I also offer DBT and intention tapping (EFT). My therapeutic approach is integrative. In my private practice, I treat people with a wide range of emotional problems and mental health conditions. I offer therapy in person from Virginia Water, or online via video.
Psychotherapy and the creative arts therapies offers a special and unique therapeutic relationship, which gives you the confidentiality and empathy to truly express yourself and find your own solutions to problems that previously felt unmanageable. I am an award-winning, fully qualified and highly experienced creative arts psychotherapist and counsellor. I also offer DBT and intention tapping (EFT). My therapeutic approach is integrative. In my private practice, I treat people with a wide range of emotional problems and mental health conditions. I offer therapy in person from Virginia Water, or online via video.
020 4572 4870 View 020 4572 4870
Dr Ben J Mead
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
Hello, my name is Ben and I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and Counsellor practising in Surrey (Guildford), Hampshire (Basingstoke) and also online via a secure, encrypted network. My extensive training and experience ensures I am able to help adults and children with a number of difficulties, including (but not limited to): Anxiety, Depression, Low self-esteem, Loneliness, Grief / Loss, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Post-traumatic stress (PTSD), Relationship difficulties (including break-ups), Social anxiety, Sleep difficulties and Work / exam stress
Hello, my name is Ben and I am a Chartered Clinical Psychologist, BABCP Accredited Cognitive Behavioural Therapist (CBT) and Counsellor practising in Surrey (Guildford), Hampshire (Basingstoke) and also online via a secure, encrypted network. My extensive training and experience ensures I am able to help adults and children with a number of difficulties, including (but not limited to): Anxiety, Depression, Low self-esteem, Loneliness, Grief / Loss, Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), Post-traumatic stress (PTSD), Relationship difficulties (including break-ups), Social anxiety, Sleep difficulties and Work / exam stress
07723 467204 View 07723 467204
Dr Madeleine Tebbet
Psychologist, PsychD, CPsychol
Serves Area
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience supporting women through life’s most significant transitions. I specialise in fertility challenges, pregnancy, birth, motherhood, hormonal mood disorders, and perimenopause. These stages can feel overwhelming, isolating, or unexpectedly difficult. I offer a warm, compassionate, evidence-based space to explore anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, identity changes, and relationship strain. My approach is collaborative and tailored to each woman’s needs, helping you build resilience, clarity, and emotional wellbeing. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 20 years of experience supporting women through life’s most significant transitions. I specialise in fertility challenges, pregnancy, birth, motherhood, hormonal mood disorders, and perimenopause. These stages can feel overwhelming, isolating, or unexpectedly difficult. I offer a warm, compassionate, evidence-based space to explore anxiety, depression, trauma, loss, identity changes, and relationship strain. My approach is collaborative and tailored to each woman’s needs, helping you build resilience, clarity, and emotional wellbeing. You don’t have to navigate this alone.
01252 942467 View 01252 942467
Dr Joanna Cates
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I use concepts from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in my work, alongside Compassion Focused Therapy and existential ideas.
I am a Clinical Psychologist offering private individual therapy to adults. I qualified in 2005 and over the years have worked in a wide range of settings and with a variety of difficulties. In recent years I have developed an interest in working with people who may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression as a result of what might be called a crisis of meaning, or an 'existential crisis'. For some people these symptoms might be understood as being a form of philosophical or existential Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I am also interested in working with people who have a fear of becoming ill or dying.
I use concepts from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in my work, alongside Compassion Focused Therapy and existential ideas.
I am a Clinical Psychologist offering private individual therapy to adults. I qualified in 2005 and over the years have worked in a wide range of settings and with a variety of difficulties. In recent years I have developed an interest in working with people who may be experiencing symptoms of anxiety and depression as a result of what might be called a crisis of meaning, or an 'existential crisis'. For some people these symptoms might be understood as being a form of philosophical or existential Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. I am also interested in working with people who have a fear of becoming ill or dying.
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Dr Michael Munday
Psychologist, PsychD, CPsychol
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I offer psychological therapy to adults and adolescents (aged 13 and above). I have over 17 years experience as a therapist working in senior roles in the NHS and in my private practice. My focus is on trying to help people grow and thrive in moving towards what they value in life and become more themselves. I have experience of being alongside people in helping them navigate a variety of difficulties, including depression, anxiety, anger, low self-worth, shame, relationship problems, gender dysphoria, trauma, self-harm, substance misuse, eating difficulties, personality difficulties, psychosis, and bipolar affective disorder.
I offer psychological therapy to adults and adolescents (aged 13 and above). I have over 17 years experience as a therapist working in senior roles in the NHS and in my private practice. My focus is on trying to help people grow and thrive in moving towards what they value in life and become more themselves. I have experience of being alongside people in helping them navigate a variety of difficulties, including depression, anxiety, anger, low self-worth, shame, relationship problems, gender dysphoria, trauma, self-harm, substance misuse, eating difficulties, personality difficulties, psychosis, and bipolar affective disorder.
07989 335885 View 07989 335885
Dr Melody Smith
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Does your child or loved one challenge you? Not in the ways that others might think... Somehow their behaviour is just... different! But in ways that only you understand. Perhaps your loved one runs away, doesn't listen, spits, shouts, masks or has frequent "meltdowns". Or perhaps you suspect your loved one has a condition like Autism or ADHD- maybe they were recently diagnosed. No matter what is underlying your loved one's challenging behaviour, I want to help you reduce the behaviours so that your loved-one can achieve their full potential!
Does your child or loved one challenge you? Not in the ways that others might think... Somehow their behaviour is just... different! But in ways that only you understand. Perhaps your loved one runs away, doesn't listen, spits, shouts, masks or has frequent "meltdowns". Or perhaps you suspect your loved one has a condition like Autism or ADHD- maybe they were recently diagnosed. No matter what is underlying your loved one's challenging behaviour, I want to help you reduce the behaviours so that your loved-one can achieve their full potential!
020 3879 4406 View 020 3879 4406
Steve Maher
Psychotherapist, MA, MHGI
Serves Area
Hi, I’m Steve. I am a qualified and certified coach and psychotherapist with over 20 years experience specialising in anxiety, stress, depression, sleep, confidence and imposter syndrome issues. My approach is highly practical explaining how our minds work and providing you with a really useful toolkit to help you with coping and managing strategies.
Hi, I’m Steve. I am a qualified and certified coach and psychotherapist with over 20 years experience specialising in anxiety, stress, depression, sleep, confidence and imposter syndrome issues. My approach is highly practical explaining how our minds work and providing you with a really useful toolkit to help you with coping and managing strategies.
01483 968789 View 01483 968789
Nathalie Skelton
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hello, I'm a Accredited Psychotherapist and Counsellor working with a broad range of issues including anxiety and depression, and have a special interest in working with people experiencing major life changes, diagnosed or suspected autism or ADHD, parenting/fertility issues, menopause, or illness such as cancer. I also help clients who are searching for a sense of purpose or meaning in life or have lost their sense of identity, Every client is different and I tailor my approach accordingly, integrating different therapeutic methodology and experience. There is light at the end of every tunnel. Let's get you there!
Hello, I'm a Accredited Psychotherapist and Counsellor working with a broad range of issues including anxiety and depression, and have a special interest in working with people experiencing major life changes, diagnosed or suspected autism or ADHD, parenting/fertility issues, menopause, or illness such as cancer. I also help clients who are searching for a sense of purpose or meaning in life or have lost their sense of identity, Every client is different and I tailor my approach accordingly, integrating different therapeutic methodology and experience. There is light at the end of every tunnel. Let's get you there!
01483 694987 View 01483 694987
Questa Psychological Services
Psychologist, PsychD, AFBPSsS
Serves Area
Questa is a specialist practice; we provide a range of psychological services for children and adults, clinical and educational. In addition to therapy and supportive coaching, we provide NHS-commissioned Autism assessments and ADHD assessment/diagnosis. We offer therapy and support for a range of emotional problems for children, teenagers and adults and are specialists in anxiety, depression and trauma, providing therapy to emergency services personnel. Do call or email us today to discuss how we may be able to support you. We can usually help, but if we can't, then we’ll do our very best to offer advice and signposting.
Questa is a specialist practice; we provide a range of psychological services for children and adults, clinical and educational. In addition to therapy and supportive coaching, we provide NHS-commissioned Autism assessments and ADHD assessment/diagnosis. We offer therapy and support for a range of emotional problems for children, teenagers and adults and are specialists in anxiety, depression and trauma, providing therapy to emergency services personnel. Do call or email us today to discuss how we may be able to support you. We can usually help, but if we can't, then we’ll do our very best to offer advice and signposting.
023 8192 4877 View 023 8192 4877
Mandy Kloppers
Psychotherapist, PsychD, MBABCP
Online Only
I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Schema Therapy and psychodynamic counselling, tailoring treatment to your needs.
Many clients are used to being the strong one: coping, caring for others, and pushing through, even when they're struggling inside. They may be experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, burnout, relationship difficulties, loss, or simply feeling stuck and overwhelmed. I offer a non-judgemental, compassionate and practical approach, helping you understand what's keeping you stuck and develop healthier ways of coping. Together, we'll build confidence, improve emotional wellbeing, and help you move forward with greater clarity, resilience and self-compassion.
I use Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Schema Therapy and psychodynamic counselling, tailoring treatment to your needs.
Many clients are used to being the strong one: coping, caring for others, and pushing through, even when they're struggling inside. They may be experiencing anxiety, depression, low self-esteem, burnout, relationship difficulties, loss, or simply feeling stuck and overwhelmed. I offer a non-judgemental, compassionate and practical approach, helping you understand what's keeping you stuck and develop healthier ways of coping. Together, we'll build confidence, improve emotional wellbeing, and help you move forward with greater clarity, resilience and self-compassion.
01483 967608 View 01483 967608
Dr Kushangi Patel
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
My main therapeutic approaches are cognitive – behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy ( ACT), but I also draw upon other evidence-based therapies to inform and provide the most appropriate experience for you.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist based in Guildford, providing therapeutic services to young adults and adults aged 16 years and over. I qualified with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2003, and have over twenty years experience supporting and working with adults from a range of diverse backgrounds providing psychological intervention and guidance for a broad spectrum of mental health issues. During my career I have worked mainly in general adult mental health and in addition have specialised in helping people cope with the impact of chronic illness and long-term health conditions.
My main therapeutic approaches are cognitive – behavioural therapy (CBT) and acceptance and commitment therapy ( ACT), but I also draw upon other evidence-based therapies to inform and provide the most appropriate experience for you.
I'm a Clinical Psychologist based in Guildford, providing therapeutic services to young adults and adults aged 16 years and over. I qualified with a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology in 2003, and have over twenty years experience supporting and working with adults from a range of diverse backgrounds providing psychological intervention and guidance for a broad spectrum of mental health issues. During my career I have worked mainly in general adult mental health and in addition have specialised in helping people cope with the impact of chronic illness and long-term health conditions.
01793 540677 View 01793 540677
Dr Bradley Platt
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Serves Area
I use evidence-based therapies including CBT, ACT, and CFT.
Living with trauma, a long-term health condition, persistent pain 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 trauma, a long-term health condition, persistent pain 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
Alice Quinn Therapy
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I also integrate elements of Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy into my practice.
Hello! I’m a BABCP accredited CBT therapist and clinical supervisor with over 13 years’ experience, and I currently work in both the NHS and private practice. Are you struggling with anxiety, overthinking, or low self-esteem, even though you seem to be managing on the outside? Many people I work with tell me they feel stuck in loops of worry, self doubt, and a very critical inner voice. You might find your mind is always busy, analysing, thinking ahead, or preparing for the worst. It can be hard to properly relax, even when things look fine to other people.
I also integrate elements of Compassion Focused Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy into my practice.
Hello! I’m a BABCP accredited CBT therapist and clinical supervisor with over 13 years’ experience, and I currently work in both the NHS and private practice. Are you struggling with anxiety, overthinking, or low self-esteem, even though you seem to be managing on the outside? Many people I work with tell me they feel stuck in loops of worry, self doubt, and a very critical inner voice. You might find your mind is always busy, analysing, thinking ahead, or preparing for the worst. It can be hard to properly relax, even when things look fine to other people.
01372 423915 View 01372 423915

See more therapy options for Woking

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.