Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in Madison, CT

Our team is skilled and trained in providing evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, comprehensive dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, trauma-focused therapies, and more.
We are multi-disciplinary practice focused on helping individuals create meaningful lives. We use a compassionate, evidence-based & approaches, such as DBT and CBT, for a range of psychological challenges across the life-span, including anxiety, depression, OCD and relational issues. We believe that by combining compassion and commitment, together we can help individuals, couples, and families overcome the obstacles to living their lives to their full potential. Our work focuses on helping people understand themselves, relate better to others, while they learn new skills to cope with emotion, and think and behave more effectively.
Our team is skilled and trained in providing evidence-based treatments, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, comprehensive dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, trauma-focused therapies, and more.
We are multi-disciplinary practice focused on helping individuals create meaningful lives. We use a compassionate, evidence-based & approaches, such as DBT and CBT, for a range of psychological challenges across the life-span, including anxiety, depression, OCD and relational issues. We believe that by combining compassion and commitment, together we can help individuals, couples, and families overcome the obstacles to living their lives to their full potential. Our work focuses on helping people understand themselves, relate better to others, while they learn new skills to cope with emotion, and think and behave more effectively.

I incorporate a variety of scientifically validated strategies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy to work with you and achieve personalized, strength-based goals.
At some point in our lives, we all feel overwhelmed, overburdened, and sometimes even stuck. It can seem like stress is preventing us from living the life we want, and our thoughts, feelings, or habits are holding us back. Whether you are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, parenting difficulties, relationship conflicts, work-home balance, or health issues, I can help you find your way through a difficult period. You can live more fully by gaining new perspective, clarifying your values, effectively managing stress, and taking action toward your goals. I help people build better and richer lives.
I incorporate a variety of scientifically validated strategies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, acceptance commitment therapy, and mindfulness-based therapy to work with you and achieve personalized, strength-based goals.
At some point in our lives, we all feel overwhelmed, overburdened, and sometimes even stuck. It can seem like stress is preventing us from living the life we want, and our thoughts, feelings, or habits are holding us back. Whether you are struggling with stress, anxiety, depression, parenting difficulties, relationship conflicts, work-home balance, or health issues, I can help you find your way through a difficult period. You can live more fully by gaining new perspective, clarifying your values, effectively managing stress, and taking action toward your goals. I help people build better and richer lives.

My therapeutic approach is integrative, using cognitive-behavioral (CBT, ACT), relational & mindfulness-based approaches.
Everyone deserves to live a life filled with pleasure, purpose, & meaning. Sometimes, we struggle with the inevitable difficulties of life & feel anxious, down, or stuck. I enjoy helping clients engage in self-exploration so they can stop struggling and start living the life they want to live. My specialties include mood and anxiety disorders, relationship issues, women's health issues, and difficult life transitions. I particularly enjoy working with college students and young adults.
My therapeutic approach is integrative, using cognitive-behavioral (CBT, ACT), relational & mindfulness-based approaches.
Everyone deserves to live a life filled with pleasure, purpose, & meaning. Sometimes, we struggle with the inevitable difficulties of life & feel anxious, down, or stuck. I enjoy helping clients engage in self-exploration so they can stop struggling and start living the life they want to live. My specialties include mood and anxiety disorders, relationship issues, women's health issues, and difficult life transitions. I particularly enjoy working with college students and young adults.

In addition to targeting negative thoughts (CBT), I use an acceptance-based approach ( ACT) by encouraging clients to accept current thoughts patterns.
My general nature, enhanced by social work values, makes my therapeutic interventions highly person-centered. I am also able to advocate for my clients and help them realize meaningful and achievable goals due to skills developed over a 20-year career as an attorney.
In addition to targeting negative thoughts (CBT), I use an acceptance-based approach ( ACT) by encouraging clients to accept current thoughts patterns.
My general nature, enhanced by social work values, makes my therapeutic interventions highly person-centered. I am also able to advocate for my clients and help them realize meaningful and achievable goals due to skills developed over a 20-year career as an attorney.

These techniques include cognitive behavioral, mindfulness-based, and emotionally focused therapies, as well as dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and more.
Guilford Psychological Services serves clients across the lifespan, from early childhood through older adulthood. We have therapists with expertise in child and adolescent anxiety (social, generalized, etc), OCD, emotion dysregulation, self-harm and suicidality, as well as general discontent, loneliness, stress, and more. We offer relationship support & couples therapy for individuals in distressed relationships of all kinds-- couples, siblings, coworkers, etc. Therapy works well when clients feel understood, and it is absolutely powerful when specialized, empirically effective techniques are added to the mix!
These techniques include cognitive behavioral, mindfulness-based, and emotionally focused therapies, as well as dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and more.
Guilford Psychological Services serves clients across the lifespan, from early childhood through older adulthood. We have therapists with expertise in child and adolescent anxiety (social, generalized, etc), OCD, emotion dysregulation, self-harm and suicidality, as well as general discontent, loneliness, stress, and more. We offer relationship support & couples therapy for individuals in distressed relationships of all kinds-- couples, siblings, coworkers, etc. Therapy works well when clients feel understood, and it is absolutely powerful when specialized, empirically effective techniques are added to the mix!

I work with young adults, and adults, drawing from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based treatments, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT).
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a passion for helping people build meaningful lives. I use evidence-based treatment for a range of psychological difficulties, including anxiety, depression, and general distress. I believe that by combining compassion and commitment, together we can overcome the obstacles that are creating difficulties achieving your goals and connecting to your values. The majority of my work focuses on helping people learn new ways of relating to and coping with emotions and understanding the connection between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors.
I work with young adults, and adults, drawing from Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and mindfulness-based treatments, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT).
I am a licensed clinical psychologist with a passion for helping people build meaningful lives. I use evidence-based treatment for a range of psychological difficulties, including anxiety, depression, and general distress. I believe that by combining compassion and commitment, together we can overcome the obstacles that are creating difficulties achieving your goals and connecting to your values. The majority of my work focuses on helping people learn new ways of relating to and coping with emotions and understanding the connection between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors.

I use both insight oriented and skills based therapies in co-developing individualized treatment plans to help you reach your specific goals through concurrent self acceptance and movement toward more effective and positive changes in your life.
Everyone needs support at times. Change can be hard, but with knowledge and understanding, you can transform your life. I work with children, adolescents, adults, parents, & families in identifying challenges, finding effective ways of coping, & moving toward reaching specific goals. Learning to love yourself & practicing these skills will lead to a more meaningful life & more fulfilling relationships. Partnering with you on your unique journey, in a safe and compassionate space, I will support you in reaching your fullest potential & realizing your dreams. Change is possible even if you don't believe it at first. Reach out today.
I use both insight oriented and skills based therapies in co-developing individualized treatment plans to help you reach your specific goals through concurrent self acceptance and movement toward more effective and positive changes in your life.
Everyone needs support at times. Change can be hard, but with knowledge and understanding, you can transform your life. I work with children, adolescents, adults, parents, & families in identifying challenges, finding effective ways of coping, & moving toward reaching specific goals. Learning to love yourself & practicing these skills will lead to a more meaningful life & more fulfilling relationships. Partnering with you on your unique journey, in a safe and compassionate space, I will support you in reaching your fullest potential & realizing your dreams. Change is possible even if you don't believe it at first. Reach out today.

Accepting new clients: morning, afternoon, and evening! I understand that seeking help can be difficult, but I want to assure you that you are not alone in your struggles. Whether you are dealing with a life transition, or have been impacted by substance use, depression, anxiety, or trauma, I am here to help you navigate your way toward wellness and healing. My approach is personalized and tailored to meet your specific needs. I will work with you to identify your strengths, challenges, and help you develop the skills and strategies necessary to overcome any obstacles in your path.
Accepting new clients: morning, afternoon, and evening! I understand that seeking help can be difficult, but I want to assure you that you are not alone in your struggles. Whether you are dealing with a life transition, or have been impacted by substance use, depression, anxiety, or trauma, I am here to help you navigate your way toward wellness and healing. My approach is personalized and tailored to meet your specific needs. I will work with you to identify your strengths, challenges, and help you develop the skills and strategies necessary to overcome any obstacles in your path.

Emily has an extensive background working with youth, young adults, and families in various settings. Most recently, Emily has tailored her work to meet the needs of each individual client she sees in an outpatient setting. Emily's educational background is in Art Therapy, which comes to life in her work with youth. She aims to meet each client where they are at, through fostering a safe environment and building rapport. Emily helps clients become more self-aware and cognizant of their mental health needs and goals, providing support and guidance along the way.
Emily has an extensive background working with youth, young adults, and families in various settings. Most recently, Emily has tailored her work to meet the needs of each individual client she sees in an outpatient setting. Emily's educational background is in Art Therapy, which comes to life in her work with youth. She aims to meet each client where they are at, through fostering a safe environment and building rapport. Emily helps clients become more self-aware and cognizant of their mental health needs and goals, providing support and guidance along the way.

Deborah Pagano
Professional Counselor Associate, LPC-A, NCC, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Madison, CT 06443
Life can be challenging at times. We keep trying and trying, but sometimes, nothing we do seems to create any real change, or if it does, it does not last. After some time, our challenges can cause us to lose faith that it will ever get any better, and the longer the struggle, the harder it can get. It is time to try something different when we get caught up in this cycle. Instead of retreating or repeating, it is time to reach out. You do not have to keep struggling; you can change and heal.
Life can be challenging at times. We keep trying and trying, but sometimes, nothing we do seems to create any real change, or if it does, it does not last. After some time, our challenges can cause us to lose faith that it will ever get any better, and the longer the struggle, the harder it can get. It is time to try something different when we get caught up in this cycle. Instead of retreating or repeating, it is time to reach out. You do not have to keep struggling; you can change and heal.

My primary aim is to offer an authentic space to form a relationship and explore patterns that may be occurring in your life. We'll work together to grow an open-minded curiosity about your experience and build insight in the process. Part of our work will involve leveraging this insight into new, more effective ways of managing distress.
I particularly enjoy working with clients who are seeking to learn more about themselves and would like some assistance processing difficult emotions, events, and/or relationships.
My primary aim is to offer an authentic space to form a relationship and explore patterns that may be occurring in your life. We'll work together to grow an open-minded curiosity about your experience and build insight in the process. Part of our work will involve leveraging this insight into new, more effective ways of managing distress.
I particularly enjoy working with clients who are seeking to learn more about themselves and would like some assistance processing difficult emotions, events, and/or relationships.
Meet Our Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists

As a Licensed Professional Counselor with a specialized focus on trauma and anxiety, I am dedicated to guiding individuals toward a better understanding of themselves. With extensive experience working with adults and adolescents aged 12 and above, I provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore past experiences and current challenges. My passion lies in helping women navigate the unique challenges they face, from managing anxiety and healing from trauma to addressing the complexities of family, career, relationships, and life transitions.
As a Licensed Professional Counselor with a specialized focus on trauma and anxiety, I am dedicated to guiding individuals toward a better understanding of themselves. With extensive experience working with adults and adolescents aged 12 and above, I provide a safe and supportive environment for clients to explore past experiences and current challenges. My passion lies in helping women navigate the unique challenges they face, from managing anxiety and healing from trauma to addressing the complexities of family, career, relationships, and life transitions.

Nicole Eastwood
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RYT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Madison, CT 06443
I adjust to my clients, meeting them where they are when they begin while pushing them forward and onto accomplishing their goals. I balance tenderness with truth and believe strongly that the therapeutic relationship is a key factor in success. I believe it’s my objective to work myself out of a job. I believe in teaching and empowering clients to be able to confront their patterns of behavior and tolerate distressing events in their lives to move closer to their goals.
I adjust to my clients, meeting them where they are when they begin while pushing them forward and onto accomplishing their goals. I balance tenderness with truth and believe strongly that the therapeutic relationship is a key factor in success. I believe it’s my objective to work myself out of a job. I believe in teaching and empowering clients to be able to confront their patterns of behavior and tolerate distressing events in their lives to move closer to their goals.

Do you constantly feel the weight of self-doubt? Do you feel stuck, sad or anxious? As a dedicated therapist specializing in empowering teens (16+) and adults, I recognize that these struggles can have a significant impact on your overall well-being. They can affect your relationships, work and school performance, and even your ability to enjoy life's simple pleasures. I will work closely with you to treat what’s troubling you most - your anxiety, depression, lack of self-esteem and/or tendency towards perfectionism. I can help you gain valuable insights into the root of your struggles.
Do you constantly feel the weight of self-doubt? Do you feel stuck, sad or anxious? As a dedicated therapist specializing in empowering teens (16+) and adults, I recognize that these struggles can have a significant impact on your overall well-being. They can affect your relationships, work and school performance, and even your ability to enjoy life's simple pleasures. I will work closely with you to treat what’s troubling you most - your anxiety, depression, lack of self-esteem and/or tendency towards perfectionism. I can help you gain valuable insights into the root of your struggles.

Life can be challenging with various stressors, responsibilities with balancing work, family/friends, relationships, etc. I have worked with individuals and families for over 20 years to improve the quality of their life by providing them with the various tools, skills, and resources necessary to better their current life situations. I provide clients with a safe space to feel comfortable sharing their experiences.
Life can be challenging with various stressors, responsibilities with balancing work, family/friends, relationships, etc. I have worked with individuals and families for over 20 years to improve the quality of their life by providing them with the various tools, skills, and resources necessary to better their current life situations. I provide clients with a safe space to feel comfortable sharing their experiences.

Enjoy a greater sense of inner calm, wellness, and connection. If you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and disillusioned right now, it's completely understandable. YOU CAN achieve, and deserve to feel, a sense of calm and optimism. Sorting through all the noise to hear your own voice and guidance is essential in these turbulent times. Creating a greater sense of connection in your relationship IS possible. JOY, confidence, and authentic living are the rewards of the journey
Enjoy a greater sense of inner calm, wellness, and connection. If you are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and disillusioned right now, it's completely understandable. YOU CAN achieve, and deserve to feel, a sense of calm and optimism. Sorting through all the noise to hear your own voice and guidance is essential in these turbulent times. Creating a greater sense of connection in your relationship IS possible. JOY, confidence, and authentic living are the rewards of the journey

Feeling unmotivated, worried, hurt, angry, and/or exhausted but don't know how to take the next step toward change and need help? Oftentimes we need someone to listen to us, reflect, and challenge our negative thinking, while supporting/acknowledging our feelings as we work through an issue. Other times, there are deeper issues from our past that hold us back from being the confident, engaging person we want to be, and this is where I can help you help yourself. You will do the work and I will be your guide.
Feeling unmotivated, worried, hurt, angry, and/or exhausted but don't know how to take the next step toward change and need help? Oftentimes we need someone to listen to us, reflect, and challenge our negative thinking, while supporting/acknowledging our feelings as we work through an issue. Other times, there are deeper issues from our past that hold us back from being the confident, engaging person we want to be, and this is where I can help you help yourself. You will do the work and I will be your guide.

Alis Volat Propriis Place, LLC
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, APHSW-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Ready to punch the next person who says “Everything happens for a reason” or “Time heals all wounds”? You know that none of us make it to adulthood without experiencing loss. Everyone is grieving something. But it doesn't stop the crushing weight in your chest first thing in the morning. It also feels like snapping at your kids when you don’t mean to, being extra clumsy, exhausted, numb, or nursing a pervasive brain fog. The grief comes in waves; battering you, crashing into you, knocking you breathless to your knees. You may not see how yet but you will get through this, and I’m here as your guide and support along the way.
Ready to punch the next person who says “Everything happens for a reason” or “Time heals all wounds”? You know that none of us make it to adulthood without experiencing loss. Everyone is grieving something. But it doesn't stop the crushing weight in your chest first thing in the morning. It also feels like snapping at your kids when you don’t mean to, being extra clumsy, exhausted, numb, or nursing a pervasive brain fog. The grief comes in waves; battering you, crashing into you, knocking you breathless to your knees. You may not see how yet but you will get through this, and I’m here as your guide and support along the way.

Are you struggling to feel truly connected in your relationships? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, shame, or frustration when it comes to intimacy? Perhaps you're longing for emotional closeness but don’t know how to get there, or you're simply searching for a deeper sense of inner peace. Whatever you're experiencing, you deserve a safe space to explore these feelings with compassion and without judgment. Together, we can work toward healing, growth, and the peace you're longing for. Let’s embark on this journey, so you can experience the joy and connection you deserve.
Are you struggling to feel truly connected in your relationships? Do you find yourself overwhelmed by feelings of guilt, shame, or frustration when it comes to intimacy? Perhaps you're longing for emotional closeness but don’t know how to get there, or you're simply searching for a deeper sense of inner peace. Whatever you're experiencing, you deserve a safe space to explore these feelings with compassion and without judgment. Together, we can work toward healing, growth, and the peace you're longing for. Let’s embark on this journey, so you can experience the joy and connection you deserve.

I’m sure you’ve been asked this a thousand times… “I’m so impressed—how do you do it?” On the one hand, that question is so satisfying to your inner perfectionist. But on the other, you’re silently screaming that the pressure of trying to do it all is starting to crush you. Your perfectionism shows up in your work. You find yourself working way more hours than your colleagues. It might show up in your relationships. Have you ever gone into a tailspin because you wanted to plan the perfect event for a loved one? Or it might show up within yourself—how you eat, dress, exercise, or maintain your home.
I’m sure you’ve been asked this a thousand times… “I’m so impressed—how do you do it?” On the one hand, that question is so satisfying to your inner perfectionist. But on the other, you’re silently screaming that the pressure of trying to do it all is starting to crush you. Your perfectionism shows up in your work. You find yourself working way more hours than your colleagues. It might show up in your relationships. Have you ever gone into a tailspin because you wanted to plan the perfect event for a loved one? Or it might show up within yourself—how you eat, dress, exercise, or maintain your home.
See more therapy options for Madison
Nearby Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Therapists Searches for Madison
- Branford
- Durham
- East Haven
- Essex
- Guilford
- Hamden
- Middletown
- New Haven
- North Haven
- Old Lyme
- Old Saybrook
- Wallingford
Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists
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.