ACCEPTANCE AND COMMITTMENT THERAPY(ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a counselling approach that helps individuals embrace what they cannot change while committing to actions that enhance their quality of life. By blending mindfulness techniques with behaviour change strategies, ACT empowers people to navigate challenges with greater resilience and focus on living in alignment with their values.Â
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ACT
How it works
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based, experiential approach developed by Steven Hays in 1984. Rooted in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ACT goes beyond traditional methods by fostering psychological flexibility. Here’s how it works:
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Psychological Flexibility: Learn to adapt to life’s challenges by shifting focus from controlling thoughts and emotions to accepting them as part of the human experience.
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Mindfulness: Develop present-moment awareness to reduce the impact of difficult thoughts and emotions on your life.
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Values-Driven Living: Identify and connect with what truly matters to you, providing direction and motivation for change.
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Committed Action: Build practical strategies to take meaningful steps toward a life aligned with your values, even in the face of discomfort or obstacles.
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Cognitive Defusion: Learn techniques to reduce the power of unhelpful thoughts by seeing them as separate from yourself, rather than literal truths.
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Self-Compassion: Cultivate kindness and understanding toward yourself to improve resilience and well-being.
ACT equips you with skills to navigate life’s challenges and strengthen your commitment to meaningful, value-driven change.
Points of difference
What does Acceptance and Commitment Therapy involve?
From an ACT perspective it is understood that as part of a rich and meaningful life stress and hardship will naturally arise. In order to manage hardship and stress ACT teaches people to develop psychological flexibility by working on six core processes:
Contacting the Present Moment (Being in the Present)
Focus on the here and now to fully engage with your life, reducing stress and increasing awareness.
Defusion (Unhooking from Unhelpful Thoughts and Emotions)
Learn to step back from negative thoughts and see them for what they are—just thoughts.
Values (Know What Matters to You)
Identify what truly matters to you to guide your actions and decisions toward a meaningful life.
Acceptance (Opening Up to Your Experience)
Make space for difficult emotions and thoughts, allowing them to exist without letting them control you.
Self-as-Context (Flexible Perspective Taking)
Recognise that you are more than your thoughts and feelings, helping you gain a clearer perspective.
Effective Action (Do What It Takes)
Take purposeful steps aligned with your values to create lasting, positive change.
how we can work with you
Service delivery information
ACT Trained Clinicians
In Person
We offer Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in person sessions in our Brunswick location and online.
Clicking the link below will enable you to book a 15 min call with our Admin and Client Support Officer, Hannah, who will be able to answer any questions you may have and get you booked in with your therapist.
Selecting the link will take you to our external booking portal
Telehealth Consultation
We send you a link via email to connect with us on Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Google Meets or via phone.
Clicking the link below will enable you to book a 15 min call with our Admin and Client Support Officer, Hannah, who will be able to answer any questions you may have and get you booked in with your therapist.
Selecting the link will take you to our external booking portal
Alternative Entry
Referral Pathways
You can book privately, or you may be eligible for funding through Medicare, VOCAT, NDIS, TAC, Worksafe and Private health insurance. Click here to read more about what these funding types are and how to refer for each of them.
Contact us today
Ready to book an appointment with us?
Submit an enquiry, book a call, or phone us directly – Hannah, our friendly Admin and Client Support Officer, will be the first to greet you.Â
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