Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is a solutions-focused, empowering take on Cognitive Behavioral Therapy that focuses on learning how to break patterns of avoidance and denial, process our feelings as they occur, and take the steps necessary to make positive changes in our lives.

In ACT, clients can expect an experiential and mindful approach to therapy, encouraging them to accept their thoughts and feelings, while also committing to actions aligned with their values. I guide clients in developing greater psychological flexibility by helping them to observe and detach from unhelpful thoughts and emotions. Clients will learn to live more in the present, clarify their values, and take committed action to enhance their well-being and moving towards a more fulfilling life.

We can work together to accept uncomfortable emotions/physical symptoms rather than act harsh towards them. Our emotions, although sometimes misguided, are trying to help us and we can take a more thankful/flexible attitude of allowing them to be there even though they are very unpleasant. Self compassion is powerful!

I often utilize this approach.

We experience challenging feelings for a reason. I find that ACT helps us to make peace with these inner experiences and, rather than fighting against them, helps us to accept and use them as we move forward in our lives.

I've read multiple books and taken a series of live trainings from ACT profressionals. It's an approach to therapy I practice in my own life as well.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that emphasizes mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based action. It aims to help individuals develop psychological flexibility by accepting their thoughts and feelings rather than avoiding or controlling them. ACT also encourages individuals to identify their values and take committed action towards living a meaningful life.

With expertise in ACT, I empower individuals to embrace their emotions, thoughts, and experiences while guiding them towards aligning their actions with their core values.

I incorporate elements of ACT, including mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based work.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a psychotherapy that emphasizes acceptance to deal with negative thoughts, feelings, or symptoms and encourages increased commitment to healthy, constructive activities that uphold your values or goals. The goal of ACT is not to reduce the frequency or severity of unpleasant thoughts or emotions. Rather, the goal is to reduce your struggle to control or eliminate these experiences while increasing your involvement in meaningful life activities.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy helps you embrace your thoughts and feelings without judgment (acceptance) while aligning your actions with your core values (commitment). It's a powerful way to find purpose and resilience in the face of life's challenges, such as anxiety and stress. We'll work collaboratively to develop mindfulness skills, increase psychological flexibility, and challenge unhelpful patterns of thinking and behavior.

I love incorporating Acceptance & Commitment Therapy into what I provide to my clients. At its core, it is about helping you align yourself with what you value most. Acceptance can bring about a profound peace, even in the midst of chaos, and we all are feeling the chaos present in the world today.

Being a member of the ACBS keeps me connected to other ACT therapist as well as guidance in providing ACT therapies effectively and updates within the ACT model. I also engage in group consultation, self reflection, and continued education throughout the year.

Through ACT, I will work with you to eliminate the constant feelings of self-judgment and rumination of negative thoughts. We will work together to focus on radical acceptance of the moment and situation and remembering you are doing the best with the tools you have.

I have advanced training and certification in ACT and will tailor my approach to your specific needs. I believe in a strength based approach to counseling, and through collaboration with you, will develop your unique plan to meet your goals for therapy.

My previous and current work as a provider has prioritized giving the individuals I meet with the necessary coping skills to not only better recognize their symptoms, but also to better understand and manage them in their day-to-day lives. I have found ACT to be particularly helpful in treating complex anxiety, OCD, and trauma as it emphasizes the idea of accepting our reality (doesn't mean we have to be okay with it) while also being intentional with our actions.

I have completed training with Russ Harris, through the VA, and self-guided learning to enhance my knowledge and ability to apply concepts from ACT in work with clients.