Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Counselling in Purley

Photo of Dr Gabriella Haeems, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Gabriella Haeems
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Purley CR8  (Online Only)
I hold expertise in a range of therapeutic models, including Cognitive behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Mindfulness and Systemic family therapy; drawing on these models in their purest forms and working integratively to incorporate the most helpful approach to fit you.
Having worked within the NHS since 2010, I have experience supporting children, young people and adults with a range of concerns. More recently, I have specialist experience supporting young people and families impacted by a physical health condition. I am able to offer flexible and individualised evidence based support in a time sensitive manner.
I hold expertise in a range of therapeutic models, including Cognitive behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Mindfulness and Systemic family therapy; drawing on these models in their purest forms and working integratively to incorporate the most helpful approach to fit you.
Having worked within the NHS since 2010, I have experience supporting children, young people and adults with a range of concerns. More recently, I have specialist experience supporting young people and families impacted by a physical health condition. I am able to offer flexible and individualised evidence based support in a time sensitive manner.
020 4538 2916 View 020 4538 2916
Photo of Suheyla Hussein - Mindremedies, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Mindremedies
Psychologist, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Purley CR8
I enhance traditional CBT with mindfulness-based CBT, acceptance and commitment therapy ( ACT), schema therapy and compassionate focussed therapy (CFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I am a HCPC registered Psychologist , I am also a fully accredited cognitive behavioural psychotherapy with the BABCP. I have over 13 years’ experience which includes working in both the private and public sector .I currently work in private practice providing short, medium- and long-term cognitive behavioural psychotherapy and EMDR. I treat a wide range of difficulties ranging from anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, low self-esteem, OCD, and PTSD. I also work with adolescents treating common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety and exam stress.
I enhance traditional CBT with mindfulness-based CBT, acceptance and commitment therapy ( ACT), schema therapy and compassionate focussed therapy (CFT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
I am a HCPC registered Psychologist , I am also a fully accredited cognitive behavioural psychotherapy with the BABCP. I have over 13 years’ experience which includes working in both the private and public sector .I currently work in private practice providing short, medium- and long-term cognitive behavioural psychotherapy and EMDR. I treat a wide range of difficulties ranging from anxiety, depression, stress, insomnia, low self-esteem, OCD, and PTSD. I also work with adolescents treating common mental health problems such as depression and anxiety and exam stress.
01883 776062 View 01883 776062
Photo of Dr Kate Bexley, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Kate Bexley
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Purley CR8  (Online Only)
Are you feeling stuck? Do you know something's wrong but you're not quite sure how to fix it? Perhaps you have a rough idea, but feel like you could benefit from some external, professional support to make sense of things and learn ways to manage certain situations, ways of thinking and / or unhelpful behaviours? You do not need to go through this alone.
Are you feeling stuck? Do you know something's wrong but you're not quite sure how to fix it? Perhaps you have a rough idea, but feel like you could benefit from some external, professional support to make sense of things and learn ways to manage certain situations, ways of thinking and / or unhelpful behaviours? You do not need to go through this alone.
020 7046 0163 View 020 7046 0163
Photo of Mags Giza, MA, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Mags Giza
Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Purley CR8
Therapy is a personal experience so my approach is tailored and may include EMDR, CBT, or Psychodynamic modalities for maximal imp act and life changing gains.
Hi, I’m Mags. I'm a BABCP Accredited Senior CBT Therapist, Integrative Psychotherapist and Supervisor with 15 years of experience with the NHS, as well as offering psychotherapy in private practice. A lot of my clients come to therapy when the emotional pain or anxiety have taken over their life; they seek my help to reclaim it, and start living to the full again. I will always strive to put all my knowledge and experience into our shared effort to help you heal, make changes and feel fulfilled, if you choose to embark on your therapeutic journey with me.
Therapy is a personal experience so my approach is tailored and may include EMDR, CBT, or Psychodynamic modalities for maximal imp act and life changing gains.
Hi, I’m Mags. I'm a BABCP Accredited Senior CBT Therapist, Integrative Psychotherapist and Supervisor with 15 years of experience with the NHS, as well as offering psychotherapy in private practice. A lot of my clients come to therapy when the emotional pain or anxiety have taken over their life; they seek my help to reclaim it, and start living to the full again. I will always strive to put all my knowledge and experience into our shared effort to help you heal, make changes and feel fulfilled, if you choose to embark on your therapeutic journey with me.
01883 771350 View 01883 771350
Photo of Baanu Baghbani-Irvine, MSc, BACP, Psychotherapist
Baanu Baghbani-Irvine
Psychotherapist, MSc, BACP
Verified Verified
Purley CR8
I am a qualified Psychotherapist with degrees in number of different therapeutic modalities and over 20 years experience in Family and Children Services and private practice. I use effective evidence-based techniques, practices and therapeutic skills to tailor-make my approach. I use active-directive psychotherapy that promotes change by helping clients to identify, confront, and change their self-defeating thoughts and beliefs. I have extensive experience working with attachment, Childhood trauma and family relationships and in the treatment of many mental and emotional disturbances.
I am a qualified Psychotherapist with degrees in number of different therapeutic modalities and over 20 years experience in Family and Children Services and private practice. I use effective evidence-based techniques, practices and therapeutic skills to tailor-make my approach. I use active-directive psychotherapy that promotes change by helping clients to identify, confront, and change their self-defeating thoughts and beliefs. I have extensive experience working with attachment, Childhood trauma and family relationships and in the treatment of many mental and emotional disturbances.
020 3856 4052 View 020 3856 4052

More Therapists Nearby

Photo of Dr Zarina Prayag, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Zarina Prayag
Psychologist, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Whyteleafe CR3  (Online Only)
I primarily use Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years’ experience working with clients with a range of difficulties, including low mood, self-esteem issues, worry, anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, phobias, relationship issues, trauma, psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar affective disorder. I have a special interest in working with clients with anxiety-related difficulties, and self-esteem and self-confidence issues. I am experienced in working with clients in the corporate sector, and people in sport. I also have experience working with clients with Asperger’s Syndrome, and adapt therapy to meet the needs of my clients.
I primarily use Compassion Focused Therapy (CFT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy ( ACT), Mindfulness, and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT).
I am a Clinical Psychologist with over 15 years’ experience working with clients with a range of difficulties, including low mood, self-esteem issues, worry, anxiety, social anxiety, OCD, phobias, relationship issues, trauma, psychosis, schizophrenia, and bipolar affective disorder. I have a special interest in working with clients with anxiety-related difficulties, and self-esteem and self-confidence issues. I am experienced in working with clients in the corporate sector, and people in sport. I also have experience working with clients with Asperger’s Syndrome, and adapt therapy to meet the needs of my clients.
01883 779613 View 01883 779613
Photo of Katia Demetriou, MA, HCPC-Art Therap., Psychotherapist
Katia Demetriou
Psychotherapist, MA, HCPC-Art Therap.
Verified Verified
Croydon CR0
We can sometimes find it difficult to connect with those closest to us or even with ourselves. Traumatic events, change, loss and ongoing stress can lead us to feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, irritated, confused or low and lacking in motivation. If this resonates with you, I provide a confidential space for you to explore, reflect and process your experience, without judgement. I offer a collaborative approach; working creatively with calm compassion and gentle curiosity. By enhancing self awareness and developing self acceptance, you can move towards more satisfying, life-affirming, choices and connections.
We can sometimes find it difficult to connect with those closest to us or even with ourselves. Traumatic events, change, loss and ongoing stress can lead us to feel overwhelmed, stuck, anxious, irritated, confused or low and lacking in motivation. If this resonates with you, I provide a confidential space for you to explore, reflect and process your experience, without judgement. I offer a collaborative approach; working creatively with calm compassion and gentle curiosity. By enhancing self awareness and developing self acceptance, you can move towards more satisfying, life-affirming, choices and connections.
01323 700161 View 01323 700161
Photo of Dr Emma Taylor-Two Minds Psychology, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Emma Taylor-Two Minds Psychology
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
Croydon CR0
As a clinical psychologist I'm uniquely qualified to develop a personalised action plan that takes account of your individual needs and uses a variety of psychological approaches, including EMDR and ACT.
August 2024 availability: child (12+) and adult autism assessments. I’m HCPC registered with 17 years clinical experience, and an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner. Taking the first step towards getting support can feel daunting. You want to know that whomever you entrust with your story will listen, challenge, and support you. Through developing a trusting and empathic relationship with you, I aim to support your ability to reflect, develop your resilience, and make meaningful changes.
As a clinical psychologist I'm uniquely qualified to develop a personalised action plan that takes account of your individual needs and uses a variety of psychological approaches, including EMDR and ACT.
August 2024 availability: child (12+) and adult autism assessments. I’m HCPC registered with 17 years clinical experience, and an EMDR Europe Accredited Practitioner. Taking the first step towards getting support can feel daunting. You want to know that whomever you entrust with your story will listen, challenge, and support you. Through developing a trusting and empathic relationship with you, I aim to support your ability to reflect, develop your resilience, and make meaningful changes.
07480 784663 View 07480 784663
Photo of Karolina Meyer, MA, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Karolina Meyer
Psychotherapist, MA, MBABCP
Verified Verified
Coulsdon CR5
If you are contemplating therapy and are unsure if I am a suitable therapist for you, please cont act me for a free telephone consultation so we can both see if I can help you.
I am a fully accredited CBT Therapist . Have you been struggling with low mood, depression, anxiety, stress, burn out? Do you feel exhausted of the constant worry and overwhelming emotions? Do you have unwanted thoughts or feeling stuck in repeated patterns of thoughts or behaviours? Do not struggle on your own. Understand yourself better, learn new copying techniques, reconnect with your values, reclaim your life back. I have been privileged seeing people change and grow even in the midst of the most challenging life experiences or events.
If you are contemplating therapy and are unsure if I am a suitable therapist for you, please cont act me for a free telephone consultation so we can both see if I can help you.
I am a fully accredited CBT Therapist . Have you been struggling with low mood, depression, anxiety, stress, burn out? Do you feel exhausted of the constant worry and overwhelming emotions? Do you have unwanted thoughts or feeling stuck in repeated patterns of thoughts or behaviours? Do not struggle on your own. Understand yourself better, learn new copying techniques, reconnect with your values, reclaim your life back. I have been privileged seeing people change and grow even in the midst of the most challenging life experiences or events.
01737 301457 View 01737 301457
Photo of Lucia Santos, MBACP, Counsellor
Lucia Santos
Counsellor, MBACP
Verified Verified
Caterham CR3  (Online Only)
As an integrative therapist, I pull on a wide range of techniques to facilitate this journey with you, which include person-centered, psychodynamic, acceptance and commitment and compassion-focused therapy.
Are you having trouble in your relationships? Perhaps that is with yourself, other people or the world around you. Possibly you’re feeling anxious, depressed, lonely, misunderstood, frustrated or stuck. Do you wish to explore ways to know yourself better, to feel more confident to live a life that feels authentic to you, or perhaps to have more compassion towards yourself and others? Life happens to all of us and your experiences in life have led you to where you are today. Through compassionate self-enquiry, we can begin to honour our past and adopt new patterns and beliefs that serve ourselves and those around us.
As an integrative therapist, I pull on a wide range of techniques to facilitate this journey with you, which include person-centered, psychodynamic, acceptance and commitment and compassion-focused therapy.
Are you having trouble in your relationships? Perhaps that is with yourself, other people or the world around you. Possibly you’re feeling anxious, depressed, lonely, misunderstood, frustrated or stuck. Do you wish to explore ways to know yourself better, to feel more confident to live a life that feels authentic to you, or perhaps to have more compassion towards yourself and others? Life happens to all of us and your experiences in life have led you to where you are today. Through compassionate self-enquiry, we can begin to honour our past and adopt new patterns and beliefs that serve ourselves and those around us.
020 4572 1195 View 020 4572 1195
Photo of Dr Hannah Puddephatt, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Hannah Puddephatt
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Clin. Psych.
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Croydon CR0
I am trained to offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and attachment focused work which, I apply in an integrative way depending on your needs.
A quote that I often find myself coming back to is ‘shame dies when stories are told in safe places’. Every one of us has our own unique story and I have been privileged enough to spend 13 years working in the NHS listening to the stories of individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The essence of the therapy I offer is to create that safe place for your story to be told so that, together, we are able to make sense of how you have come to reach where you are in your life and what might be getting in the way of you moving past the difficulties you are facing.
I am trained to offer Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Systemic Family Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and attachment focused work which, I apply in an integrative way depending on your needs.
A quote that I often find myself coming back to is ‘shame dies when stories are told in safe places’. Every one of us has our own unique story and I have been privileged enough to spend 13 years working in the NHS listening to the stories of individuals of all ages and backgrounds. The essence of the therapy I offer is to create that safe place for your story to be told so that, together, we are able to make sense of how you have come to reach where you are in your life and what might be getting in the way of you moving past the difficulties you are facing.
020 8187 1380 View 020 8187 1380
Photo of Chenelle Owen, MBABCP, Psychotherapist
Chenelle Owen
Psychotherapist, MBABCP
Verified Verified
South Croydon CR2
Whether it's Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for thought patterns, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to identify and live by your values, or Compassion Focused Therapy to cultivate self-compassion, together, we'll find what works for you.
Are you struggling to navigate life's challenges? Life can throw us curveballs when we least expect them. Whether you're wrestling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply feeling overwhelmed by daily stressors, it's okay to seek support. My name is Chenelle, and I'm here to help you find your path to healing and resilience. With over 7 years of experience as a psychological therapist, I've had the privilege of walking alongside individuals of all ages on their journey towards mental wellbeing. My approach is grounded in empathy, understanding, and evidence-based practices aimed at fostering lasting change.
Whether it's Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for thought patterns, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to identify and live by your values, or Compassion Focused Therapy to cultivate self-compassion, together, we'll find what works for you.
Are you struggling to navigate life's challenges? Life can throw us curveballs when we least expect them. Whether you're wrestling with anxiety, depression, trauma, or simply feeling overwhelmed by daily stressors, it's okay to seek support. My name is Chenelle, and I'm here to help you find your path to healing and resilience. With over 7 years of experience as a psychological therapist, I've had the privilege of walking alongside individuals of all ages on their journey towards mental wellbeing. My approach is grounded in empathy, understanding, and evidence-based practices aimed at fostering lasting change.
View
Photo of Dr Amy Gibbard, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Amy Gibbard
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Coulsdon CR5
I draw on evidence based models and have specialism in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and EMDR.
As a warm, approachable and skilled practitioner, I can help you to feel heard, gain understanding, build confidence and develop skills to help manage the difficulties you face. I am a highly experienced Psychologist and as such, am able to draw on a range of skills and evidenced-based, NICE recommended therapeutic approaches to best meet your needs.
I draw on evidence based models and have specialism in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy ( ACT) and EMDR.
As a warm, approachable and skilled practitioner, I can help you to feel heard, gain understanding, build confidence and develop skills to help manage the difficulties you face. I am a highly experienced Psychologist and as such, am able to draw on a range of skills and evidenced-based, NICE recommended therapeutic approaches to best meet your needs.
01260 540959 View 01260 540959
Photo of Dr Cherilyn Lewis, Psychologist
Dr Cherilyn Lewis
Psychologist
Verified Verified
Croydon CR0
I have completed training in ACT and EMDR and also offer CBT and Motivational Interviewing.
I am a Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist who has worked extensively with individuals and families with a wide range of brain injury and neurological conditions. Whether administering cognitive tests to support diagnosis or rehabilitation, delivering psychological therapy for adjustment, trauma, and mood disorders, or assessing for mental capacity issues, my approach is compassionate, person-centred, and flexible. I tailor my sessions to accommodate cognitive and communication difficulties and offer sessions at your home or in my London Bridge clinic.
I have completed training in ACT and EMDR and also offer CBT and Motivational Interviewing.
I am a Consultant Clinical Neuropsychologist who has worked extensively with individuals and families with a wide range of brain injury and neurological conditions. Whether administering cognitive tests to support diagnosis or rehabilitation, delivering psychological therapy for adjustment, trauma, and mood disorders, or assessing for mental capacity issues, my approach is compassionate, person-centred, and flexible. I tailor my sessions to accommodate cognitive and communication difficulties and offer sessions at your home or in my London Bridge clinic.
020 3974 1695 View 020 3974 1695
Photo of Gail Dee, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Gail Dee
Psychologist, MSc, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Caterham CR3  (Online Only)
As choosing to see a Psychologist is such a personal decision I would like to tell you a bit about myself and my experience. I have worked as a Psychologist for the past eighteen years in the NHS, local authority and private practice. I am trained in EMDR and Systemic Family Therapy and use a combination of these and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and CBT depending on your presenting difficulties. I am experienced in working with children, adolescents and adults for a number of presenting difficulties and have a special interest in working with trauma, anxiety and conditions such as Autism and ADHD.
As choosing to see a Psychologist is such a personal decision I would like to tell you a bit about myself and my experience. I have worked as a Psychologist for the past eighteen years in the NHS, local authority and private practice. I am trained in EMDR and Systemic Family Therapy and use a combination of these and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and CBT depending on your presenting difficulties. I am experienced in working with children, adolescents and adults for a number of presenting difficulties and have a special interest in working with trauma, anxiety and conditions such as Autism and ADHD.
01737 949563 View 01737 949563
Photo of Dr Katie Precious, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Katie Precious
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Croydon CR0
I have been working with people experiencing mental health difficulties since 2004. This has primarily been in the NHS (within community mental health teams as well as inpatient services) but I have also contributed to mental health research. I am experienced in carrying out detailed psychological assessments as well as delivering therapeutic interventions carefully tailored around your needs. I have worked to support people experiencing difficulties such as low mood, anxiety (such as social phobia, specific phobia and panic disorder), psychosis, emotion regulation difficulties, loss and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
I have been working with people experiencing mental health difficulties since 2004. This has primarily been in the NHS (within community mental health teams as well as inpatient services) but I have also contributed to mental health research. I am experienced in carrying out detailed psychological assessments as well as delivering therapeutic interventions carefully tailored around your needs. I have worked to support people experiencing difficulties such as low mood, anxiety (such as social phobia, specific phobia and panic disorder), psychosis, emotion regulation difficulties, loss and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
01737 304777 View 01737 304777
Photo of Kate Osterloh, MA, MUKCP, Psychotherapist
Kate Osterloh
Psychotherapist, MA, MUKCP
Verified Verified
Croydon CR0
Hello, I am a professionally qualified, UKCP registered psychotherapist with a private practice in East Grinstead, and I also work online via video call. I aim to provide a safe, welcoming, space in which you can talk freely, so that we can develop a trusting and understanding relationship in which a process of discovery and change can begin. I will not judge you, direct you, or set goals for the therapy. My role is to facilitate a process whereby you can find your own meanings, truths and solutions.
Hello, I am a professionally qualified, UKCP registered psychotherapist with a private practice in East Grinstead, and I also work online via video call. I aim to provide a safe, welcoming, space in which you can talk freely, so that we can develop a trusting and understanding relationship in which a process of discovery and change can begin. I will not judge you, direct you, or set goals for the therapy. My role is to facilitate a process whereby you can find your own meanings, truths and solutions.
01342 659986 View 01342 659986
Photo of Seema Bhatti, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Seema Bhatti
Psychologist, PsychD, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Croydon CR0
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.
01798 306635 View 01798 306635
Photo of Dr Divya Patel, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych., Psychologist
Dr Divya Patel
Psychologist, DCounsPsych, HCPC - Couns. Psych.
Verified Verified
Croydon CR0  (Online Only)
Are you suffering in silence, feeling stuck or unhappy? Struggling with unhealthy patterns that are problematic or having issues with past traumatic events? We all know life can be challenging and often complicated at times. Perhaps you’d like the space to think about you, a chance to heal old or new wounds? I can help by providing a supportive space to explore this with you. I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, registered with HCPC, with 10 years of experience working with individuals experiencing a range of mental health difficulties in both the NHS (inpatient and outpatient services), school setting and charity sectors.
Are you suffering in silence, feeling stuck or unhappy? Struggling with unhealthy patterns that are problematic or having issues with past traumatic events? We all know life can be challenging and often complicated at times. Perhaps you’d like the space to think about you, a chance to heal old or new wounds? I can help by providing a supportive space to explore this with you. I am a Chartered Counselling Psychologist, registered with HCPC, with 10 years of experience working with individuals experiencing a range of mental health difficulties in both the NHS (inpatient and outpatient services), school setting and charity sectors.
01689 663156 View 01689 663156
Photo of Olivia Haltman, MBACP Accred, Counsellor
Olivia Haltman
Counsellor, MBACP Accred
Verified Verified
Croydon CR0
Everyone can go through a challenging time and we all do it in our own way. You might find it challenging or relieving to talk to a professional and either could work. My sessions offer a safe and non-judgemental space to explore how we both can work together so you can get the most benefit from the therapy. I believe every person deals with their situations differently and therefore I apply an integrative approach to suit your needs. Some of the various approaches I use are Person Centred, EMDR, CBT, Gestalt, Psychodynamic and more.
Everyone can go through a challenging time and we all do it in our own way. You might find it challenging or relieving to talk to a professional and either could work. My sessions offer a safe and non-judgemental space to explore how we both can work together so you can get the most benefit from the therapy. I believe every person deals with their situations differently and therefore I apply an integrative approach to suit your needs. Some of the various approaches I use are Person Centred, EMDR, CBT, Gestalt, Psychodynamic and more.
020 3962 2161 View 020 3962 2161

See more therapy options for Purley

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.