Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists in Richmond Heights, MO
![Photo of Andrea Bagaglio - Psychological Services of St Louis, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/c88f9885-9299-4b7f-bc3f-a130bbbfcbc7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Psychological Services of St Louis
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
I also integrate components of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Strengths Based, and Solution-Focused therapy.
Children too, deserve to have a safe and comfortable place to discuss their emotions and learn skills to manage life's ever changing events. I offer therapy to children ages 12 through young adulthood. I strive to provide a relaxed and welcoming environment. It is important that each child feels safe to foster the therapeutic relationship. I have 14 years experience working with children of all ages, as well as providing parents with information about diagnoses and providing supports for home. Areas include, anxiety, depression, ADHD, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Autism, and more.
I also integrate components of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Mindfulness, Strengths Based, and Solution-Focused therapy.
Children too, deserve to have a safe and comfortable place to discuss their emotions and learn skills to manage life's ever changing events. I offer therapy to children ages 12 through young adulthood. I strive to provide a relaxed and welcoming environment. It is important that each child feels safe to foster the therapeutic relationship. I have 14 years experience working with children of all ages, as well as providing parents with information about diagnoses and providing supports for home. Areas include, anxiety, depression, ADHD, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation Disorder, Intermittent Explosive Disorder, Autism, and more.
![Photo of Caroline Schmidt, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3b4bf758-7e7e-48ea-94dc-37ebe9a801b0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Caroline Schmidt
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help them build a new relationship with the uncomfortable emotions that they normally avoid.
Do you struggle with chronic or treatment-resistant depression or anxiety? Do you have high standards for yourself or others that are sometimes impossible to live up to? When others are having fun and relaxed, is it hard for you to join in? If any of these apply to you, then we might be a great therapeutic match! Trained by the treatment developers at the Radically Open Institute, I specialize in Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, an evidence-based, transdiagnostic therapy for disorders of overcontrol. I love working with people to build a life that’s not only worth living but also worth sharing!
I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to help them build a new relationship with the uncomfortable emotions that they normally avoid.
Do you struggle with chronic or treatment-resistant depression or anxiety? Do you have high standards for yourself or others that are sometimes impossible to live up to? When others are having fun and relaxed, is it hard for you to join in? If any of these apply to you, then we might be a great therapeutic match! Trained by the treatment developers at the Radically Open Institute, I specialize in Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, an evidence-based, transdiagnostic therapy for disorders of overcontrol. I love working with people to build a life that’s not only worth living but also worth sharing!
![Photo of Brittany N. Murphy, PhD, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/38ed21b4-b6da-4db7-ac45-3a412cd79cd7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Brittany N. Murphy
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC, BC-TMH
Verified Verified
5 Endorsed
Richmond Heights, MO 63117 (Online Only)
I use Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and Brainspotting to help people open up, be present, and take meaningful action in their lives.
You're in the right place! You're ready for your mood and motivation to improve, your relationships to be better, your work to be more enjoyable, and your life to feel more meaningful. I work well with people who feel stuck or that things aren't as they could or should be. My clients want clarity about their experiences, their relationships, and the direction of their lives.
I use Acceptance & Commitment Therapy and Brainspotting to help people open up, be present, and take meaningful action in their lives.
You're in the right place! You're ready for your mood and motivation to improve, your relationships to be better, your work to be more enjoyable, and your life to feel more meaningful. I work well with people who feel stuck or that things aren't as they could or should be. My clients want clarity about their experiences, their relationships, and the direction of their lives.
![Photo of Laura Adamgbo, MA, LPC, NCC, RPT-S, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51a1e33b-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/1/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Adamgbo
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC, RPT-S
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
Are you going through a major change in your life? Divorce, remarriage, blending a family, new job, new baby? Have you hit a road block in your career? Is anxiety keeping you from living an enriching lifestyle? Do you have unresolved trauma? Do you have a difficult to manage child? I can help you with these sudden roadblocks. During these transitional phases of life, we need a support system to help us gain strength, resilience and maintain a healthy living. I use EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in working with adult clients and play therapy with my child clients. I act as an advocate, sounding board and gentle challenger.
Are you going through a major change in your life? Divorce, remarriage, blending a family, new job, new baby? Have you hit a road block in your career? Is anxiety keeping you from living an enriching lifestyle? Do you have unresolved trauma? Do you have a difficult to manage child? I can help you with these sudden roadblocks. During these transitional phases of life, we need a support system to help us gain strength, resilience and maintain a healthy living. I use EMDR, Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in working with adult clients and play therapy with my child clients. I act as an advocate, sounding board and gentle challenger.
![Photo of Jaedyn Bonner, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/ce2d74a3-edc4-48e8-8344-9faf61439dff/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Jaedyn Bonner, a dedicated psychologist at LifeStance Health, specializes in providing personalized, evidence-based care to clients throughout Missouri. She employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to effectively treat symptoms of anxiety and depression, tailoring her approach to each individual's unique needs and goals. With extensive experience in trauma-related disorders, Dr. Bonner utilizes Cognitive Processing Therapy and Written Exposure Therapy to help clients process and heal from traumatic experiences.
Dr. Jaedyn Bonner, a dedicated psychologist at LifeStance Health, specializes in providing personalized, evidence-based care to clients throughout Missouri. She employs Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to effectively treat symptoms of anxiety and depression, tailoring her approach to each individual's unique needs and goals. With extensive experience in trauma-related disorders, Dr. Bonner utilizes Cognitive Processing Therapy and Written Exposure Therapy to help clients process and heal from traumatic experiences.
![Photo of Suzie Rapisardo, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/a913565c-0d3d-4020-a627-fd714be54f32/2/320x400.jpeg)
Suzie Rapisardo
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Richmond Heights, MO 63117 (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Do you tell yourself you are bad at being an adult? You feel like you are drowning in your to do list and all of the life tasks that seem necessary just to tread water. "Easy" things like keeping up with laundry and getting to appointments on time are constantly beating up your self-worth. How do other people make this seem so effortless? You have so many goals and ideas but making headway on any of them feels impossible at times. You are also creative, resilient, and even this second looking for the right kind of help so you can try again! Note: See "groups" section near the bottom of this page or read on for one on one options.
Do you tell yourself you are bad at being an adult? You feel like you are drowning in your to do list and all of the life tasks that seem necessary just to tread water. "Easy" things like keeping up with laundry and getting to appointments on time are constantly beating up your self-worth. How do other people make this seem so effortless? You have so many goals and ideas but making headway on any of them feels impossible at times. You are also creative, resilient, and even this second looking for the right kind of help so you can try again! Note: See "groups" section near the bottom of this page or read on for one on one options.
![Photo of Casey Tyskowski, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9271c94e-d0c0-4087-830f-6c2a6448ed72/2/320x400.jpeg)
Casey Tyskowski
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
My goal as a therapist is to help my clients feel safe, validated, and supported as we work together to identify challenges and create personalized goals that will lead you to ultimately heal and feel whole again. I understand change can feel overwhelming and I will allow you to move at a pace you are comfortable with.
My goal as a therapist is to help my clients feel safe, validated, and supported as we work together to identify challenges and create personalized goals that will lead you to ultimately heal and feel whole again. I understand change can feel overwhelming and I will allow you to move at a pace you are comfortable with.
![Photo of Laura Ranalletta, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/9322ba4b-c175-438a-aa14-e9ed6d0c6072/1/320x400.jpeg)
Laura Ranalletta
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
6 Endorsed
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
Accepting New Clients Summer '22 - I believe that we're all doing the best we can, and also: we can all be doing better! Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or a life circumstance which is difficult to navigate, I'm here to help. Chances are you are feeling alone, confused, or dissatisfied with your life at this moment. Maybe you're ready for deep healing from the past. Maybe you're looking for ways to cope with the present. Maybe you want to better understand yourself and your emotions. Maybe you're just looking to talk with a neutral third party about daily stressors. Wherever you're at, welcome!
Accepting New Clients Summer '22 - I believe that we're all doing the best we can, and also: we can all be doing better! Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, relationship issues, or a life circumstance which is difficult to navigate, I'm here to help. Chances are you are feeling alone, confused, or dissatisfied with your life at this moment. Maybe you're ready for deep healing from the past. Maybe you're looking for ways to cope with the present. Maybe you want to better understand yourself and your emotions. Maybe you're just looking to talk with a neutral third party about daily stressors. Wherever you're at, welcome!
![Photo of Karen Loaiza, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/321b55ae-349d-43c2-9632-25895b9f3e7d/2/320x400.jpeg)
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in providing quality, informed psychotherapy as well as diagnostic assessment. It is truly amazing how life changing the therapy process can be, and I am committed to working in a genuine and collaborative way in order to help people through their path of recovery. I help people achieve symptom relief but also get to the root source of the problem for lasting positive change and improved life satisfaction.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who specializes in providing quality, informed psychotherapy as well as diagnostic assessment. It is truly amazing how life changing the therapy process can be, and I am committed to working in a genuine and collaborative way in order to help people through their path of recovery. I help people achieve symptom relief but also get to the root source of the problem for lasting positive change and improved life satisfaction.
![Photo of Joni Neuharth, MEd, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4129a58a-a3f2-40cc-a383-a24c70d2cbdb/1/320x400.jpeg)
Joni Neuharth
Licensed Professional Counselor, MEd, LPC
Verified Verified
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
Specializing in treating alcohol and drug use, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and psychosis/schizophrenia, Jo is passionate about helping clients navigate their mental health challenges. Her approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy, which are evidence-based interventions known for their effectiveness in addressing various mental health issues. Jo is dedicated to providing individualized care that empowers her clients to make positive changes in their lives. Jo serves a diverse range of populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, military personnel and veterans, and both women and men.
Specializing in treating alcohol and drug use, anxiety, bipolar disorder, depression, and psychosis/schizophrenia, Jo is passionate about helping clients navigate their mental health challenges. Her approach includes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy, which are evidence-based interventions known for their effectiveness in addressing various mental health issues. Jo is dedicated to providing individualized care that empowers her clients to make positive changes in their lives. Jo serves a diverse range of populations, including LGBTQ+ individuals, military personnel and veterans, and both women and men.
![Photo of Michelle Salois, LCSW, RN, AAMFT, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d353bb4-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Michelle Salois
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, RN, AAMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
Michelle enjoys working with Couples in distress, Individuals who are wanting to resolve problems expressing as depression, anxiety or problematic behaviors and Parent Guidance for children's problems within Family therapy. With past experience in Nursing and an undergraduate degree in Theology; Michelle approaches counseling with a broad understanding of what in a person's life and relationships might need a new kind of balance or understanding so that emotions can be healed, behaviors changed and relationships renewed. Michelle strives to combine a tender supportiveness with confident guidance to help people move actively towards their goals.
Michelle enjoys working with Couples in distress, Individuals who are wanting to resolve problems expressing as depression, anxiety or problematic behaviors and Parent Guidance for children's problems within Family therapy. With past experience in Nursing and an undergraduate degree in Theology; Michelle approaches counseling with a broad understanding of what in a person's life and relationships might need a new kind of balance or understanding so that emotions can be healed, behaviors changed and relationships renewed. Michelle strives to combine a tender supportiveness with confident guidance to help people move actively towards their goals.
15 Second Videos
Caroline Schmidt
Brittany N. Murphy
Laura Adamgbo
Suzie Rapisardo
Lisa McCulloch
Sunyata Kopriva
![Photo of Lisa McCulloch, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e514918-2f67-4b65-9ba3-a9859878b42b/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lisa McCulloch
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
Do you experience chronic trust issues, worry, irrational fears or a profound sense of loneliness? Do you have unexplainable triggers that cause feelings of panic, fear, or anger? Do you continue to feel stuck in the same patterns of thinking and reacting? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing the effects from unresolved trauma.
Do you experience chronic trust issues, worry, irrational fears or a profound sense of loneliness? Do you have unexplainable triggers that cause feelings of panic, fear, or anger? Do you continue to feel stuck in the same patterns of thinking and reacting? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be experiencing the effects from unresolved trauma.
![Photo of Keegan Esping - Midwest Trauma Recovery Center, MAC, PLPC, Pre-Licensed Professional](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/aad04971-a664-4749-983b-2b8db4ad0a5d/1/320x400.jpeg)
Midwest Trauma Recovery Center
Pre-Licensed Professional, MAC, PLPC
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
Have you experienced life as chaotic and painful? Do you struggle with day to day coping in the midst of memories, strong feelings, or dissociation? Is it difficult to feel like you can live fully after what you have experienced? Does growth, healing, and freedom feel next to impossible? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from unresolved trauma. I know firsthand how intense and challenging a process of finding freedom from trauma can be.
Have you experienced life as chaotic and painful? Do you struggle with day to day coping in the midst of memories, strong feelings, or dissociation? Is it difficult to feel like you can live fully after what you have experienced? Does growth, healing, and freedom feel next to impossible? If you answered yes to any of these questions, you may be suffering from unresolved trauma. I know firsthand how intense and challenging a process of finding freedom from trauma can be.
![Photo of Sunyata Kopriva, RYT, MSW, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0b5e85e5-e7ee-43f6-afc9-1e184087c4e3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sunyata Kopriva
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, RYT, MSW, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond Heights, MO 63117 (Online Only)
*ACCEPTING CALIFORNIA, ILLINOIS, AND MISSOURI CLIENTS* Come be seen & be known in a relational space with me, so that you can finally arrive home in yourself. Are you curious if you have experienced trauma, or if trauma may still be affecting you? Have you worked with many healers & still feel stuck in certain places? Have you experienced a spiritual awakening & need to integrate the experience(s)? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then you may be in the right place. Trauma can express itself in PTSD & Complex PTSD symptoms, various types of depression & anxiety, & many other symptoms. Lets get to the root.
*ACCEPTING CALIFORNIA, ILLINOIS, AND MISSOURI CLIENTS* Come be seen & be known in a relational space with me, so that you can finally arrive home in yourself. Are you curious if you have experienced trauma, or if trauma may still be affecting you? Have you worked with many healers & still feel stuck in certain places? Have you experienced a spiritual awakening & need to integrate the experience(s)? If you answered 'yes' to any of these questions, then you may be in the right place. Trauma can express itself in PTSD & Complex PTSD symptoms, various types of depression & anxiety, & many other symptoms. Lets get to the root.
![Photo of Karen Ramos, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4a5764f2-52b7-437d-aa99-f87f26b62843/2/320x400.jpeg)
Karen Ramos
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
Not accepting new clients
My practice is informed by trauma-informed and cognitive-behavioral principles, and draws from my training in CBT, DBT, RO-DBT, ACT, and other behavioral therapies.
Hi there! I’m Karen, and I’m a licensed clinical social worker who helps people learn to live more meaningful lives. I work with adults and young adults who want to find joy, purpose, and ease in their lives, but struggle to make this a reality. Instead, they find themselves feeling trapped by painful thoughts, emotions, habits, past experiences, or current circumstances—including political and cultural factors that impact mental health.
My practice is informed by trauma-informed and cognitive-behavioral principles, and draws from my training in CBT, DBT, RO-DBT, ACT, and other behavioral therapies.
Hi there! I’m Karen, and I’m a licensed clinical social worker who helps people learn to live more meaningful lives. I work with adults and young adults who want to find joy, purpose, and ease in their lives, but struggle to make this a reality. Instead, they find themselves feeling trapped by painful thoughts, emotions, habits, past experiences, or current circumstances—including political and cultural factors that impact mental health.
![Photo of Gregory A Goldman, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/df72f6ae-24d1-4577-8d4e-f100e83e1cfa/1/320x400.jpeg)
Gregory A Goldman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
Not accepting new clients
I am co-owner of Psychological services of St. Louis, LLC, where I provide psychotherapy to adults. I have helped people manage a wide variety of problems including anxiety and mood disorders, substance use issues, adjustment difficulties, social/relationship problems, self-esteem and assertiveness issues, anger and impulsivity, career and life direction issues, sexual orientation and gender-related problems, unusual experiences, and existential concerns. I believe strongly in taking the time to know and understand my clients so we can collaboratively find a treatment approach that fits and is as effective as possible.
I am co-owner of Psychological services of St. Louis, LLC, where I provide psychotherapy to adults. I have helped people manage a wide variety of problems including anxiety and mood disorders, substance use issues, adjustment difficulties, social/relationship problems, self-esteem and assertiveness issues, anger and impulsivity, career and life direction issues, sexual orientation and gender-related problems, unusual experiences, and existential concerns. I believe strongly in taking the time to know and understand my clients so we can collaboratively find a treatment approach that fits and is as effective as possible.
![Photo of Meg Jennings, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/858eb6de-d493-404a-9d00-b255772da258/6/320x400.jpeg)
Meg Jennings
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Richmond Heights, MO 63117
Not accepting new clients
Are you feeling stuck, alone, and overwhelmed? Looking for a safe space to share about your struggles and receive support? I would love to work with you towards your goals and towards building a life worth living. I greatly value creating a caring, collaborative, and non-judgmental space. I specialize in helping clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, out-of-control feelings, and relationship difficulties. I love working with older children (9+), adolescents and adults.
Are you feeling stuck, alone, and overwhelmed? Looking for a safe space to share about your struggles and receive support? I would love to work with you towards your goals and towards building a life worth living. I greatly value creating a caring, collaborative, and non-judgmental space. I specialize in helping clients with depression, anxiety, trauma, grief/loss, out-of-control feelings, and relationship difficulties. I love working with older children (9+), adolescents and adults.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Melissa A Peterson, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d147624-522d-4551-b3ee-a75a2827f972/2/320x400.jpeg)
Melissa A Peterson
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
Saint Louis, MO 63117
Waitlist for new clients
She also has advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness.
**CURRENTLY HAVE WAITLIST FOR NEW CLIENTS** Melissa has been practicing clinical social work/psychotherapy with adolescents and adults for over 15 years, specializing in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-injury and grief/loss. She has an eclectic approach, drawing from psychodynamic, interpersonal and skills-based therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Her approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, collaborative and integrative. She has a profound respect for the complexity of people's lives and experiences.
She also has advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness.
**CURRENTLY HAVE WAITLIST FOR NEW CLIENTS** Melissa has been practicing clinical social work/psychotherapy with adolescents and adults for over 15 years, specializing in eating disorders, anxiety, depression, self-injury and grief/loss. She has an eclectic approach, drawing from psychodynamic, interpersonal and skills-based therapies including cognitive behavioral therapy, dialectical behavior therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction. Her approach is compassionate, non-judgmental, collaborative and integrative. She has a profound respect for the complexity of people's lives and experiences.
![Photo of Ben Cook, MEd, Clinical Social Work/Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0e1308c6-3ad9-4782-b8ef-27ab9e710cbb/1/320x400.png)
It is my goal as a therapist to foster an empathetic and collaborative space that encourages self-awareness, self-advocacy, and self-acceptance for adults of all identities. I use a holistic queer-affirming approach that uses unique exercises tailored to my client’s strengths. I am passionate about helping my clients set boundaries, build confidence, and explore new perspectives. I am a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Missouri St. Louis.
It is my goal as a therapist to foster an empathetic and collaborative space that encourages self-awareness, self-advocacy, and self-acceptance for adults of all identities. I use a holistic queer-affirming approach that uses unique exercises tailored to my client’s strengths. I am passionate about helping my clients set boundaries, build confidence, and explore new perspectives. I am a Provisionally Licensed Professional Counselor with a master’s in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from the University of Missouri St. Louis.
See more therapy options for Richmond Heights
Nearby Acceptance and Commitment (ACT) Therapists Searches for Richmond Heights
- Affton
- Brentwood
- Clayton
- Des Peres
- Frontenac
- Kirkwood
- Ladue
- Maplewood
- Olivette
- Saint Louis
- University City
- Webster Groves
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.