​

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) was developed by Dr. Steven C. Hayes in the 1980s and is rooted in mindfulness, behavioural therapy, and psychological flexibility. ACT encourages individuals to accept difficult emotions, develop self-awareness, and take meaningful actions aligned with their values. Instead of trying to eliminate painful thoughts or feelings, ACT teaches people how to respond to challenges in a way that fosters resilience and well-being.

​​

At Wellness Counselling Centre, we use ACT to help clients cultivate self-acceptance, manage distress, and create a life guided by personal values rather than fear or avoidance.

​

How ACT Can Help

​ACT is an effective therapy for:

• Anxiety & Overthinking – Reducing avoidance behaviours and learning to manage difficult thoughts

• Depression & Low Mood – Encouraging engagement in meaningful activities despite emotional struggles

• Stress & Burnout – Supporting resilience and emotional regulation

• Chronic Pain & Health Challenges – Helping individuals shift focus from suffering to meaningful action

• Trauma & PTSD – Processing painful emotions without getting stuck in them

• Perfectionism & Self-Criticism – Learning self-compassion and moving beyond limiting beliefs

​​

What to Expect in ACT Therapy

​ACT sessions focus on six core processes that help individuals respond to life’s challenges in healthier ways:

• Cognitive Defusion – Learning to see thoughts as temporary mental events rather than absolute truths

• Acceptance – Allowing difficult emotions to exist without resisting or avoiding them

• Mindfulness & Present-Moment Awareness – Staying grounded rather than getting lost in worries about the past or future

• Self-as-Context – Developing a flexible sense of self, separate from thoughts and emotions

• Values Identification – Clarifying what truly matters to guide decision-making

• Committed Action – Taking meaningful steps toward a fulfilling life, even in the presence of discomfort

By shifting from avoidance to action, ACT empowers individuals to navigate challenges with greater freedom, clarity, and resilience.

​​​

Find Meaning & Emotional Freedom

Grounded in scientific research and mindfulness-based techniques, ACT is a powerful therapy that helps individuals accept what is out of their control while taking action toward a fulfilling life.

​