Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
What is ACT?
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of therapy that differs a bit from other types of approaches. ACT does not focus directly on reducing the distress caused by negative symptoms but rather on accepting the presence of the symptoms in a new way. ACT helps you by shifting your focus towards the thoughts and behaviours that add value to your life.
What to expect in an ACT session?
The goal of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy sessions is to increase your mental resilience by learning how to accept and observe unpleasant thoughts, emotions and urges that may come up in response to a situation without trying to resist or control them. At the same time, you are guided in identifying activities and behaviours that create meaning in your life. Your ACT therapist can help you to develop skills to achieve these value driven goals. Some of the strategies learned in an ACT session would include being able to separate yourself from your thoughts and increase your ability to be mindful while in the presence of these thoughts.
Have patience with all things, but first of all, with yourself.
Saint Francis De Sales
What are the benefits of ACT Therapy?
One of the many benefits of ACT therapy is that once it is learned, it can be easily applied to a variety of thoughts and situations. By increasing psychological flexibility, you are more able to experience distressing thoughts and emotions without feeling compelled to change them. ACT can be used to treat anxiety, depression, chronic pain, social anxiety and trauma.
Meet Some of Our Therapists Using ACT
Anna Mattie, MSW
Registered Social Worker
Anna draws on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients navigate anxiety, stress, life transitions, and other difficult experiences while moving toward what matters most to them. Her compassionate, collaborative approach helps clients explore challenges at their own pace, recognize their strengths, and take meaningful steps toward change.
Alex Hitchcock, LCT-C
Counselling Therapist
Alex incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into his collaborative, person-centred approach, helping clients navigate anxiety, grief, trauma, life transitions, and identity concerns. He supports clients in making space for difficult experiences while identifying what matters to them and moving toward a life that feels more meaningful and aligned with their values.
Taylor King, LCT-C
Counselling Therapist
Taylor incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into her trauma-informed approach, helping clients understand patterns that may once have helped them survive but may no longer be serving them. She supports clients in navigating difficult emotions, connecting with what matters most to them, and making choices that align more closely with their values.
Kelly Reid, LCT-C
Counselling Therapist
Kelly incorporates Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) into her warm, client-centred approach, helping clients navigate grief, anxiety, stress, and difficult life transitions. She supports clients in making space for challenging emotions, reconnecting with what matters most to them, and taking meaningful steps toward the life they want to build.
