Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of mindful psychotherapy that focuses on helping individuals accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling controlled by them.
By engaging in ACT therapy with one of our practitioners, you'll gain coping mechanisms specifically designed for your situation, which you can use throughout your life to handle challenging experiences.
ACT therapy works by focusing on accepting life experiences as they come, without evaluating or trying to change them. It's a skill developed through mindfulness exercises that encourage you to build a new and more compassionate relationship with difficult experiences. Doing this can free you from obsessive negative thinking so you can have peace of mind and healing.
Embrace a New Approach to Well-being
Discover how ACT therapy can help you develop resilience and embrace life’s challenges with greater clarity and peace. Get in touch to learn more about our ACT sessions.
Key Components of ACT:
Acceptance
Learning to embrace thoughts and feelings without judgment, allowing them to come and go without trying to change them.
Cognitive Defusion
Developing a different relationship with thoughts, recognising them as mere words rather than truths.
Mindfulness
Staying present and aware, helping individuals observe their thoughts and feelings without becoming overwhelmed.
Self-as-Context
Understanding that one’s sense of self is not defined by thoughts or feelings, promoting a broader perspective of identity.
Values Clarification
Identifying what truly matters to the individual, guiding behaviours and decision-making.
Committed Action
Taking concrete steps towards living in accordance with your values, even in the presence of difficult emotions.
How ACT Therapy Works
ACT works by focusing on accepting life experiences as they come, without evaluating or trying to change them. This skill is developed through mindfulness exercises that encourage a new, compassionate relationship with difficult experiences. By embracing this approach, individuals can free themselves from obsessive negative thinking, fostering peace of mind and healing.
Key Processes in ACT:
Acceptance
Begin by accepting emotions and feelings that may feel out of your control, mindfully acknowledging the experience.
Direction
Commit to a positive approach that helps propel you forward while resisting the temptation to dwell on the past.
Action
Take charge by making a conscious decision to stick with the positive direction you’ve chosen. Stay resilient despite life’s challenges.
Structure of an ACT Therapy Session
During an ACT therapy session, you can expect to go through several stages:
Building Rapport
In initial sessions, clients discuss challenges and mental health with their practitioner, sharing past coping attempts.
Deeper Awareness
The practitioner helps identify areas of negative thoughts or painful memories that clients may hesitate to discuss.
Core Values
Clients explore their core values and identify what is important to them, considering how they wish to define themselves and envision their lives.
Actions
After identifying recurring thought patterns and priorities, clients begin implementing changes, focusing on accepting what cannot be changed while addressing what is within their control.
Commitment
Our practitioner will assist you in integrating ACT principles into daily life, creating a thoughtful plan for long-term application.
Mindfulness and ACT Therapy
Mindfulness plays a crucial role in ACT. It grounds individuals in the present by focusing on feelings, physical sensations, and the external environment moment by moment. Mindfulness exercises support ACT by fostering nonjudgmental acceptance of thoughts and feelings.
The beauty of mindfulness is its versatility; it can be practiced anytime and anywhere—at work, home, or during social interactions. By simply returning attention to the present moment and focusing on breathing, clients engage with the sounds, scents, and activities around them.
Although it may seem like a small change, the benefits of mindfulness are profound, with many individuals finding it brings peace, purpose, and renewed happiness.
What Can ACT Therapy Help With?
ACT therapy can assist with a variety of mental health conditions, including:
- Stress regulation
- Work stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Substance abuse
- Phobias (irrational fears)
ACT provides practical tools for enhancing mental well-being and fostering a more meaningful life, even in the face of challenges.
Meet our Team
We are here to support you
"Therapy is about giving our clients the tools to feel empowered and motivated to take charge of their progress, goals and general wellbeing."
Why Choose Us
At Health Sense, we are dedicated to providing a compassionate, welcoming space where individuals can explore and overcome their challenges. Through our client-focused approach and commitment to the community, we aim to empower you to achieve greater well-being.
Safe and Supportive Environment
We offer a non-judgemental space for you to work through your challenges with understanding and care.
Qualified Practitioners
Our team of qualified and experienced professionals will provide the tools and strategies you need to overcome your challenges.
Tailored Therapy
We are passionate about customising each therapy plan to fit individual needs, helping you understand your mental health challenges and thrive—not just survive.
Warm and Welcoming Space
Our newly refurbished practice is designed to make you feel comfortable and supported, with a friendly administration team to make your experience seamless.
Social Mission in Action
By attending our practice, you contribute to a greater cause. We direct 100% of our profits to Luma, one of Australia's largest not-for-profit organisations specialising in women's health and wellbeing.
A Team with Heart
Our team consists of professionals who share a passion for giving back to the community, taking pride in their work, and supporting our clients and our social mission.
