An Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
At CPGR, we understand that the journey toward emotional wellness is deeply personal—and sometimes, it can feel overwhelming to take the first step. If you’re exploring therapy options, you may have come across something called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT (pronounced as the word “act”). We’d like to share with you what ACT is, how it works, and why it might be a helpful approach for your healing process.
What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
ACT is a form of psychotherapy that helps people learn to accept difficult thoughts and feelings rather than fight them, while also committing to meaningful actions that align with their personal values. Rooted in mindfulness and behavioral science, ACT doesn’t ask you to eliminate painful emotions or thoughts—instead, it invites you to make space for them and to move forward in life despite them.
This approach can be especially helpful for individuals struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic pain, and a wide range of life stressors. But ACT is not about fixing you. It’s about helping you build a life that feels authentic, empowered, and purposeful.
Six Core Processes of ACT
ACT is structured around six core processes that work together to increase psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present and open, and to take action based on what matters most to you.
Acceptance – Allowing yourself to experience thoughts and emotions without avoidance or suppression.
Cognitive Defusion – Learning to step back from unhelpful thoughts and view them as passing experiences rather than absolute truths.
Being Present – Cultivating mindful awareness of the here and now, rather than getting stuck in the past or future.
Self-as-Context – Recognizing that you are more than your thoughts, feelings, or roles—there’s a stable part of you that can observe all of this.
Values – Identifying what deeply matters to you in life—what kind of person you want to be and what you want to stand for.
Committed Action – Taking concrete steps, even small ones, in the direction of your values, even when it’s hard.
What Does ACT Look Like in Therapy?
In sessions at CPGR, ACT might look like discussing a difficult situation from your week, practicing mindfulness, exploring the beliefs that are keeping you stuck, or identifying meaningful values that can guide your next steps. The goal is not to feel good all the time—it’s to live well, even when life is challenging.
ACT is an experiential therapy, which means we don’t just talk about change—we practice it, right there in the room. You’ll learn tools that you can apply in your everyday life, and over time, develop a stronger, more flexible relationship with your inner experience.
Is ACT Right for Me?
Many clients find ACT to be a refreshing shift from traditional talk therapy. If you’ve tried to “think your way out” of pain and found it hasn’t worked, or if you’re ready to make meaningful changes but feel stuck, ACT may offer a compassionate and practical framework for moving forward.
At CPGR, we offer individualized therapy tailored to your goals, and we’d be honored to walk with you on your journey toward healing and growth.
If you're curious about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or want to learn more about whether it might be a good fit for you, feel free to reach out to us at CPGR. You don’t have to navigate this alone—and you don’t have to wait until everything feels perfect to begin.
Let’s take the next step together.
