Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Making room for difficult thoughts and feelings while building a life that matters

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that helps you change your relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions rather than constantly trying to get rid of them. ACT can be helpful for OCD, anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and feeling stuck or disconnected from yourself.

At Thrive West Psychotherapy, I incorporate ACT into an individualized approach to therapy for clients in Arizona and California. Rather than focusing on eliminating anxiety or making uncomfortable thoughts disappear, we work toward developing the flexibility to experience discomfort while continuing to live according to what matters to you.

ACT for OCD, Anxiety, and Depression

ACT can be particularly helpful for OCD, where intrusive thoughts often create an urge to analyze, check, seek reassurance, or find certainty. ACT teaches you to notice these thoughts without automatically engaging with them, while learning to tolerate uncertainty and redirect your attention toward your values.

For anxiety and depression, ACT can help you recognize patterns of avoidance and begin taking meaningful steps even when you don't feel completely ready, confident, or comfortable. You don't have to wait until anxiety disappears or motivation returns before you start participating in your life.

Living According to Your Values

A central part of ACT is identifying your values—the qualities and directions you want to bring into your life. Maybe you want to be more connected, courageous, authentic, present, compassionate, or adventurous.

Therapy can help you move toward those values while making room for the thoughts and emotions that inevitably come along with being human.

At Thrive West Psychotherapy, ACT may be incorporated with ERP, DBT, EMDR, IFS-informed therapy, and other approaches depending on your needs.

If you're looking for an ACT therapist in Arizona or California, I offer private-pay psychotherapy for adults and adolescents. Reach out to learn more about therapy and whether we may be a good fit.