Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a modern, evidence-based form of talk therapy that helps people build a meaningful life while learning how to relate differently to difficult thoughts and emotions. Developed within behavioral science by Steven C. Hayes, ACT focuses on increasing psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present, open, and engaged with life, even when things feel painful or uncertain.

Rather than trying to eliminate uncomfortable thoughts or feelings, ACT helps you reduce their impact so they no longer control your choices. The goal is not to feel good all the time, but to live well in alignment with what matters most to you.

Get in Touch

How ACT Therapy Works

ACT teaches practical skills that change your relationship to internal experiences. In therapy, you learn how to:

  • Notice thoughts without getting caught in them (cognitive defusion)

  • Make room for difficult emotions instead of avoiding or fighting them

  • Stay grounded in the present moment

  • Clarify personal values that give life meaning

  • Take committed action guided by those values, even when fear or discomfort shows up

ACT blends mindfulness, acceptance, and behavioral strategies to help you respond more flexibly rather than react automatically to distress.

Psychological Flexibility and Mental Health

Many mental health struggles are maintained not by the presence of difficult thoughts or feelings, but by efforts to avoid, suppress, or control them. ACT helps shift this pattern by strengthening psychological flexibility—allowing thoughts and emotions to come and go while you stay connected to your life, relationships, and goals.

This approach supports self-acceptance, emotional awareness, and resilience, helping you move forward without waiting for discomfort to disappear.

What ACT Is Helpful For

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is effective for a wide range of mental health conditions and life challenges, including:

ACT can be used on its own or integrated with other approaches, depending on your needs.

ACT, Mindfulness, and Values-Based Living

Mindfulness in ACT isn’t about emptying your mind—it’s about noticing what’s here with openness and curiosity. Combined with values clarification, ACT helps you make choices based on what truly matters, rather than being driven by fear, negative thoughts, or emotional discomfort.

Over time, this values-based approach supports personal growth, emotional health, and a deeper sense of purpose.

Check your insurance.

We usually take many commonly known insurances.

Is your plan not on the list? Fill out the form with your insurance information and we’ll be in touch shortly.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • ACT is a form of psychotherapy that helps people accept difficult thoughts and emotions while committing to actions aligned with their personal values.

  • ACT is commonly used for anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, chronic pain, and other mental health conditions where avoidance and rigid thinking play a role.

  • CBT focuses on changing the content of thoughts. ACT focuses on changing your relationship to thoughts, helping them have less control over your behavior.

  • Yes. ACT teaches cognitive defusion skills that help you observe negative thoughts without getting stuck in them or treating them as facts.

  • Yes. ACT is supported by extensive research and is considered an evidence-based therapy for a wide range of mental health concerns.

  • Yes. ACT works well in online therapy settings and can be effectively provided through remote therapy for New York residents.