Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a modern, evidence-based approach that builds psychological flexibility. Instead of getting stuck fighting thoughts and feelings, ACT helps you relate to them differently and make choices guided by your values. My doctoral thesis focuses on ACT, and I bring in-depth theoretical knowledge together with extensive practical application to every session.

​

What ACT aims to do

ACT supports you to notice what your mind is doing, make room for difficult inner experiences, and take purposeful action in the direction of the life you want. The goal is not to “get rid” of thoughts and emotions. The goal is to reduce their unhelpful grip so you can respond with clarity and compassion.

 

How ACT works

ACT brings together six interlocking skills. In therapy we tailor these to your goals and context.

​

• Acceptance: Willingness to experience difficult thoughts, feelings and sensations without judgement or struggle.

• Cognitive defusion: Seeing thoughts as mental events rather than instructions you must obey.

• Present-moment awareness: Simple mindfulness practices that steady attention and widen perspective.

• Self-as-context: Learning to hold a stable sense of “observer” self that notices experiences without being overwhelmed by them.

• Values: Clarifying what truly matters to you in relationships, health, work, and growth.

• Committed action: Turning values into small, repeatable behaviours that build momentum.

 

What sessions with me are like

I work collaboratively and transparently. We begin by mapping what is pulling you off course and what matters most. Sessions are structured but warm, with brief experiential exercises, practical metaphors, and skills you can use between appointments. You will leave with simple practices to try in real life, then we review what helped and refine the plan.

​

Common difficulties ACT can help with

While ACT is transdiagnostic and useful for many concerns, it is particularly effective for:

• Anxiety and worry

• Low mood and depression

• Trauma-related difficulties

• Stress and burnout

• Chronic pain and health challenges

• Substance and habit change

 

Why choose ACT with a specialist

Because my doctoral research centres on ACT, I stay close to the science and the nuances of its delivery. That means careful case formulation, adaptations for neurodiversity or complex presentations, and a strong focus on measured progress. You get an approach that is both compassionate and rigorously applied.

​

What you can expect to learn

• Skills to unhook from unhelpful thoughts so you can choose rather than react.

• Ways to make space for feelings without being dominated by them.

• Clarity about your values and how to let them guide everyday decisions.

• A practical toolkit of brief exercises you can use at home, work, and in relationships.

 

Results that matter

ACT is about building a life that feels meaningful on the inside, not just manageable on the outside. People often report feeling less pushed around by their minds, more present with those they care about, and more able to take steps that previously felt out of reach.

​

A note on exposure

When fear or avoidance is part of the problem, we may use graded exposure. In ACT this is done gently and purposefully, with attention to values and compassion. You will never be pushed into anything you have not consented to try.

 

​Some common questions about ACT

What does ACT feel like?
Practical and collaborative. We use brief experiential exercises, simple mindfulness, and values work. It is less about analysing the past and more about building skills you can use today.

​

How many sessions will I need?
It varies by goal. Many people notice meaningful shifts within 6 to 12 sessions. Complex or longstanding difficulties may benefit from a longer plan. We will review progress regularly.

​

Is ACT right for me?
ACT is helpful if you feel stuck fighting thoughts and feelings, or if avoidance is getting in the way of what matters. It suits anxiety, low mood, trauma-related difficulties, stress, health challenges, and habit change.

​

How is ACT different from CBT?
Both are evidence-based. ACT focuses on changing your relationship with thoughts and feelings rather than trying to replace them. The emphasis is on values and committed action.

​

What happens in the first session?
We clarify your aims, map what pulls you off course, identify your values, and agree a simple plan. You will leave with one or two small practices to try before the next session.

​

Will there be homework?
Yes, but it is light and purposeful. Short practices and tiny value-based actions that fit your day. We refine these together.

​

Does ACT work online?
Yes. ACT translates very well to video sessions. You will receive handouts and brief exercises to use between appointments.

​

Can ACT be adapted for neurodiversity or complex trauma?
Absolutely. I tailor the pace, language, and exercises to your needs, using clear structure and plenty of choice and consent.

 

How do we measure progress?
We track changes you care about, such as doing more of what matters, feeling less pushed around by thoughts, and improved daily functioning. Brief outcome measures can be used to guide adjustments.

 

Next steps

If this approach resonates, we can start by clarifying your values and defining one or two small, meaningful actions. From there we build a plan that fits your life, pace, and context.

​