ACT Therapy
Therapist Availability:
Ashley Grams
Julie Miazga
Kyle Dyck
Maurine Agoawike
Sienna MacLean
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Life is full of challenges, uncertainties, and painful moments. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a powerful therapeutic approach designed to help you navigate these experiences with resilience, mindfulness, and purpose. Rather than avoiding or fighting uncomfortable emotions, ACT teaches you to accept them and commit to actions that align with your values.
What Is ACT?
ACT is an evidence-based therapy that combines mindfulness practices with behavior change strategies. It’s grounded in the idea that struggling against painful emotions can often make them worse. Instead, ACT helps you:
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Accept what is outside your control.
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Commit to actions that lead to a fulfilling and meaningful life.
ACT is not about eliminating negative feelings but learning how to live with them in a way that doesn’t hold you back.
Core Principles of ACT
ACT is built around six core processes, which work together to enhance psychological flexibility—the ability to adapt to life’s challenges without becoming overwhelmed:
1. Acceptance: Embracing your thoughts and emotions rather than resisting them.
2. Cognitive Defusion: Creating distance from unhelpful thoughts to reduce their influence on your behavior.
3. Present Moment Awareness: Cultivating mindfulness to stay grounded in the here and now.
4. Self-as-Context: Viewing yourself as more than your thoughts or feelings, fostering a broader perspective.
5. Values Clarification: Identifying what truly matters to you in life.
6. Committed Action: Taking purposeful steps aligned with your values, even in the face of discomfort.
What Can ACT Help With?
ACT has been proven effective for a wide range of challenges, including:
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Anxiety and depression
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Chronic pain
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Stress and burnout
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Relationship issues
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Low self-esteem
By focusing on values-driven action, ACT empowers you to move forward in life, even when things feel overwhelming.
How ACT Therapy Works
In an ACT session, you’ll work with your therapist to:
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Identify thoughts or emotions that are holding you back.
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Practice mindfulness exercises to create space for difficult emotions.
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Clarify your values to guide your decisions and actions.
Rather than focusing solely on symptom relief, ACT encourages you to live a meaningful life, even when challenges arise.
Why Choose Alberta Psychology Group for ACT?
At Alberta Psychology Group, we combine evidence-based practices like ACT with a compassionate, client-centered approach. Our experienced therapists will help you develop the tools to manage life’s challenges and create a life aligned with your values.
Contact us today to learn more about how ACT therapy can support you on your journey toward growth and fulfillment.