Life can be full of pain, uncertainty, and emotional struggles—but healing isn't always about "fixing" what hurts. Sometimes, the most meaningful change comes from learning to make space for difficult emotions while choosing to move forward in alignment with your values.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps you do just that. At WellHome Psychology, we use ACT to help clients of all ages build emotional flexibility, respond to life's challenges more skillfully, and move toward a life that feels rich and purposeful.

What Is ACT

ACT (pronounced like the word "act") is a form of behavioral therapy that combines mindfulness, self-compassion, and values-based action.
The core idea is this:

You don't have to eliminate difficult thoughts or feelings to live a meaningful life.
Instead of fighting internal pain, ACT teaches you how to:

•   Accept thoughts and emotions without being overwhelmed by them
•   Become more present and aware in everyday life
•   Clarify your values—what truly matters to you
•   Take committed action, even when it feels hard or uncomfortable

ACT isn't about controlling your inner experience—it's about learning how to live with more clarity, resilience, and intention.

What Can ACT Help With?

ACT is a flexible and effective treatment for many challenges, including:

•   Anxiety and worry
•   Depression or low mood
•   Trauma and PTSD
•   Chronic pain or health conditions
•   Stress and burnout
•   Obsessive-compulsive tendencies
•   Grief and loss
•   Identity and life transitions
•   Parenting stress or emotional overwhelm

It's also helpful for anyone feeling "stuck," disconnected from their purpose, or struggling with internal self-criticism or avoidance.

Core Skills You'll Learn in ACT

ACT therapy focuses on building psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present, open, and engaged, even when life is hard. You'll learn to work with six key processes:

1. Mindfulness (Present Moment Awareness) – Grounding yourself in the here and now
2. Cognitive Defusion – Unhooking from unhelpful thoughts
3. Acceptance – Making space for difficult emotions instead of avoiding them
4. Self-as-Context – Seeing yourself with compassion, not judgment
5. Values Clarification – Identifying what truly matters to you
6. Committed Action – Taking steps in line with your values, even through discomfort

These skills build strength from the inside out, helping you face challenges with intention instead of reactivity.

ACT for Teens and Parents

At WellHome Psychology, we adapt ACT to meet the developmental and emotional needs of teens and parents. For teens, ACT helps build emotional awareness, reduce avoidance, and clarify personal values—especially helpful during identity development and increased social stress. For parents, ACT offers tools to navigate parenting challenges with more flexibility, presence, and compassion, even in the midst of tough emotions. Whether you're a teen learning to cope with big feelings or a parent working to stay grounded and connected, ACT provides powerful, practical skills for everyday life.

What to Expect in ACT Sessions

ACT sessions at WellHome Psychology are practical, experiential, and tailored to your needs. Sessions may include:

•  Mindfulness and grounding exercises
•  Values-based goal setting
•  Identifying stuck thought patterns
•  Role play or metaphor work
•  Emotion coaching and acceptance strategies
•  Practicing how to take meaningful action in everyday life

We may also explore real-world applications through community-based sessions—helping you use ACT skills in everyday situations like parenting, social interactions, or navigating anxiety in public spaces.

How Long Does ACT Take?

ACT can be used as a brief intervention (6–12 sessions) or as a longer-term process, depending on your goals. Many clients begin to feel more empowered and aligned after just a few sessions.

Is ACT Effective?

Yes. ACT is backed by decades of research and has been shown to be effective for a wide variety of mental health conditions. It is recommended by:

•  The American Psychological Association (APA)
•  The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE)
•  The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS)

ACT has also been successfully adapted for use with children, teens, adults, and families.

Recommended ACT Videos

Curious to see ACT in action? Here are a few helpful videos:
Note: These videos are for educational support only. ACT is most effective when guided by a licensed therapist trained in this approach.

1. What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

Channel: Psych Hub A clear, easy-to-understand explanation of ACT's core principles.

2. The Struggle Switch

Dr. Russ Harris, Acceptance & Commitment Therapist, explains the struggle switch metaphor through this entertaining and educational clip. Channel: Dr. Russ Harris

3. How to Practice Acceptance: ACT Core Process

Learn how to sit with difficult thoughts, feelings, memories, and sensations in life. Channel: The Act Therapist


At WellHome Psychology, we believe you can live a rich, full, and meaningful life—even in the presence of pain.
ACT gives you the tools to stop fighting your thoughts and start building a life you truly care about—one intentional step at a time.
If you'd like to learn more or explore whether ACT is a good fit for you, please contact us to schedule a consultation.