Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based psychological approach that teaches individuals to accept their thoughts and feelings rather than trying to control or avoid them. ACT counselling focuses on helping you move forward through difficult emotions so you can invest your energy in healing and meaningful living instead of dwelling on distressing thoughts.

ACT therapy works by encouraging acceptance of life experiences as they arise, without judgment or resistance. Through mindfulness-based exercises, clients learn to build a compassionate and flexible relationship with their internal experiences. This process promotes psychological flexibility and helps reduce the impact of negative thinking patterns, allowing greater peace of mind and emotional balance.

Structure of an ACT Therapy Session

When attending an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy session, you can expect a structured yet supportive process tailored to your individual goals.

  1. Building rapport.
    In the early sessions, you’ll meet with an ACT therapist to discuss your current challenges, emotional experiences, and previous attempts to manage them. This initial phase helps create a safe space for open conversation about your mental health concerns.
  2. Deeper awareness.
    Your therapist will guide you to recognise unhelpful thinking patterns and emotional reactions that may be limiting your wellbeing. Through ACT counselling, you will explore ways to make peace with painful experiences and the things beyond your control.
  3. Core values.
    A key part of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is identifying your personal values—what truly matters to you. Understanding your values helps guide your decisions and actions toward a more meaningful life.
  4. Actions.
    Once you’ve clarified your values and recognised recurring patterns, your therapist will support you in making intentional changes. The emphasis is on acceptance of what cannot be changed, while committing to actions that align with your values and priorities.
  5. Commitment.
    Finally, your therapist will work with you to apply ACT principles in everyday life. This stage focuses on long-term wellbeing and the ongoing practice of acceptance, mindfulness, and value-driven action.

Benefits of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT therapy is widely recognised for its effectiveness in addressing a broad range of mental health and emotional concerns. Key benefits include:

  • Promotes psychological flexibility and resilience
  • Encourages self-compassion and emotional awareness
  • Acknowledges that negative experiences are a natural part of life
  • Supports value-driven living and purposeful action
  • Enhances overall mental and emotional wellbeing
  • Focuses on improving quality of life, not just reducing symptoms

Conditions ACT Can Help With

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can assist with many mental health and physical conditions, including:

  • Anxiety disorders
  • Depression
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Psychosis
  • Eating disorders
  • Substance use disorders
  • Workplace stress
  • Chronic pain

ACT Therapy Adelaide | Online ACT Counselling Australia

At Prime Path Psychology, our registered psychologists are trained in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). We provide both in-person ACT therapy in Adelaide and online counselling across Australia.

If you would like to learn more about ACT or explore whether this approach may be helpful for you, please contact us on (08) 7079 9529 or email admin@primepathpsychology.com.au to arrange an appointment with one of our ACT therapists.

ACT is a practical, mindfulness-based, and evidence-based therapy. It can be used on its own or in combination with other treatments for anxiety, depression, and stress to help you live more fully, with acceptance, purpose, and compassion.