Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Do you ever feel like you’re stuck fighting against your own thoughts and emotions—trying to push away feelings of anxiety, guilt, or self-doubt, only to have them come back stronger? It can feel exhausting, as though the harder you try to control these emotions, the more they take over.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a different approach. Rather than fighting against difficult feelings, ACT helps you create space for them while focusing on what truly matters to you. It’s about learning to accept your inner experiences, commit to your values, and take action toward a meaningful life.
ACT was developed by Dr. Steven C. Hayes in the 1980s and has been extensively researched as an effective treatment for anxiety, depression, perfectionism, and more. It blends mindfulness, self-compassion, and behavior-change strategies to help you build a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.
What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
At Harlowe Counseling, we use ACT to support clients navigating challenges such as:
- Anxiety, teaching you to accept uncomfortable feelings rather than letting them control you.
- Postpartum struggles, including anxiety, guilt, and navigating a new sense of identity.
- Perfectionism and self-doubt, helping you move forward even when self-critical thoughts arise.
- Stress and burnout, offering tools to align your actions with your values and priorities.
- Life transitions, such as becoming a parent, starting a new career, or navigating relationships.
How Does ACT Work, and Who Can It Help?
How ACT Can Help
- Learn to accept difficult emotions and thoughts, without letting them dictate your actions.
- Clarify your core values, identifying what truly matters to you in life and relationships.
- Take committed action, focusing on meaningful goals even when challenges arise.
What Happens in an ACT Session?
Why Choose ACT?
At Harlowe Counseling, we’ve seen how ACT can empower clients to break free from the cycle of avoidance, overthinking, and emotional struggle. Our therapists are trained in ACT and integrate it with other approaches, like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and mindfulness, to tailor sessions to your unique needs.
We use ACT because it’s practical, compassionate, and effective for a wide range of challenges. It’s particularly powerful for individuals navigating anxiety, postpartum struggles, perfectionism, or major life transitions. Many clients appreciate how ACT helps them focus on what truly matters while letting go of the pressure to “fix” every thought or feeling.
ACT is about learning to live with more intention and authenticity, and we’re here to guide you on that journey.
Why We Use ACT at Harlowe Counseling
Ready to Focus on What Truly Matters?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help you move beyond struggle, align your actions with your values, and build a life that feels meaningful and fulfilling.
Schedule a free consultation with Harlowe Counseling to explore how ACT can support you. There’s no obligation—just a chance to see if we’re the right fit for your needs.
