What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a mindfulness-based approach to therapy that helps people develop a healthier relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions rather than fighting against them. ACT focuses on increasing psychological flexibility — learning to accept what is outside of your control while taking meaningful action aligned with your values. Through this process, clients often feel more present, grounded, and empowered to create a life that feels authentic and fulfilling.

A diagram showing steps for psychological flexibility, including Acceptance, Committed Action, Values, Self as Context, Being Present, and Cognitive Defusion, arranged in hexagons around a central circle labeled ACT.