Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Building resilience and alignment with personal values

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based psychological approach that helps people live a meaningful and fulfilling life, even in the presence of difficult thoughts, emotions, or memories. Instead of trying to eliminate uncomfortable experiences, ACT focuses on building resilience, psychological flexibility, and alignment with personal values.

At SGI Psychology, our psychologists use ACT to help clients reduce struggle, increase self-compassion, and move toward what truly matters to them.

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

ACT is based on the idea that pain and discomfort are part of being human — but ongoing struggle with thoughts and emotions can create suffering. ACT supports people to:

  • notice thoughts and feelings without becoming overwhelmed by them

  • respond flexibly rather than react automatically

  • reduce avoidance and fear of emotions

  • connect with personal values

  • take small, practical steps toward meaningful goals

ACT is not about “positive thinking” or suppressing emotions. It is about learning a new relationship with your inner experiences.

How ACT works

ACT includes six core therapeutic processes:

  • mindfulness and present-moment awareness

  • acceptance of difficult emotions and sensations

  • cognitive defusion (stepping back from unhelpful thoughts)

  • self-as-context (seeing yourself as more than your thoughts)

  • values clarification

  • committed action aligned with values

Your psychologist will introduce these processes gently and at your pace.

What can ACT help with?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has strong research support for a wide range of concerns, including:

  • anxiety and worry

  • stress and burnout

  • depression

  • trauma-related symptoms (in a safe, trauma-informed way)

  • chronic pain and health conditions

  • perfectionism and self-criticism

  • low self-esteem

  • emotional regulation difficulties

  • life transitions and identity concerns

ACT is also widely used to increase wellbeing, resilience, and life satisfaction, even when a person is not experiencing a mental health disorder.

What happens in an ACT therapy session?

Sessions are practical, collaborative, and focused on real-life application. They may include:

  • mindfulness and grounding exercises

  • learning to step back from unhelpful thoughts

  • exploring avoidance patterns that keep you stuck

  • identifying what truly matters to you

  • setting realistic values-based goals

  • practicing new skills between sessions

You are not expected to “get rid of” thoughts or feelings. Instead, ACT helps you make room for them while moving forward with your life.

ACT and personal values

A key part of ACT is clarifying personal values, such as:

  • relationships and connection

  • learning and growth

  • health and self-care

  • creativity and meaning

  • contribution and community

Therapy then focuses on taking committed action in the direction of these values, even when anxiety, uncertainty, or discomfort is present.

This process often leads to:

  • increased sense of purpose

  • greater motivation

  • improved wellbeing

  • more consistent behaviour change

  • deeper connection with others and self

Our ACT approach at SGI Psychology

At SGI Psychology, our psychologists integrate ACT with mindfulness, self-compassion, and cognitive-behavioural strategies. Therapy is:

  • collaborative

  • trauma-informed

  • culturally sensitive

  • paced at your comfort level

We offer in-person appointments at our premises and Telehealth across Australia.

Book an appointment

If you feel ready to explore ACT therapy, you can:

  • book online through our Appointments page

  • contact our reception team

  • ask which clinician may be a good fit for you

Book a Session