Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Updated and Reviewed by Craig Springer, PhD - Clinical Psychologist (NJ License #4497; NY License #016741; PSYPACT APIT #10118) & Silvina Falcon-Levine, MSW, LCSW - Clinical Social Worker (NJ License #4613; NY License #0922140) Last reviewed: March 9, 2026
What Is ACT?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a modern behavioral therapy that teaches individuals to respond differently to difficult thoughts and feelings. Instead of trying to eliminate discomfort, ACT helps you build psychological flexibility—the ability to act in ways that support your values even when emotions are challenging.
How ACT Helps
ACT emphasizes:
- Acceptance – making room for internal experiences
- Defusion – stepping back from unhelpful thoughts
- Values – identifying what matters most
- Committed Action – taking steps aligned with personal values
What ACT Sessions Look Like
Your therapist may guide you through:
- Mindfulness and grounding exercises
- Exploring what truly matters to you
- Practicing new behavioral patterns
- Learning to notice thoughts without getting pulled into them
Who Can Benefit
ACT is effective for: