ABOUT ME

Acceptance and Commitment therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based behaviour therapy. The goal is to create an authentic, enriched and meaningful life, whilst accepting the pain that inevitably goes with it. This is done by working on skills to increase your psychological flexibility. By opening up, increasing your ability to be present, be curious of your internal world and do what matters to you, you will in turn increase your well-being, sense of vitality and fulfilment.

It is an excellent model for life coaching and a highly effective for large cross section of conditions such as stress, depression, anxiety, chronic pain, substance abuse and PTSD.

Instead of challenging and attempting to rid of negative or painful thoughts or feelings, it teaches you to accept that they are part of the normal human experience and yet how to deal with them in such a way that they have less impact and influence over you.

It trains you to distance yourself from “the story” unhelpful thoughts and beliefs feed into, that might be holding you back. It helps you make room for painful feelings and allow them to come and go without a struggle. It teaches skills to engage yourself in your here and now experience it with openness and curiosity. These mindfulness-based skills develop your “observing self” to increase your awareness of both your external and internal world.

ACT is also about understanding your values - knowing what is truly important and meaningful to you: what you want your life to be about, what you stand for, what you want to do with your time on this planet, what you would like to be remembered for, by the people you love. Then using this knowledge to make better decisions for yourself and committing to that action, even if it’s difficult or uncomfortable.

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ACT is frequently a short to medium term input (4-10 sessions (60-75 mins) 

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Our Clinician who offers this service is:

Philippa