Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based form of psychological therapy that helps you develop a healthier relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions. ACT focuses on acceptance, mindfulness, personal values and taking meaningful action towards the life you want.

ACT therapy can help with a range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, stress, burnout, low self-esteem, worry and emotional avoidance. It can also be useful when you feel stuck, overwhelmed or disconnected from the things that are important to you.

ACT helps you recognise that difficult thoughts and emotions don't have to control your behaviour. You learn to notice thoughts without automatically believing them, make space for uncomfortable emotions and identify your personal values. From there, ACT helps you take practical steps towards the life you want.

Yes. ACT can be an effective therapy for anxiety, particularly when worry, avoidance or attempts to control anxious feelings are keeping you stuck. ACT helps you respond differently to anxiety while continuing to engage in the activities, relationships and experiences that matter to you.

An ACT therapy session is collaborative and practical. You may explore the challenges you're experiencing, identify your values, look at patterns that may be keeping you stuck and practise strategies for responding differently to difficult thoughts and emotions. You may also have exercises to practise between sessions.

Both ACT and CBT are evidence-based psychological therapies, but they approach difficulties somewhat differently. CBT often focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviours, while ACT focuses on changing your relationship with thoughts and emotions and helping you take action based on your values. Your psychologist can help determine which approach is most appropriate for you.