Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
A Mindfulness-Based Approach to Meaningful Change
What Is Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that combines acceptance and mindfulness strategies with commitment and behavior-change practices to increase psychological flexibility — the ability to fully experience the present moment and act in ways that align with what matters most to you. Rather than trying to eliminate uncomfortable thoughts and emotions, ACT teaches you to acknowledge them without judgment and commit to value-driven action for a richer, more meaningful life.
How ACT Therapy Works
What Is ACT Therapy And How Can It Help?
ACT Therapy helps individuals shift their relationship with thoughts and feelings instead of struggling to control or avoid them. Through guided therapeutic exercises, clients learn to:
- Accept internal experiences without trying to fight or suppress them
- Practice mindfulness to stay present and grounded
- Identify personal values that guide meaningful life choices
- Commit to action that reflects these values even in the presence of distress
A core goal of ACT is building psychological flexibility — the capacity to be present, open up to experience, and take effective action toward personal goals and values.
Core Components of ACT
ACT is structured around six foundational processes:
1. Acceptance – Allowing thoughts and feelings to exist as they are.
2. Cognitive Defusion – Learning to observe thoughts without being ruled by them.
3. Being Present – Cultivating awareness of the here and now.
4. Self-as-Context – Understanding the part of you that observes your experiences.
5. Values Clarification – Identifying what truly matters in your life.
6. Committed Action – Taking intentional steps toward goals based on your values.
These elements work together to support lasting change by strengthening resilience and encouraging purposeful living.
Columbus Behavioral Health
Who Can Benefit from ACT?
ACT has been shown to help people with a wide range of mental health concerns, including:
- Anxiety and worry
- Depression
- Stress and trauma
- Substance use challenges
- Chronic pain or illness
- Life transitions or identity concerns
Unlike some therapies that focus on symptom elimination alone, ACT empowers individuals to live a purposeful life despite discomfort or distress.
What to Expect in ACT Sessions
During ACT therapy, a trained clinician will support you in exploring your experiences, values, and behaviors. Sessions typically include:
- Mindfulness and awareness exercises
- Values clarification activities
- Behavioral experiments and practice
- Reflection on real-life application of skills
Therapy is collaborative and personalized to your goals. It often includes strategies to practice between sessions, reinforcing skills and insights in everyday life.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy at Columbus Behavioral Health
At Columbus Behavioral Health, our clinicians are trained in ACT and incorporate it alongside other effective therapeutic modalities to help you build a life guided by meaning, resilience, and purpose. ACT can be used alone or in combination with other treatments to support your journey toward mental well-being.
Ready to explore if ACT is right for you? Contact us to learn more or schedule a consultation.