Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT Therapy in PA & MD
What is ACT?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that helps individuals manage distressing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors without being controlled by them. ACT therapy is often used to treat OCD, anxiety disorders, trauma, hoarding, and body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) like hair pulling or skin picking.
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Rather than trying to eliminate difficult feelings, ACT focuses on helping you accept what’s out of your control and take meaningful action aligned with your values. By building mindfulness, emotional flexibility, and self-compassion, ACT empowers you to move forward—even in the presence of fear, uncertainty, or discomfort.
How Does ACT Therapy Work?
1
Build Acceptance of Thoughts & Emotions
ACT therapy helps you notice and make room for difficult thoughts, urges, and feelings—without letting them drive your actions. This is especially helpful for conditions like OCD, anxiety, and BFRBs, where avoidance or control strategies often increase distress.
2
Practice Mindfulness & Peaceful Awareness
You’ll learn to observe your inner experiences without judgment, grounding yourself in the present. This skill supports emotional regulation and reduces reactivity—key in managing trauma, anxiety, and compulsive behavior patterns.
3
Take Values-Based Action
With your therapist’s support, you’ll clarify what matters most to you—beyond fear or discomfort. You’ll practice making intentional choices that reflect those values, empowering you to move forward with clarity and confidence.