Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that helps people navigate life’s challenges with greater flexibility, self-awareness, and compassion. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult emotions, ACT focuses on changing how we relate to them, learning to make space for discomfort while continuing to move toward what truly matters.
At its core, ACT helps people build psychological flexibility, which is the ability to stay present, open, and engaged even when life feels painful or uncertain. The goal isn’t to remove struggle, but to live a meaningful, values-driven life, guided by what’s important rather than by fear or avoidance.
Our Approach at Psychology Centre Newcastle
At Psychology Centre Newcastle, ACT is delivered in a practical, collaborative, and compassionate way. Our clinicians draw on mindfulness, behavioural science, and self-compassion to support people in developing insight, acceptance, and purpose.
ACT can be helpful for a wide range of experiences, including:
Anxiety and overthinking
Depression and low motivation
Trauma recovery
Chronic stress and burnout
Life transitions or identity changes
We recognise that everyone’s internal experience makes sense in the context of their history, environment, and neurotype. Therapy focuses on helping people reconnect with their values, strengthen emotional awareness, and take meaningful steps toward the life they want to live.
What to Expect
ACT sessions blend conversation, reflection, and mindfulness-based activities. The focus is on building awareness, creating distance from unhelpful thoughts, and acting in alignment with personal values.
Together with their therapist, individuals might explore:
Making space for emotions – learning that painful thoughts and feelings are part of being human, and that resisting them often increases distress.
Defusion techniques – noticing thoughts for what they are rather than treating them as facts, allowing more clarity and choice.
Values and committed action – identifying what matters most (e.g., connection, growth, authenticity) and taking small, purposeful steps toward those values, even when discomfort is present.
Over time, ACT helps people respond to life with greater calm, curiosity, and self-compassion, resulting in living more fully and intentionally rather than feeling stuck in avoidance or fear.
The Benefits of ACT
ACT can help individuals to:
Reduce the struggle with difficult thoughts and emotions
Increase mindfulness, self-awareness, and psychological flexibility
Clarify values and take purposeful action
Manage anxiety, depression, and stress more effectively
Build resilience, acceptance, and self-compassion
Live with more presence, authenticity, and meaning
At Psychology Centre Newcastle, ACT supports individuals in moving from avoidance and fear toward purpose, authenticity, and vitality. It’s about helping you reconnect with what truly matters, so you can live with greater confidence, compassion, and balance.
