Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Discover a Powerful Approach to Achieving Psychological Flexibility and Life Satisfaction
Start Living a Value-Driven Life
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based psychotherapy that empowers individuals to accept their thoughts and emotions while committing to value-driven actions. By developing psychological flexibility, ACT helps you break free from the struggle against inner experiences and focus on creating a rich, meaningful life aligned with your values.
How ACT Can Help You
☑️ Learn to accept and make room for difficult thoughts and emotions
☑️ Clarify your personal values and set meaningful goals
☑️ Develop mindfulness skills to stay present and engaged
☑️ Cultivate self-compassion and reduce self-judgment
☑️ Commit to actions that enrich your life and relationships
Benefits of ACT Therapy
✓ Anxiety disorders and excessive worry
✓ Depression and mood disorders
✓ Trauma and PTSD symptoms
✓ Chronic pain and stress-related conditions
✓ Work-related stress and burnout
✓ Relationship difficulties
✓ Self-criticism and perfectionism
Our Approach to ACT
At Monika Breidenbach Counseling and Stress Management, as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), I guide you through the six core processes of ACT:
Acceptance
Learning to embrace thoughts and feelings without struggling against them.
Being Present
Connecting with the here and now through mindful awareness.
Values
Identifying what truly matters to you and what kind of person you want to be.
Cognitive Defusion
Creating distance from unhelpful thoughts by seeing them as mental events.
Self as Context
Developing a transcendent sense of self that observes experiences without being defined by them.
Committed Action
Taking effective steps toward living a fulfilling life guided by your values.
Through a blend of experiential exercises, metaphors, and mindfulness practices, I help you develop the skills to live a value-driven life, even amidst challenges and discomfort.
What to Expect in ACT Therapy Sessions
Initial Assessment
We'll begin by exploring your current challenges, history, and goals for therapy. I'll introduce the ACT model and help you understand how psychological flexibility can address your specific concerns. This foundation helps us create a personalized treatment plan that aligns with your needs and values.
Skill Development
In our sessions, you'll learn practical ACT techniques through guided exercises, metaphors, and mindfulness practices. These evidence-based methods help you build psychological flexibility by developing acceptance, defusion, present-moment awareness, self-as-context, values clarity, and committed action skills.
Real-World Application
ACT therapy emphasizes putting new skills into practice in your daily life. Between sessions, you'll have opportunities to apply ACT principles to real situations, with ongoing support and guidance. This practical approach ensures that the benefits of therapy extend beyond our sessions and create lasting positive change.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACT Therapy
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Unlike some traditional approaches that focus primarily on symptom reduction, ACT emphasizes psychological flexibility and values-based living. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult thoughts or feelings, ACT teaches you to change your relationship with them while taking meaningful action. This approach integrates mindfulness practices with behavioral change strategies to help you create a rich, fulfilling life even in the presence of challenging experiences.
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The duration of ACT therapy varies based on individual needs and goals. Some clients experience significant benefits in 8-12 sessions, while others may benefit from longer-term work. Many people notice improvements in psychological flexibility relatively quickly, with continued growth as they practice and integrate ACT skills into their daily lives. We'll regularly assess your progress and adjust our approach accordingly.
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Yes, ACT therapy is covered by the major insurance plans I accept, including Aetna, BlueCross and BlueShield, Cigna and Evernorth, Optum, and UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH. As an evidence-based treatment approach, ACT is recognized by most insurance providers. I also offer private pay options and provide superbills for out-of-network benefits. Please contact me to verify your specific coverage.
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No prior meditation experience is necessary. While ACT incorporates mindfulness practices, these skills are taught gradually and in accessible ways. The mindfulness components in ACT focus on developing present-moment awareness and openness to experience rather than formal meditation. I'll guide you through these practices step by step, adapting them to your comfort level and learning style.
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Between-session practice is a valuable part of ACT therapy. I may suggest specific mindfulness exercises, values reflection activities, or committed actions aligned with your goals. Many clients find it helpful to use ACT worksheets, practice mindfulness skills for a few minutes daily, or keep a journal of their experiences. Consistent practice helps integrate ACT principles into your everyday life, accelerating your progress toward psychological flexibility.
Begin Your ACT Journey Today
Take the first step toward psychological flexibility and a more fulfilling life aligned with your values. ACT therapy offers practical tools and a compassionate approach to help you navigate life's challenges while creating meaning and purpose.