Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Struggling with anxiety, depression, or feeling emotionally stuck? ACT helps you build psychological flexibility so you can accept difficult emotions and still take meaningful action toward the life you want.
What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
ACT is an evidence-based approach that combines mindfulness strategies with behavior change techniques. Unlike traditional cognitive therapy, which focuses on changing or eliminating negative thoughts, ACT teaches you to accept difficult emotions and thoughts while taking committed action toward what matters most in your life.
The core philosophy of ACT recognizes that psychological suffering is a normal part of the human experience. Rather than treating uncomfortable thoughts and feelings as problems to solve, ACT helps you build a different relationship with them — one grounded in acceptance, awareness, and values-driven action. Our therapists guide clients through this process during individual therapy sessions at both our Pleasant Grove and Orem offices, and via telehealth statewide.
Quick Facts
The Six Core Processes of ACT
ACT is built on six interconnected processes that work together to increase psychological flexibility.
Cognitive Defusion
Learn to observe your thoughts from a distance instead of becoming entangled in them, reducing the power negative self-talk has over your behavior.
Acceptance
Make room for uncomfortable emotions and sensations without trying to change or avoid them, freeing up energy for meaningful action.
Present Moment Awareness
Stay connected to what's happening right now instead of getting lost in the past or future through practical mindfulness skills.
Self-as-Context
Recognize that you are not your thoughts or feelings — you're the person observing them, which builds perspective and self-compassion.
Values Clarification
Get clear on what truly matters to you — connection, health, creativity, contribution — as a compass for decision-making.
Committed Action
Take concrete steps toward living in line with your values, even when it's uncomfortable, building lasting patterns of change.
Conditions Treated with ACT
Research shows ACT is effective for a wide range of mental health conditions and life challenges.
What to Expect in an ACT Therapy Session
Initial Assessment
Your first session focuses on getting to know you — your concerns, history, and goals. Your therapist explains how ACT works and identifies which core processes may help most.
Experiential Exercises
ACT is highly experiential. You'll actively practice mindfulness exercises, metaphors, and behavioral experiments rather than just talking about problems.
Values Exploration
You'll explore what truly matters to you — relationships, purpose, meaning — which provides direction and motivation for the work ahead.
Skills Practice
Between sessions, you'll practice ACT skills in daily life — mindfulness exercises, values-based actions, or journaling to track progress.
Progress Monitoring
You and your therapist regularly check in on whether you're moving toward your valued directions. Many clients see meaningful benefits within 8–16 sessions.
Benefits of ACT for Mental Health
ACT Therapy for Different Populations
We adapt ACT to meet the unique needs of the people we work with.
Teens & Adolescents
Age-appropriate ACT techniques for identity development, peer pressure, and academic stress. See our teen therapy services.
College Students
Values clarification and committed action for BYU and UVU students navigating academic and relationship pressures.
Adults
Practical tools for career stress, relationship difficulties, and mental health concerns for both men and women.
Parents
Becoming more present with your children and aligning your parenting with your values. See our parent-child relationship therapy.
Faith Transitions
Clarifying evolving values and taking committed action amid uncertainty. Learn about our faith transition therapy.
How ACT Differs from Other Approaches
CBT focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns. ACT instead teaches you to change your relationship with thoughts rather than the thoughts themselves. Both are effective — the right choice depends on your preferences and concerns.
DBT was originally developed for borderline personality disorder and emphasizes emotion regulation and distress tolerance. ACT has broader application with more emphasis on values and committed action. Some therapists integrate both.
Unlike psychodynamic or insight-oriented approaches that explore the origins of problems, ACT is more present-focused and action-oriented, emphasizing workability over understanding.
Both incorporate mindfulness, but ACT pairs it with values clarification and behavior change strategies for a more comprehensive approach.
Getting Started with ACT at Willow Therapy
Schedule
Contact us to book with an ACT-trained therapist.
Choose a Location
Pleasant Grove, Orem, or telehealth anywhere in Utah.
Verify Insurance
We accept most major plans, or ask about self-pay.
Meet Your Therapist
Get acquainted and start exploring your goals together.
Engage in the Process
The more you practice between sessions, the more you'll benefit.
Frequently Asked Questions
It varies by individual needs and goals. Many clients see significant benefits within 8–16 sessions, though some continue longer for ongoing growth and support.
Yes, ACT is typically covered under mental health benefits. We accept most major insurance plans in Utah — visit our insurance page for details.
Absolutely. ACT adapts well to telehealth formats, and many clients prefer the convenience of online sessions.
No extensive meditation practice is required. Your therapist teaches brief, practical mindfulness exercises tailored to your comfort level.
Yes. ACT works well alongside psychiatric medication, and many clients work with both a therapist and a psychiatrist for comprehensive care.
Where to Start ACT Therapy
Pleasant Grove Office
233 S Pleasant Grove Blvd Suite 201
(801) 410-0542
Mon–Fri, 8AM–8PM
Virtual, Statewide
Telehealth sessions available anywhere in Utah, on the same schedule as our offices.
Learn About TelehealthTake the Next Step Toward Psychological Flexibility
Don't let difficult thoughts and emotions hold you back from the life you want. Our compassionate, experienced therapists are here to support you.
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