Evidence-Based Therapy
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
Build Psychological Flexibility. Live a Meaningful Life.
ACT is a modern, evidence-based approach that helps you stop struggling with difficult thoughts and feelings — and instead build a rich, meaningful life guided by your values. Available at our Sippy Downs and Maroochydore clinics, and via Telehealth.
About This Therapy
What is Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that uses acceptance and mindfulness strategies alongside commitment and behaviour change strategies to increase psychological flexibility. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult thoughts and feelings, ACT teaches you to change your relationship with them.
Developed by Steven Hayes in the 1980s and now one of the most extensively researched therapies in the world, ACT is grounded in the idea that psychological suffering often comes from our attempts to control or avoid our inner experiences. By learning to accept what is outside your control and committing to actions that align with your values, you can build a life of greater meaning and vitality.
The ACT Model
The Six Core Processes of ACT
ACT works through six interconnected psychological processes — together known as the ACT Hexaflex — that build psychological flexibility and wellbeing.
Acceptance
Allowing difficult thoughts and feelings to exist without fighting them. Acceptance does not mean approval — it means making room for your experience without being controlled by it.
Cognitive Defusion
Learning to step back from thoughts and see them as just thoughts — not facts. This reduces the grip that unhelpful thinking patterns have on your behaviour.
Present Moment Awareness
Connecting with the here and now, with openness and curiosity. Mindful awareness of the present moment is a core skill developed throughout ACT.
Self as Context
Developing a stable sense of self that is separate from your thoughts and feelings — the "observer self" that notices experiences without being defined by them.
Values Clarification
Identifying what truly matters to you — your values are your compass. ACT helps you clarify your values across all areas of life and use them to guide your choices.
Committed Action
Taking effective, values-guided action even in the presence of difficult thoughts and feelings. Building patterns of behaviour that move you toward a meaningful life.
The Process
How ACT Works at Our Clinic
Your ACT journey is tailored to your unique needs. Here is what you can expect from the therapeutic process.
Initial Assessment
Your psychologist takes time to understand your history, current challenges, and what you want your life to look like. Goals are collaboratively identified.
Mindfulness & Acceptance Skills
You learn practical mindfulness and acceptance techniques to reduce the struggle with difficult thoughts and emotions — creating space to respond rather than react.
Values & Committed Action
Together you clarify what matters most and begin taking meaningful steps toward a life aligned with your values — even when discomfort is present.
Consolidation & Maintenance
Skills are consolidated and a plan developed to maintain progress. You leave with practical tools you can use for life — not just in the therapy room.
What ACT Can Help With
Conditions & Presentations ACT Treats
ACT has strong research support across a broad range of mental health presentations. Click any condition to learn more.
Who We Help
Who is ACT Suitable For?
ACT is a highly versatile therapy suitable for a wide range of people and life stages.
Adults
ACT is widely used with adults experiencing anxiety, depression, chronic stress, relationship difficulties, and major life transitions. It is particularly effective for those who feel "stuck" despite previous therapy.
Children & Adolescents
ACT principles can be adapted for younger clients, helping children and teenagers develop psychological flexibility, emotional regulation, and resilience during formative years.
Couples
ACT-based couples therapy helps partners clarify shared values, improve communication, and build greater acceptance and compassion for each other's experiences.
Your Experience
What to Expect in an ACT Session
Every session is tailored to where you are in your journey. Here is what a typical ACT session at our clinic looks like.
Warm Check-In
Your psychologist begins by checking in on how you have been since the last session and what feels most important to focus on today.
Mindfulness Practice
Sessions often include brief mindfulness exercises to help you connect with the present moment and practise the acceptance and defusion skills you are developing.
Values Exploration
You explore what matters most to you across areas like relationships, work, health, and personal growth — and how your current behaviour aligns with those values.
Skill Building
Your psychologist introduces and practises specific ACT techniques — such as defusion exercises, values clarification activities, and committed action planning.
Compassionate Space
ACT sessions are non-judgmental and warm. You are never pushed to "think positively" — instead you are supported to make room for all of your experience with compassion.
Telehealth Option
All ACT sessions are available via secure video call for clients who prefer to attend from home or who are located outside the Sunshine Coast area.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions About ACT
Explore Further
Related Therapy Approaches
ACT is often used alongside other evidence-based therapies. Your psychologist will recommend the approach that best suits your needs.