Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is more than just another form of counseling. It is a life-changing approach that empowers individuals to stop fighting their emotions, break free from avoidance, and start living in alignment with their deepest values. Rather than asking you to eliminate painful thoughts and feelings, ACT helps you change your relationship with them so they no longer control your life.
At R&R Health, ACT is a cornerstone of our clinical programming because it aligns with our philosophy that true recovery is about more than removing symptoms. It is about creating a life so full of meaning, connection, and purpose that old patterns no longer have the same pull. Our licensed clinicians use ACT to help clients navigate mental health challenges, substance use recovery, and co-occurring conditions with clarity and strength.
Many people come to us feeling exhausted from years of trying to “think their way out” of anxiety, depression, trauma, or addiction. They have tried to push away painful emotions or avoid situations that trigger them, only to find that these strategies make life smaller and less fulfilling.
ACT breaks this cycle by teaching skills that help you:
Acceptance
Learning to allow uncomfortable thoughts and emotions to be present without resisting or trying to suppress them. This frees you from the exhausting struggle of constant emotional avoidance.
Cognitive Defusion
Gaining the ability to see thoughts for what they are, temporary mental events, not absolute truths. This skill reduces the power of self-critical or fear-based thinking.
Mindfulness
Developing present-moment awareness so you can fully engage in your life instead of being lost in worry about the past or future.
Self-as-Context
Recognizing that you are not defined by your thoughts, feelings, or past experiences. You are the observer of these experiences, not the sum total of them.
Values Clarification
Identifying your core values, the principles and priorities that give your life meaning, and using them as a guide for your decisions.
Committed Action
Taking deliberate, consistent steps toward living in alignment with your values, even when it feels uncomfortable or uncertain.
Our therapists tailor ACT to meet each client’s needs, whether they are navigating early recovery, processing trauma, or managing a long-term mental health condition. Sessions often include guided mindfulness exercises, experiential activities, and real-world applications that allow you to practice new skills outside of the therapy room.
We also integrate ACT principles into our holistic offerings. Surf therapy becomes an opportunity to practice mindfulness and committed action. Yoga and breathwork become tools for emotional regulation. Group discussions provide safe spaces to explore values and clarify life goals.
Our goal is for you to leave ACT treatment not just with better emotional management, but with a clear sense of who you are and where you want to go. You will learn how to face discomfort without letting it derail your progress, how to make decisions based on what truly matters, and how to stay grounded even when life is unpredictable.
By shifting the focus from symptom elimination to value-driven living, ACT helps clients build lives that are rich, meaningful, and resilient, no matter what challenges arise.
You do not have to face this alone. Whether you are seeking help for yourself or a loved one, our admissions team will guide you every step of the way.
