Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
(ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is a data-driven approach that emerged from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).  The ACT model aims to support the development of psychological flexibility through six core, non-linear processes: the acceptance of our experience; a view of the self as the context of our experience, not as the resulting content of our history; contact with the present moment; the deconstruction of thoughts as without substance rather than fused to their content; a commitment to take steps toward achievable goals; and, the identification of the core values that we want our life to be about that can help guide the direction of therapist-client collaboration.

With psychological flexibility as the central measure of mental health and emotional functioning, different technical paradigms can be readily assimilated within the ACT model. I emphasize mindfulness and our experience in the present moment, somatic practices, and my clients deeply held values or spiritual purpose.  Additionally, I hold a deeply felt intersubjective perspective to fully embody the widely accepted principle that it is our relationship with our patients that is the most critical factor in their healing.