Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

ACT is a type of talking therapy that can help you become more present in your life, accept what is out of your control, and take action toward what truly matters to you. It’s about learning to live meaningfully, even when things feel difficult.

Unlike therapies that focus on changing your thoughts or memories, ACT can teach you to recognize and accept your thoughts and feelings - without letting them completely run the show. It also emphasizes mindfulness and values-based action to guide your decisions.

ACT is often a therapy used to treat emotional rigidity, anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, & stress. It's also a very useful therapy for those who feel stuck or disconnected from their values or goals.

Many people can find ACT helpful after trying other approaches. This therapy can offer a fresh perspective - especially if you’ve felt like you were constantly battling your thoughts or feelings without relief from medication or other therapies.

Seeing & feeling results ultimately depends on your goals and what you’re working through. Some people notice a shift in just a few sessions, and for others it can be a tool used through longer term therapy. One of the benefits that we love about ACT is that it is designed to build skills that you can continue to use long after therapy ends.

Only if it’s helpful for your own progress. ACT is more focused on what’s happening now and where you want to go, rather than digging deeply into the past. This can make it an attractive therapy option for individuals who may have a painful past or who have significant difficulty talking about their past.

Yes. ACT has been shown to help people manage chronic pain by shifting their relationship with their own discomfort, improving emotional flexibility, and improving overall quality of life.

Yes! ACT can be adapted for teens and older children, especially those dealing with anxiety, rigid thinking, or challenges managing their own emotions. Your therapist can guide whether it's the right fit for your child’s age and needs, or you can always call us if you're looking to learn more about this therapy option.

That is always what our first few sessions will help explore! We’ll talk about your goals, challenges, and what’s been helpful or unhelpful in the past - We always tailor our therapeutic approach from there. We are not a one-size-fits-all practice, and often use multiple different therapies to customize our treatment for each and every patient. ACT is one tool that helps us better support you in your journey!

Ott counseling provides both in-person sessions for those in Western NY right in our Buffalo office, as well as virtual sessions for anyone in the state of New York.