Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
in Akron & Medina, Ohio
Difficult thoughts and emotions are a natural part of life. But when worry, self-criticism, fear, or painful experiences begin shaping your decisions, it can become difficult to move toward the things that matter most to you.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach to counseling that helps individuals develop a more flexible relationship with their thoughts and feelings while making choices guided by their personal values.
At Avenues of Counseling and Mediation, our Akron and Medina counseling teams include clinicians who incorporate ACT principles and techniques into individual therapy. This approach may help individuals navigate anxiety, depression, stress, life transitions, and other emotional challenges.
Our intake team can help you connect with a counselor whose training and therapeutic approach align with your needs.
What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, commonly called ACT (pronounced like the word “act”), is a form of psychotherapy that combines acceptance, mindfulness, and behavioral strategies.
ACT helps individuals develop psychological flexibility—the ability to remain present, respond more effectively to difficult experiences, and take meaningful action even when uncomfortable thoughts or emotions arise.
Rather than focusing primarily on eliminating negative thoughts or feelings, ACT encourages individuals to change how they relate to those experiences.
The goal is not to avoid emotional discomfort or pretend everything is fine. Instead, ACT helps people develop skills for navigating difficult internal experiences without allowing them to dictate every decision.
How Does ACT Therapy Work?
ACT focuses on six interconnected processes that support psychological flexibility.
1. Acceptance
Acceptance involves learning to make room for uncomfortable thoughts, feelings, and sensations rather than constantly struggling to suppress or eliminate them.
Acceptance does not mean approving of harmful circumstances or giving up on change. It means recognizing what you're experiencing so you can respond more intentionally.
2. Cognitive Defusion
Cognitive defusion helps individuals step back from thoughts instead of treating every thought as an absolute fact.
For example, rather than automatically believing “I'm going to fail,” a person may learn to recognize, “I'm having the thought that I'm going to fail.”
This shift can create space for more flexible choices.
3. Present-Moment Awareness
ACT incorporates mindfulness practices that help individuals pay attention to what is happening in the present moment.
These skills may help reduce automatic reactions, increase emotional awareness, and support more intentional responses to challenging situations.
4. Self-as-Context
ACT encourages individuals to recognize that they are more than their thoughts, emotions, or past experiences.
This perspective can help people observe difficult internal experiences without allowing those experiences to define their identity.
5. Values Clarification
Values are the personal qualities and principles that give life meaning and direction.
In ACT, individuals explore what matters most to them, such as relationships, personal growth, compassion, family, health, or meaningful work.
Identifying values helps guide decisions, particularly during difficult or uncertain periods.
6. Committed Action
Committed action involves taking practical steps toward personally meaningful goals, even when uncomfortable emotions are present.
Rather than waiting until anxiety, fear, or self-doubt disappears, individuals learn to make choices that reflect their values while developing greater emotional flexibility.
What Mental Health Concerns Can ACT Help With?
ACT has been studied as a treatment approach for a variety of emotional and behavioral concerns.
ACT for Anxiety and Stress
Anxiety can lead to persistent worry, avoidance, and attempts to control uncertain situations.
ACT may help individuals develop a different relationship with anxious thoughts, reduce unhelpful avoidance, and take meaningful steps toward their goals despite discomfort.
ACT for Depression
Depression can make it difficult to feel motivated, maintain relationships, or participate in meaningful activities.
ACT may help individuals reconnect with personal values, recognize patterns of withdrawal, and gradually reengage in activities that support their well-being.
ACT for Life Transitions
Major life changes can bring uncertainty, grief, stress, and questions about personal identity or direction.
ACT may help individuals clarify what matters most to them and navigate transitions with greater flexibility and intention.
ACT for Other Emotional Challenges
ACT-based strategies may also be incorporated into counseling for:
Chronic stress and emotional overwhelm
Self-criticism and negative self-talk
Difficulties with avoidance or perfectionism
Relationship challenges
Grief and loss
Adjustment to chronic illness or persistent pain
Certain trauma-related concerns
The appropriateness of ACT depends on the individual's needs, treatment goals, and the clinician's training.
ACT vs. CBT: What's the Difference?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are related evidence-based approaches that address the connections between thoughts, emotions, and behavior.
CBT often helps individuals identify, evaluate, and modify unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors.
ACT places greater emphasis on changing how individuals relate to their thoughts and feelings, increasing acceptance, clarifying personal values, and taking meaningful action.
For example, someone experiencing anxiety might use CBT techniques to examine a fearful prediction. In ACT, that person might practice noticing the anxious thought without becoming controlled by it while continuing to pursue a valued goal.
Both approaches can be beneficial, and counselors may incorporate elements of each depending on a client's needs.
Learn more about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at Avenues
What to Expect During ACT Counseling
ACT is a collaborative approach that emphasizes practical skills and meaningful personal goals.
During counseling, your therapist may help you explore how thoughts, emotions, and avoidance patterns influence your daily life.
Sessions may involve:
Mindfulness and present-moment awareness exercises
Identifying personal values and priorities
Learning to observe thoughts without automatically reacting to them
Recognizing patterns of avoidance
Developing practical goals based on personal values
Practicing skills for navigating uncomfortable emotions
Your counselor will tailor treatment to your individual concerns, preferences, and goals.
ACT Therapy for Teens and Adults
ACT for Adolescents
Adolescence can involve academic pressure, changing friendships, family challenges, and increasing independence.
When developmentally appropriate, ACT-informed counseling may help teens recognize difficult thoughts and emotions, explore their values, and develop more flexible ways of responding to stress.
ACT for Adults
Adults may benefit from ACT when navigating anxiety, depression, work-related stress, relationship difficulties, or significant life changes.
ACT can help individuals build emotional awareness, identify meaningful priorities, and take steps toward the life they want to create.
ACT Therapy in Akron, Ohio
Avenues of Counseling and Mediation offers counseling incorporating Acceptance and Commitment Therapy at our Akron office, serving Akron, Fairlawn, Bath Township, and surrounding communities.
Our Akron counselors use a variety of evidence-based therapeutic approaches, including ACT, to support individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, stress, and life transitions.
Our intake team can help identify clinicians whose training, experience, and availability align with your needs.
ACT Therapy in Medina, Ohio
Our Medina office provides individual counseling with clinicians who incorporate ACT principles and techniques into their therapeutic work.
Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, emotional distress, life transitions, or developing healthier responses to difficult thoughts and feelings, our intake team can help you explore available counseling options.
Frequently Asked Questions About ACT
Is ACT an evidence-based therapy?
Yes. ACT has a growing body of research supporting its use for several mental health concerns, including anxiety and depression. Its effectiveness can vary depending on the condition and individual circumstances.
Does ACT mean accepting things I don't like?
No. Acceptance in ACT does not mean approving of harmful circumstances, tolerating mistreatment, or giving up on change. It involves acknowledging internal experiences while choosing how to respond in ways that align with your values.
Is ACT the same as mindfulness?
No. Mindfulness is one component of ACT. ACT also includes acceptance, cognitive defusion, values clarification, and committed action.
How long does ACT therapy take?
The length of counseling depends on your concerns, treatment goals, and progress. Some individuals benefit from a focused course of therapy, while others participate in longer-term counseling
Can ACT help with anxiety and depression?
ACT may be helpful for individuals experiencing anxiety and depression, particularly when avoidance, difficult thought patterns, or disconnection from meaningful activities contribute to distress.
Do all Avenues counselors provide ACT?
Our clinicians have different training backgrounds and therapeutic specialties. Some incorporate ACT into their counseling approach, while others use different methods. Our intake team can help you identify counselors with relevant experience.
Begin Acceptance and Commitment Therapy at Avenues
You don't have to eliminate every difficult thought or emotion before making meaningful changes in your life.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can help you develop psychological flexibility, strengthen coping skills, and make choices that reflect what matters most to you.
At Avenues of Counseling and Mediation, we provide individualized counseling in Akron and Medina, Ohio, with clinicians experienced in ACT and other therapeutic approaches.
Contact our intake team to learn more about ACT therapy and find a counselor whose experience and approach align with your needs.