Acceptance and  Commitment Therapy (ACT) Calgary

ACT Therapy Calgary

At Clear Minds Psychology, I provide Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Calgary for adults and seniors. ACT combines mindfulness, acceptance, and behavioural strategies to help you live by your values.

Who Can Benefit From ACT Therapy in Calgary?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Calgary can help with many mental health concerns.

ACT therapy can help with:

 What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that blends mindfulness with practical behavioural tools. It helps you handle life’s challenges while creating a more meaningful, values-driven life.

Rather than trying to remove difficult thoughts, ACT teaches you to change your relationship with them. Through mindfulness and acceptance strategies, you can focus on what matters most — even when life feels hard.

According to Dr. Russ Harris, a leading ACT practitioner, the goal of ACT is not symptom reduction.  Rather, it helps you create a rich, full, and meaningful life while learning to accept the pain that inevitably comes with it. Central to ACT is the concept of psychological flexibility — the ability to stay connected to the present moment, open up to difficult thoughts and emotions, and take actions guided by your values.

ACT for Anxiety Calgary

ACT therapy is effective for reducing anxiety by helping you stay present and engaged with your values. Instead of avoiding feared situations, you learn to approach life with openness and flexibility.

ACT for Trauma and PTSD Calgary

For trauma and PTSD, ACT can help you acknowledge painful memories without letting them control your life. When combined with other evidence-based methods, ACT supports lasting recovery.

How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Works

The Six Core Principles of ACT

In Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Calgary, you’ll learn six essential skills:

  • Acceptance – Allow uncomfortable emotions without trying to push them away
  • Cognitive Defusion – Create space from unhelpful thoughts
  • Being Present – Focus on the current moment with awareness
  • Self-as-Context – Recognise you are more than your thoughts
  • Values – Identify what truly matters in life
  • Committed Action – Take steps that reflect your values

These principles guide you toward living with purpose rather than avoiding discomfort.

ACT vs Traditional CBT

While ACT is part of the CBT family and both treatments are effective. However, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Calgary uses a unique, values-based approach.

  • CBT works to challenge and change thoughts
  • ACT focuses on accepting thoughts while pursuing meaningful actions, even during discomfort

Many people naturally experience symptom relief as they practice ACT principles.

Mindfulness Therapy Calgary

Mindfulness is central to ACT. You will practise being present, which reduces stress and increases emotional resilience. This skill supports recovery from anxiety, depression, and trauma.

Values-Based Therapy Calgary

ACT helps you clarify your personal values. Once identified, these values guide your daily actions, improving motivation and life satisfaction.

What to Expect in an ACT Therapy Session

Sessions in ACT therapy Calgary are collaborative and focused on real-life change. You’ll practice mindfulness, clarify your values, and learn practical strategies for meaningful action. We progress at a pace that feels safe and supportive. Over time, you’ll build resilience, greater psychological flexibility, and long-term emotional well-being.

Start Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Calgary Today

If you’re ready to live a values-driven life, I can help. I offer in-person and online ACT therapy in Calgary for anxiety, depression, trauma, and more.

Contact Clear Minds Psychology today to book your free 15-minute consultation. Start your journey with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Calgary and build a life that truly matters.