Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Calgary
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Calgary
ACT is an evidence-based psychotherapy that combines acceptance and mindfulness strategies with more traditional behavioural strategies to enable you to live your life in accordance with your personal values and goals.
Move Toward What Matters
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy that blends mindfulness and acceptance strategies with behavioural techniques. The aim of ACT is to help individuals build a meaningful life aligned with their personal values and goals, while also developing the capacity to face emotional challenges more effectively.
At Clear Minds Psychology in Calgary, I offer ACT-based therapy to support adults and seniors in gaining greater psychological flexibility and long-term emotional well-being.
Who Can Benefit From ACT?
ACT has been shown to be effective for a wide range of mental health conditions and life challenges, including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- PTSD and trauma
- OCD
- Chronic pain
- Stress and burnout
- Workplace-related stress
- Life transitions and adjustment difficulties
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT is an evidence-based psychotherapy that combines acceptance and mindfulness strategies with more traditional behavioural strategies to enable you to live your life in accordance with your personal values and goals.
Who can benefit from ACT Therapy in Calgary?
ACT effectively aids in dealing with a range of psychological conditions including:
- Anxiety
- Chronic Pain
- Depression
- PTSD
- OCD
- Workplace Stress
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
According to Dr. Russ Harris, a leading ACT practitioner, the goal of ACT is not symptom reduction, but to help 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.
Key Differences From Traditional CBT
While ACT is considered part of the broader Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) family, it differs significantly from traditional CBT:
Instead of challenging or controlling thoughts, ACT helps you change your relationship with them.
ACT encourages acceptance and mindfulness rather than avoidance or suppression.
The focus is on values-based action — doing what matters — even in the presence of discomfort.
Interestingly, while symptom reduction isn’t the primary goal, many people experience relief as a natural byproduct of increased awareness, mindfulness, and committed action.
What to Expect in an ACT Therapy Session
During ACT therapy sessions at Clear Minds in Calgary, you’ll learn how to develop greater psychological flexibility using ACT’s six core principles:
The Six Core Principles of ACT:
- Acceptance – Opening up to uncomfortable thoughts and feelings
- Cognitive Defusion – Detaching from unhelpful thinking patterns
- Being Present – Mindfully connecting with the here and now
- Self-as-Context – Noticing that you are more than your thoughts
- Values – Clarifying what truly matters to you
- Committed Action – Taking meaningful steps in line with your values
Through therapy, you’ll explore practical tools and strategies to move away from stuck patterns and toward actions that align with your goals, purpose, and sense of self.
Start ACT Therapy in Calgary Today
If you’re ready to move beyond avoidance and start living a life guided by what matters most to you, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy may be the right approach.
At Clear Minds Psychology in Calgary, I offer ACT as part of a tailored, integrative therapy experience — in-person or online. Contact me today for a brief consultation or to schedule your first session.
Clear Minds Psychology Services
Professional ACT therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic stress, and more in Calgary.
If you would like to find out more about ACT therapy in Calgary, or want to book an appointment, please contact me for a brief consultation at Clear Minds Calgary.
