Are You Feeling Stuck in Negative Thought Patterns or Struggling to Live a Meaningful Life?
Do you find yourself caught in a cycle of negative thoughts, unable to break free no matter how hard you try?
Are you struggling to align your actions with your values, feeling as though your life isn’t as fulfilling as it could be?
Maybe you’re overwhelmed by difficult emotions and unsure of how to move forward.
These challenges can feel isolating, but you don’t have to face them alone. At Wild Hope Therapy, we offer Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you embrace your experiences and create a life that reflects your true self.
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to help you accept the challenges in your life while committing to actions that align with your personal values. ACT is rooted in mindfulness and behavioral change techniques, empowering you to break free from the struggle with your thoughts and feelings and focus on what truly matters to you.
What is ACT?
ACT is a form of therapy that encourages you to stop avoiding, denying, or struggling with difficult emotions. Instead, it invites you to accept these emotions as a natural part of life and commit to living in a way that is consistent with your values. ACT is based on the idea that suffering is a part of the human experience, but it doesn’t have to define your life. By accepting your feelings and thoughts rather than fighting them, you can reduce their power over you and make room for more meaningful, value-driven actions.
What is ACT Used to Treat?
ACT is effective for a wide range of mental health challenges, including:
Anxiety and panic disorders
Depression
Trauma and PTSD
Chronic pain and illness
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
Eating disorders
Substance use disorders
Stress and burnout
Relationship issues
Whether you’re dealing with a specific mental health concern or simply looking to live a more authentic and fulfilling life, ACT can provide the tools and strategies to help you navigate your challenges.
How Does ACT Work?
ACT works by helping you develop six core skills:
Cognitive Defusion: Learning to observe your thoughts without becoming entangled in them, reducing their impact on your emotions and behaviors.
Acceptance: Embracing all of your experiences, both positive and negative, without judgment.
Mindfulness: Staying present and fully engaged in the current moment, rather than getting lost in past regrets or future worries.
Self-as-Context: Recognizing that you are more than your thoughts, feelings, or experiences, and developing a flexible sense of self.
Values Clarification: Identifying what truly matters to you in life and using these values as a guide for your actions.
Committed Action: Taking concrete steps towards living in accordance with your values, even in the face of obstacles or discomfort.
By cultivating these skills, you can learn to respond to life’s challenges with greater flexibility, resilience, and purpose.
What are the Benefits of ACT?
The benefits of ACT are profound and can lead to lasting positive change in your life. Some of the key benefits include:
Reduced emotional suffering: Learn to accept your thoughts and feelings without letting them control your actions.
Greater psychological flexibility: Respond to life’s challenges in a way that aligns with your values, rather than being driven by fear or avoidance.
Improved relationships: Develop deeper, more authentic connections with others by being fully present and engaged.
Enhanced well-being: Experience a greater sense of fulfillment and purpose by living in alignment with your values.
Increased resilience: Build the strength to navigate difficult emotions and situations without being overwhelmed by them.
How ACT Can Help You Live a More Authentic Life
What Does an ACT Session Look Like?
ACT sessions at Wild Hope Therapy are designed to be a safe, supportive space where you can explore your thoughts, feelings, and values without judgment. Each session is tailored to your unique needs and goals, ensuring that the therapy process is relevant and meaningful to you.
During an ACT session, your therapist will guide you through exercises and discussions that help you develop the core ACT skills. This might include mindfulness practices to help you stay grounded in the present moment, cognitive defusion techniques to reduce the impact of negative thoughts, or values clarification exercises to help you identify what truly matters to you.
The focus of each session is on helping you develop greater psychological flexibility—the ability to be present, open, and committed to taking action in alignment with your values, even in the face of difficult thoughts and feelings. Your therapist will work with you to identify the barriers that are holding you back and develop strategies to overcome them.
How is ACT Different at Wild Hope Therapy?
At Wild Hope Therapy, we approach ACT with a deep commitment to trauma-informed care, inclusivity, and strengths-based practice. We understand that your experiences are shaped by a complex interplay of factors, including gender, race, class, and more. Our therapists are dedicated to creating a space where all aspects of your identity are honored and respected.
Our trauma-informed approach ensures that we’re sensitive to the impact of past trauma on your current well-being. We know that healing from trauma is a deeply personal journey, and we’re here to support you with compassion and care.
We also take an inclusive approach to therapy, recognizing that everyone’s path to healing is unique. Whether you’re exploring your identity, navigating life transitions, or dealing with the intersections of race, sexuality, and class, we’re here to support you with empathy and understanding.
Our strengths-based perspective focuses on identifying and building on your existing strengths and resources. We believe that you have the resilience and capability to overcome your challenges, and our role is to help you tap into that inner strength.
The Collaborative Approach at Wild Hope Therapy
At Wild Hope Therapy, we view therapy as a partnership between you and your therapist. We’re here to support you in setting goals that are meaningful to you, and we encourage open communication and feedback throughout the process. Your therapist will work with you to tailor the ACT approach to your specific needs, ensuring that it aligns with your values and goals.
Our goal is to help you build the skills, confidence, and resilience you need to navigate life’s challenges and create a life that reflects your true self. Whether you’re seeking to heal from trauma, improve your relationships, or live more authentically, we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.
Addressing Common Concerns About ACT
Will ACT Require Me to Change My Beliefs?
ACT is not about changing your beliefs but about helping you develop a different relationship with your thoughts and feelings. The goal is to reduce the impact of unhelpful thoughts and emotions on your life, allowing you to live more fully in alignment with your values. Your therapist will work with you to explore your beliefs in a way that feels safe and non-judgmental.
How Long Does ACT Take?
The length of time you’ll spend in ACT depends on your specific goals and needs. Some clients find that they only need a few sessions to address a particular issue, while others benefit from longer-term therapy to explore deeper or more complex challenges. Your therapist will work with you to set realistic expectations and develop a plan that meets your needs.
What If I’m Not Sure This Approach is Right for Me?
It’s natural to have questions or concerns about whether ACT is the right fit for you. If you’re unsure, we encourage you to reach out for a consultation. This gives you an opportunity to learn more about our approach, ask any questions you may have, and decide if this form of therapy aligns with your values and goals.
Why Choose Wild Hope Therapy?
At Wild Hope Therapy, we specialize in women’s behavioral health, trauma-informed care, and strengths-based therapy. Our therapists are experienced, compassionate, and dedicated to helping you achieve your goals in a supportive, affirming environment. We believe in the power of ACT to transform lives, and we’re here to help you develop the skills and resilience you need to build a life that reflects your true self.
We understand that reaching out for help can be a big step, and we want to make it as comfortable and stress-free as possible. That’s why we offer a no-pressure, free, 15-minute phone consultation. This gives you a chance to learn more about our services, ask any questions you may have, and decide if we’re the right fit for you.
We’re here to support you on your journey towards healing and growth. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and take the first step towards a brighter, more empowered future.