Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Many of our psychologists use Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness where they feel that this would benefit the client, including within our adult and adolescent psychology services. Sometimes elements of ACT or Mindfulness are used in combination with other evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT).
If you’re looking for information on ACT for children, see our page on ACT for children.
Research shows that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Mindfulness are evidence-based treatments for managing anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, across both adult and child psychology services. ACT combines Mindfulness with strategies to help people accept difficult emotions and focus on living a meaningful life. Mindfulness on its own has been shown to reduce stress and improve emotional well-being by promoting present-moment awareness and reducing judgemental thinking.
Mindfulness is all about being present in the moment and noticing your thoughts, feelings, and surroundings without any judgement. This practice helps reduce stress, improves emotional regulation, and brings a sense of calm by focusing on the here and now.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) takes Mindfulness a step further by combining it with behavioural strategies. ACT encourages individuals to accept difficult emotions and thoughts instead of battling them, while also guiding them to commit to actions that align with their core values. The aim of ACT is to boost psychological flexibility, allowing you to handle life’s challenges while still pursuing what truly matters to you.
The number of Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) sessions a client should attend typically ranges from 6 to 12 sessions, with weekly appointments being common. However, some clients may need more extended support, especially if they are navigating complex issues or want to deepen their practice. It's essential to discuss individual goals with a therapist to find the right number of sessions that suits each person's journey towards better mental well-being and resilience.
Here are three main components you can expect throughout treatment.
NON-JUDGEMENTAL ACCEPTANCE
Accepting your inner thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations without judgement, which helps you stay present in the moment. Various mindfulness strategies, including traditional and modern techniques, are used to enhance your ability to experience events as they unfold.
VALUES
Identifying and choosing personal values that resonate deeply with you, acting as a guiding compass in your life. By committing to these values, you can enrich your sense of vitality, purpose, and meaning, leading to a more fulfilling existence.
ACTION
Taking action consistent with your values involves setting realistic goals and engaging in behaviours that align with what matters most to you. This commitment to meaningful actions not only fosters a sense of agency but also builds resilience against life’s challenges.
Several of our clinical psychologists use ACT, including Audrey Tokatlian, Chloe Kim, Michaela Joseph and Dr Macy Chan. ACT can help with anxiety, depression, stress, perfectionism, chronic pain and difficult life changes. We also offer ACT for children. Sessions are face-to-face in St Leonards or online anywhere in Australia.
How is ACT different from CBT?
CBT often focuses on changing unhelpful thoughts. ACT focuses on changing your relationship with them: noticing thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them, and taking steps towards what matters to you.
What happens in an ACT session?
You’ll learn practical skills such as mindfulness, making room for difficult feelings, and clarifying your values, and practise them between sessions.
Read more on our blog: ACT vs CBT: what’s the difference?
Call us on 02 9438 2511, email hello@mindboxpsychology.com.au or send us an enquiry. Our reception team will answer your questions.
We’ll match you with a clinical psychologist who works with your concern, face-to-face in St Leonards or through online counselling anywhere in Australia.
Your first session is 60 minutes. You don’t need a referral to book, but with a GP Mental Health Treatment Plan and referral you may be eligible for a Medicare rebate.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
For our latest updates, subscribe below