Acceptance & Commitment Therapy at KindlyMD™

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach designed to help individuals embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than struggle against them.

At KindlyMD, ACT is integrated into a holistic care model that encourages psychological flexibility, resilience, and values-based living.

To learn more about how ACT can support your mental well-being, contact our team or continue reading.
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What Is Acceptance & Commitment Therapy?

ACT is a form of therapy that combines mindfulness, behavior change strategies, and cognitive flexibility to help individuals accept their experiences and commit to meaningful actions.

The Foundations and Principles of ACT

ACT therapy is built on key principles that guide individuals toward greater psychological flexibility and well-being. 

This treatment focuses on acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based living and helps individuals develop healthier relationships with their thoughts and emotions.

  • Acceptance: Encourages individuals to acknowledge and allow difficult thoughts and emotions without trying to suppress or avoid them.
  • Cognitive Defusion: Helps individuals distance themselves from negative thought patterns, reducing their impact.
  • Mindfulness: Teaches individuals to focus on the present moment rather than dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.
  • Values-Based Living: Encourages individuals to identify core values and make choices aligned with those values.
  • Committed Action: Focuses on setting and achieving meaningful goals despite emotional discomfort.

Benefits of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

Through a structured and evidence-based approach, ACT encourages individuals to develop a healthier relationship with their thoughts and emotions. 

This type of therapy empowers individuals to handle life’s challenges with greater confidence by fostering self-awareness, resilience, and acceptance.

Embracing Acceptance to Manage Emotional Challenges

Learning to acknowledge and accept difficult emotions can reduce emotional suffering. 

Rather than avoiding or suppressing distressing thoughts, individuals are encouraged to observe them without judgment, allowing for greater clarity and self-compassion. 

ACT helps individuals acknowledge distressing emotions and thoughts without judgment, allowing them to respond with greater clarity and self-compassion.

Building Psychological Flexibility for a Better Life

Developing mental flexibility allows individuals to adapt to changing circumstances and respond to challenges more effectively. This approach helps reduce emotional distress, fosters resilience, and improves decision-making skills in daily life. 

By promoting cognitive flexibility, ACT enables individuals to adapt to life’s challenges, reducing emotional distress and improving decision-making skills.

Improving Long-Term Mental Well-Being

ACT promotes sustainable mental wellness by equipping individuals with strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and uncertainty. 

The skills learned through therapy continue to benefit individuals long after sessions conclude, enhancing overall emotional stability and life satisfaction. 

Acceptance and commitment therapy supports sustainable mental health improvements by equipping individuals with tools to navigate stress, anxiety, and uncertainty with confidence.

Who Can Benefit from ACT?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is effective for individuals experiencing:

  • Anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder and social anxiety.
  • Depression and mood disorders.
  • Chronic pain and stress-related conditions.
  • PTSD and trauma-related challenges.
  • Difficulties with emotional regulation and life transitions.

ACT provides a practical and adaptable approach to mental health, helping individuals lead more fulfilling lives.

Key Techniques in Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

ACT incorporates a range of therapeutic techniques to support emotional resilience and personal growth.

Practicing Mindfulness to Stay Present

Mindfulness exercises teach individuals how to remain in the present moment, reducing stress and enhancing emotional awareness.

Identifying & Living by Personal Values

ACT helps individuals clarify their core values and align their daily choices with what matters most to them.

Cognitive Defusion to Reduce Negative Thought Impact

This technique helps individuals detach from distressing thoughts, preventing them from becoming overwhelming or controlling behavi

Acceptance of Uncontrollable Experiences

Rather than resisting difficult emotions or memories, ACT encourages acceptance, allowing individuals to move forward more easily.

What to Expect During an ACT Therapy Session

ACT therapy sessions at KindlyMD are structured to provide a supportive and individualized experience.

Initial Assessment & Identifying Core Values

Care coordinators and Behavioral Health Clinicians work with you to explore your challenges, clarify your personal values, and set meaningful therapy goals.

Integrating Mindfulness & Cognitive Defusion Exercises

Sessions include guided mindfulness practices and cognitive defusion techniques to help you reduce distress and enhance self-awareness.

Progress Tracking & Building Resilience

You’ll receive ongoing support and progress assessments throughout therapy to ensure your therapeutic journey aligns with your personal growth.

ACT for Anxiety

Acceptance and commitment therapy is a powerful approach for addressing anxiety disorders by focusing on mindfulness and values-based living. 

This therapy helps individuals navigate anxiety-provoking situations without falling into patterns of avoidance or overreaction. By encouraging acceptance and cognitive flexibility, ACT provides tools to reduce emotional distress and respond to challenges more effectively.

Individuals who engage in ACT for anxiety often report significant improvements in coping skills, stress management, and emotional stability. 

These practical strategies empower participants to face daily challenges with greater confidence and resilience, fostering long-term mental well-being.

ACT Effectiveness

Extensive research supports the effectiveness of acceptance and commitment therapy in improving mental health outcomes for a variety of conditions.

ACT empowers individuals to manage challenges with greater clarity and confidence by helping them build psychological flexibility and resilience.

ACT often enhances emotional regulation and reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. Its emphasis on mindfulness and values-based action fosters long-term mental wellness, equipping individuals with tools to navigate life’s complexities.

What sets ACT apart from traditional therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) is its focus on accepting thoughts and emotions rather than changing them. This approach allows individuals to live authentically and align their actions with personal values. 

Participants in ACT often report lasting benefits, including excellent emotional stability, improved relationships, and a stronger sense of purpose.

Advantages of ACT Therapy Over Other Methods

Acceptance and commitment therapy stands out for its holistic approach. It can offer benefits beyond symptom reduction and promote lasting personal growth.

Focus on Values-Based Living

One of ACT’s key strengths is its focus on values-based living. By helping individuals identify what truly matters to them, ACT encourages meaningful actions that align with their core values, creating a sense of fulfillment and purpose.

Helping Patients Embrace Life's Challenges

ACT empowers individuals to embrace life’s challenges with resilience. Rather than avoiding discomfort or difficult emotions, participants learn to face these experiences head-on, fostering stronger coping skills and greater emotional balance.

Suitable for a Broad Range of Mental Health Conditions

In addition to anxiety, the adaptability of ACT makes it suitable for addressing a wide range of mental health conditions, including:

  • Depression: Participants learn to accept distressing emotions while aligning their actions with personal values for meaningful progress.
  • Trauma and PTSD: ACT provides tools to process traumatic experiences and build resilience in a safe, supportive environment.
  • Chronic Stress: Through mindfulness and acceptance strategies, ACT reduces the impact of stress and improves emotional regulation.

Personalized ACT Therapy at KindlyMD™

At KindlyMD, we tailor ACT therapy to meet your unique needs.

Tailoring ACT to Individual Needs & Goals

Our Behavioral Health Clinicians customize ACT interventions to align with your unique challenges and aspirations.

Fostering a Supportive & Nonjudgmental Environment

We provide a compassionate, safe space where you can feel empowered to explore your thoughts and emotions without fear of judgment.

Begin Your ACT Therapy Journey Today in Utah

Are you ready to experience the benefits of acceptance and commitment therapy? We are here to help.

KindlyMD offers personalized ACT therapy sessions at our clinics in Salt Lake City and northern Utah.

Our experienced Behavioral Health Clinicians are here to support you in embracing challenges and building a fulfilling life. Schedule an appointment today to begin your ACT therapy journey.

Testimonials

Hear from our patients about how our compassionate, integrated approach to mental health care has made a difference in their lives.

“I drove away from a doctor’s appointment for the first time feeling like I was heard ... Not just physically getting well, but mentally and emotionally feeling happier, more clear-headed, and grounded.”
Ashtree W.
“Very professional and all-around good people who actually care about each patient. I highly recommend these amazing people and clinic [to] anyone in need of serious help.”
Derek B.
“The atmosphere and staff are all so warm and welcoming. The language and conversations around Mental Health were uplifting and hopeful.”
Chelsea P.

Frequently Asked Questions About Mental Health Care

Do you have questions on mental health care with KindlyMD? We’re here to help. Find answers to some of the most common questions about accessing compassionate, integrative mental health care now.

Does KindlyMD take health insurance?

Yes! KindlyMD accepts most major insurance carriers. Please review our current list of insurances accepted. We’re continuously expanding our accepted insurance options, so please get in touch with us for the most up-to-date information on coverage before scheduling your appointment.

Can I see a KindlyMD provider by telemedicine?

Yes, KindlyMD offers telemedicine services for many patients and situations, making it convenient to access care from home. However, specific programs may require an initial face-to-face visit to establish care. Your provider can help determine if telemedicine is an option based on your needs.

What therapies do KindlyMD therapists use to create treatment plans?

KindlyMD therapists are trained in a range of therapeutic approaches, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), cognitive processing therapy (CPT), prolonged exposure therapy (PE), and mindfulness practices. Additional modalities, such as ACT, EFT, IFS, and expressive therapies, are also available. Contact us for more details on specific therapy options.

Can my therapist prescribe medication for my condition?

KindlyMD therapists specialize in talk therapy, and if medication is needed, our Medication Management program can support your treatment.
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The information on this website has no warranties, express or implied. Information presented is not intended to be advice, medical or otherwise. Always seek medical advice from a licensed provider in your state.
The information on this website has no warranties, express or implied. Information presented is not intended to be advice, medical or otherwise. Always seek medical advice from a licensed provider in your state.
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