What is ACT therapy?
A well-researched method that teaches you to relate differently to thoughts and feelings, so you regain space for what truly matters.
ACT stands for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It is a form of behavioural therapy, developed by American psychologist Steven Hayes and researched worldwide for a wide range of complaints.
The core idea: you cannot always think away difficult thoughts and feelings, but you can learn to relate to them differently — so they no longer stand between you and the life you actually want to live.
The starting point: psychological flexibility
ACT focuses on increasing psychological flexibility: the ability to be consciously present in the here and now, make room for experiences you cannot control, and choose steps that align with what is valuable to you.
Sounds simple, but it takes practice. Because our brain naturally tries to avoid tension, doubt or pain — and that often does not work, or costs a lot of energy.
The six processes
ACT works with six interconnected processes that together support psychological flexibility:
- Acceptance — making room for difficult feelings instead of fighting them.
- Defusion — taking distance from thoughts, seeing them as thoughts rather than truths.
- The here and now — making conscious contact with what is, rather than getting stuck in worrying about past or future.
- Self as context — realising that you are more than your thoughts, feelings or roles.
- Values — exploring what truly matters to you, regardless of what others expect.
- Committed action — taking small, concrete steps in the direction of those values.
For whom is ACT suitable?
ACT has been widely researched, including for stress, anxiety, depressive complaints and chronic pain. What it brings you differs per person and situation.
In my practice I work with young adults and adults who get stuck in stress, overstimulation, perfectionism, grief or life questions, or who long for more direction in their lives. You do not need a diagnosis. I do not make diagnoses or treat psychiatric disorders myself. If other help is a better fit, we will discuss that.
How does ACT work in my practice?
At ACT en Verbeeld I combine ACT with art therapy. We work not only through conversation but also through drawing, painting or working with materials — because some experiences are not easily put into words. The research is mainly about ACT as a method, not about this combination with visual work.
Read more about individual therapy, therapy for education professionals or art workshops.
Curious whether ACT fits you?
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