A values-driven therapy that teaches acceptance, mindfulness, and committed action for lasting recovery.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps individuals embrace their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or feeling guilty about them. Instead of trying to eliminate difficult emotions, ACT encourages people to accept them as a natural part of life while focusing on taking actions that align with their values.
Anxiety, depression, trauma, substance use, chronic pain, stress, relapse prevention
Often 8–16 weeks, though some individuals continue longer for sustained growth and practice.
Individual or Group. In person or Virtual
Weekly. Session length: 45–60 minutes
CBT, DBT, mindfulness, holistic therapies, medication management
Supported by extensive research; widely used in addiction and mental health care worldwide
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that blends cognitive-behavioral strategies with mindfulness and values-based living. Instead of trying to eliminate painful thoughts or feelings, ACT teaches individuals how to accept them, make space for them, and commit to actions that align with their personal values.
In recovery, ACT helps clients stop fighting their inner experiences and instead focus on building meaningful lives guided by what truly matters to them. This makes ACT especially powerful for people who feel stuck in cycles of avoidance, shame, or relapse.
ACT is a comprehensive, unified therapy model designed to increase psychological flexibility, but over time it has been adapted in various ways to address diverse mental health needs.
The original model, focused on acceptance, defusion, mindfulness, values, and committed action.
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Sometimes paired with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to manage obsessions and compulsions.
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Versions adapted for children, adolescents (ACT-A), and older adults, often involving family or age-appropriate exercises.
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Targets cravings, relapse prevention, and building a sober, values-driven life.
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Helps people live meaningful lives even with ongoing pain or medical conditions.
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Breaks cycles of worry, rumination, and avoidance with mindfulness and values.
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Delivered as individual therapy, group programs or digital/online platforms.
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Uses ACT principles to reduce avoidance and safely process trauma.
Explore MorePromoting Psychological Flexibility and Meaningful Change
Encourages acceptance of difficult emotions without letting them control behavior
Uses mindfulness and grounding skills to handle cravings, stress, or anxiety
Helps clients identify what matters most (family, health, purpose) and use it as motivation for change
Turns values into practical steps that support long-term recovery and stability
Individuals Struggling with Stress, Anxiety, and Behavioral Challenges
Individuals in addiction recovery struggling with cravings, shame, or relapse cycles
People managing anxiety, depression, or trauma symptoms
Those with chronic pain or medical challenges that affect mental health
Families seeking a values-driven, compassionate approach to support recovery
Anyone wanting to build a meaningful, purpose-filled life alongside challenges
Individuals seeking to improve focus, resilience, and well-being in professional settings.
ACT sessions are experiential and collaborative. A typical session may include:
Clients leave with practical tools they can use daily to handle stress, cravings, or painful emotions without derailing recovery.
TruPaths highlights ACT because it is both practical and compassionate, offering tools that can be used immediately while also guiding long-term growth. ACT is widely used in addiction and mental health treatment programs, often integrated with CBT, DBT, and holistic approaches for a full spectrum of care.
Recovery with purpose. If ACT sounds right for you, explore programs that use this approach to build meaningful, values-driven lives.
Recommendations are based on your location and recovery needs, including the programs you've explored, the services you've saved, and the filters you've used. We use this information to highlight similar treatment options so you never miss a trusted path forward.
