Blog: Latest insights into ACT


The differences between therapy and counselling (and why ACT can work in both settings)

From a client perspective, the terms “therapist” and “counsellor” are often used interchangeably, which can sometimes lead to confusion. While both roles involve supporting individuals in improving their mental health and emotional wellbeing, there are distinctions in their focus, training, and scope of practice. Understanding and explaining these differences can help ensure that our clients […]

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A 3-step strategy for managing insomnia: practical tips to help clients get restful nights

As ACT therapists, we understand that insomnia is not just about the physical inability to sleep; it’s deeply intertwined with a client’s thoughts, emotions, and responses to their experience of sleeplessness. When clients struggle with insomnia, they often become entangled in self-critical or fear-driven thoughts, which only amplifies the problem and makes their daily struggles […]

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6 ways ACT can support people at the end of life

In psychological practice, especially within an ACT framework, “end of life” refers to the period leading up to death, often involving terminal illness or limited life expectancy. People in this phase may experience fear, sadness, regret, isolation, or a search for meaning, and often seek therapy to process these emotions, strengthen relationships, and come to […]

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When clients apologise for their emotions: An ACT perspective

It’s a moment many therapists will recognise. A client takes a breath, their voice shakes, and they say: “I’m sorry for getting emotional. I’m overreacting.” For ACT practitioners, this is more than a passing comment; it’s a doorway into important therapeutic work. This article looks at the reasons why clients might apologise for their emotions, […]

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Unlocking vulnerability through non-dominant handwriting: An exercise for functional analytic psychotherapy

Sometimes the simplest tools and techniques can help us uncover profound truths. One such tool is the non-dominant handwriting exercise, a powerful experiential practice designed to evoke raw, primal emotions and encourage deeper self-awareness. What is the exercise? At its core, this exercise is deceptively simple: participants are asked a series of questions and asked […]

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9 things all ACT therapists do, say, or own

At Contextual Consulting we are passionate about ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) as a unique and dynamic approach to creating meaningful change. Have you noticed though, that over time, we tend to develop some distinctive habits and sayings, plus own a collection of props and tools that reflect the approach too. Our team listed a […]

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ACT for insomnia: what recent research says about an emerging alternative to CBT-I

Cognitive behavioural therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) remains the first-line treatment for chronic insomnia, but it is not a panacea. Non-response and attrition rates remain high, and certain populations struggle to adhere to its counterintuitive behavioural strategies, such as sleep restriction and stimulus control. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), with its emphasis on experiential acceptance and […]

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Unlocking the path to healing: can ACT help with chronic physical health conditions?

What are physical health problems? When we discuss physical health problems we generally refer to chronic health conditions, long-term illnesses, or health issues that significantly impact one’s lifestyle. While these may be categorised as physical health, the overlap with mental health is well-documented. For an individual who has been used to leading an active and […]

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5 rules for Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP)

with Mavis Tsai Functional Analytic Psychotherapy (FAP), founded by Mavis Tsai, alongside the late Robert Kohlenberg, PhD, ABPP. is a transformative approach that fosters deep, meaningful relationships between therapists and clients.  What makes FAP truly unique is its focus on understanding and addressing the client’s real-life struggles as they manifest during therapy. In this blog, […]

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Hands as thoughts: how a simple metaphor can help you overcome worry, rumination and obsessions

Worry, rumination,, and obsessive thinking are common experiences that can consume us without us even realising it. We get caught up in our thoughts so quickly and automatically that we don’t notice what’s happening until we’ve spent hours lost in thought, trying to solve problems, deal with emotions, predict the future, and make ourselves feel […]

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Building connection and reducing isolation: Using ACT for psychosis

With Eric Morris Psychosis can be a profoundly isolating experience. For those grappling with it, the world often feels like a place inhabited by their own minds, separated from the perspectives of others. ACT can offer a powerful approach to help us address this isolation, nurturing our connection with clients and helping them to navigate […]

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4 reasons why ACT is great for women in leadership

Leadership can be a rewarding but challenging journey, especially for women navigating societal, organisational, and personal obstacles. From combating gender bias to overcoming impostor syndrome, women in leadership often face unique hurdles that require resilience, confidence, and clarity. This is where acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) can make a profound difference. ACT is a mindfulness-based […]

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