ACT isn’t just for the therapy room; its principles and guidance are scattered through our everyday lives and cultures. Relatable examples and metaphors can be so helpful in communicating the essence of what we mean in therapy when we talk about acceptance, defusion, and values-based living. As self-certified ACT nerds we are always excited when […]
Menopause is not simply a collection of symptoms. It is a biopsychosocial transition involving fluctuating hormones, disrupted sleep, shifts in cognition, changing identity, and powerful cultural narratives about ageing and worth. For many, this period interacts with longstanding patterns of self-criticism, anxiety, or striving. Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) does not aim to eliminate menopausal […]
We recently spotted an insightful article from Sujata Gupta entitled – “People with ADHD may have an underappreciated advantage: Hypercuriosity”. The piece is another reminder that how we view neurodivergence is important – it has never been appropriate to be solely seen as a collection of deficits, but rather a spectrum of traits that can […]
Most organisations consist of skilled, values-driven individuals who care about their work, yet they still struggle to create effective teams. Why? Because good intentions alone can’t overcome the hidden dynamics that derail collaboration. When teams are stuck, we often see the same patterns: Meetings feel circular, with little progress. Decisions are endlessly delayed. Disagreements harden […]
In the world of sports, anxiety is a familiar companion. Whether you’re an athlete facing the pressure of competition or someone navigating challenges in leadership, managing discomfort is crucial. Alison Maitland, a sports psychologist who hosted a ‘Thriving in Sport’ training session alongside Jenna Ashford, joined us to share a metaphor that she loves to […]
We recently ran a poll on Instagram: “Your client says, ‘I feel anxious for no reason.’ As an ACT therapist you say…” And the response that came out on top, by a long way, was: “Let’s notice what’s showing up right now.” Nearly 60% of 267 responses chose it. I love that, because it captures […]
Changing content vs changing impact When it comes to psychological therapies, cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) is one of the most extensively researched and widely practised approaches, with acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) now also supported by a substantial and growing evidence base. Both are effective for a variety of mental health difficulties, but they differ […]
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 […]
As 2025 draws to a close, it feels fitting to pause and take stock of what has been a truly inspiring year for us. It’s not just about ticking off achievements or counting milestones but about the stories behind them, the connections we’ve nurtured, and the incredible ACT community that makes everything we do at […]
By Dr Kristy Potter, clinical and training director and clinical psychologist. I remember first learning about acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and feeling very sceptical. This was just before starting on my clinical doctorate training and I was very much CBT aligned, and definitely at the positivist end of the philosophy of science spectrum. In […]
Practical suggestions from ACT to help with grief The festive season is often portrayed as a time of joy, connection, and celebration. However, for those experiencing grief, the lead-up to Christmas can feel particularly heavy. Grief doesn’t take a holiday, and the contrast between the external festivities and internal pain can feel overwhelming. Christmas can […]
For practitioners working with autistic clients, particularly those who are autistic, it’s vital to understand the profound impact of autistic burnout and how acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) principles can be applied effectively to support recovery. What is autistic burnout? Autistic burnout is not simply an extension of depression or anxiety, although these may be […]
10 practical ways to meet young people where they are Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) was designed with adults in mind, but its heart, the development of psychological flexibility, is just as relevant for children and young people. The difference lies not in what we teach, but how we deliver it. Young people tend to […]
A practical guide for practitioners, organisational consultants, HR professionals, and leaders With 1 in 5 workers (21%) needing to take time off work due to poor mental health caused by pressure or stress¹, it’s never been more important for workplaces to equips staff and their teams with practical tools to handle stress and adapt to challenges. […]
written by Joe Oliver I have a soft spot for self-help. Like many psychologists, I sometimes joke about the industry: the endless promises of transformation, the catchy titles that sound like life hacks, and the fact that it is a multi-billion pound business projected to double again by 2030. If self-help really worked, you might […]
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