Everything we do is about mental health. These articles explore specific issues, approaches and research that can be useful to understand from a mental health perspective when implementing ACT.
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
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 […]
When we think about mindfulness, it often conjures up images of serene meditation, peaceful silence, and a complete focus on the present moment. But for busy parents, particularly those navigating the challenges of perinatal mental health, mindfulness can feel like a luxury. How do you carve out time for mindfulness when you’re juggling nappies, sleepless […]
Metaphors help our clients understand and apply ACT principles like acceptance, defusion, values, and committed action within their daily lives. While the best metaphors are created with the individual in mind, to be both relevant and personal, there are so many useful ones that already exist. We therefore thought it would be helpful to share […]
Real experiences of the perinatal period Birth is one of the most profound human experiences and one that is also a deeply personal experience. It is complex, powerful, and unique to every individual. As it’s Maternal Mental Health Awareness Week, we’ve been reflecting on our own birth stories within our team: moments of strength, unpredictability, […]
The underlying themes everyone is talking about Adolescence as a part of the lifespan is a wild ride; messy, beautiful and often confusing. Netflix’s series Adolescence captures this pivotal life stage with raw honesty, showing the emotional lows of teenage years and the current context of being a teen, at least in the UK. But […]
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