Articles that explore approaches and modalities around acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) and also complementary/alternative therapies and models that can work in collaboration with ACT.
Acceptance and commitment therapy is not simply described as a behavioural therapy. It is one. ACT sits firmly within the contextual behavioural science tradition and draws its conceptual foundations directly from behaviour analysis; from reinforcement, rule-governed behaviour, functional contextualism, through to the analysis of verbal behaviour. Yet in practice, many clinicians reach ACT through a […]
We’ve partnered with Hachette/New Harbinger to offer our followers a fantastic discount on ACT books and other relevant psychotherapy titles! Hachette/New Harbinger – Contextual Consulting Special Offer Special price of 40% from current RRP + UK postage £3.10 Includes: Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life Steven C. Hayes and Spencer Smith ISBN 9781648487750 […]
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 […]
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 […]
Develop your therapy skills in 2026! When learning acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), one of the most common questions everyone asks us is, “Where do I start?”. ACT is a rich, dynamic, and flexible model, and with a vast number of books, models and experts it can certainly feel overwhelming at first. However, we really […]
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 […]
A process of presence, values, and growth A new way of seeing supervision Supervision is a familiar space for most clinicians; a place for guidance, reflection, and accountability. Yet when we step into supervision through the lens of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), the atmosphere feels subtly but profoundly different. Rather than focusing only on […]
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. […]
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 practitioners, we’re no strangers to helping clients turn toward their pain, make room for discomfort, and live more fully in line with their values. But what happens when shame and self-criticism are so entrenched that clients struggle even to begin this process? A new study by Kleiman et al. (2025), published in Frontiers […]
Why we think it resonates When it comes to popular culture phenomena, few franchises have had as much of a long-lasting impact as Pokémon. From video games and trading cards to TV shows and films, Pokémon has captured the attention of people across the globe for decades now. But beyond its entertainment value, Pokémon is […]
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 […]
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 […]
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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