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.
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, […]
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 […]
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 […]
As ACT therapists, we ask our clients to do something brave: to sit with discomfort, move towards what matters, and open up to uncertainty. But in the often isolating and demanding role of therapist, we rarely afford ourselves the same invitation. Group supervision offers a space where we get to be held in the process; […]
Written by Joe Oliver As men, we have an important role to play in advocating for women in leadership. Women face unique challenges in the workplace, often due to systemic inequalities, unconscious biases, and cultural stereotypes that have persisted for far too long. Overcoming these barriers isn’t just about “fixing the system” or “fixing women,” […]
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 […]
Highly skilled ACT practitioners bring creativity, nuance, and a deep understanding of psychological flexibility to their therapeutic work. Beyond the foundational ACT processes, advanced practitioners refine their skills to address complex and rigid client patterns, using subtle yet powerful techniques that help clients move toward meaningful, values-guided lives. These therapists artfully blend metaphors, mindfulness, values, […]
Metaphors are a cornerstone of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), offering a way to help clients connect with their experiences in a meaningful and transformative way. However, a well-used metaphor is more than just a creative expression or a clever analogy—it requires precision and purpose. For metaphors to be truly effective, the clinician must have […]
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