Some struggles cannot be solved by trying harder to control them. ACT teaches a different relationship with your inner world, and a clearer path forward.
The harder you push against painful thoughts and feelings, the more they seem to take over.
You have probably already tried many ways to feel better. Suppressing emotions. Distracting yourself. Logical arguments with your own mind. And still, the same struggles return.
Here is something worth considering. The fight to control or eliminate difficult thoughts and feelings often becomes a bigger problem than the original pain.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT, pronounced “act”) is a mindfulness-based, evidence-supported approach that takes a different angle. Rather than teaching you to fight your inner experience, it helps you change your relationship with it. And rather than waiting until you feel ready or fixed, it focuses on moving toward what matters to you now.
ACT is built around two ideas that work together: accept the parts of the inner experience you cannot fully control, and commit to actions that align with your values.
At Cataraqui Counselling Clinic, ACT therapy aims to help you loosen the grip of difficult thoughts, build tolerance for uncomfortable emotions, reconnect with what genuinely matters to you, and take meaningful action even when life feels hard.
Less fighting. More living.
This is therapy that feels reflective, grounded, and forward-looking. You learn how to stop wrestling with your own mind and start moving in directions that actually matter to you.
Our therapists are trained in ACT. This means your therapy can be structured around its core processes, or integrated with other approaches, depending on what fits you best.
ACT has research support across anxiety, depression, chronic pain, stress and burnout, perfectionism, post-traumatic stress, life transitions, and the kind of stuck feeling that is hard to put into words.
Inside ACT
ACT works through six interconnected processes that build psychological flexibility:
Acceptance
Make room for difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them.
Cognitive Defusion
Step back from your thoughts so they stop pulling you around.
Present Moment
Awareness Stay grounded in what is actually happening, not what your mind is replaying.
Self as Context
Notice the part of you that is more than your thoughts and feelings.
Values
Identify what you want your life to actually be about.
Committed
Action Take steps in the direction of your values, even when it is hard.
You do not have to wait until you feel ready. You do not have to win every battle inside your head before you start living. The struggle does not have to come first.
Book your free consultation today. Start with a simple conversation, ask questions, and explore your options.
At Cataraqui Counselling Clinic, you do not have to be anyone but yourself. We offer a non-judgmental, confidential, and compassionate space where you can feel comfortable being you. Whether you are looking for support with a specific mental health concern or simply need a place to process what you are going through, our Kingston therapists will meet you where you are. Meaningful change begins with you, and we are here to walk alongside you every step of the way.
Our clinic is located at 107-1020 Bayridge Drive in Kingston, Ontario, with flexible scheduling options including daytime, evening, and weekend availability. Not in Kingston? Virtual counselling sessions are available for anyone in Ontario.
Session Cost
$80–$185 per individual session
Location
First Step
Our Team
These therapists have experience supporting clients using ACT.
Victoria Davies
Registered Psychotherapist
$175 / session
Our Space
Book a free 15-minute phone consultation. No commitment, no pressure. Just a conversation about what you are going through and how we can help.
Or call us directly at (613) 539-5707
