Transform Your Relationship with Thoughts and Emotions
At Tides Mental Health, our expert Chicago ACT therapists provide compassionate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to help you create a more fulfilling life. Through evidence-based therapies and personalized care, we support individuals, couples, and families in developing psychological flexibility while staying true to their personal values.
Ready to start your journey? Schedule your free 15-minute consultation today.
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a powerful, evidence-based approach that helps you develop a healthier relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions. Unlike other forms of therapy that focus on eliminating negative thoughts, commitment therapy teaches you to accept your internal experiences while taking meaningful action aligned with your personal values.
Our Chicago ACT therapists use mindfulness-based interventions and experiential and values-based exercises to help you build psychological flexibility—the ability to stay present with your experience and respond effectively to life’s challenges while pursuing a meaningful life.
Core Principles of ACT Therapy
Acceptance: Learning to embrace difficult emotions without trying to change them, developing self-compassion and emotional resilience.
Mindfulness: Cultivating present-moment awareness through mindfulness-based interventions that help you stay grounded during challenging situations.
Values Clarification: Identifying your personal values to guide decision-making and create a more fulfilling life aligned with what truly matters to you.
Committed Action: Taking concrete steps toward your values, even when facing obstacles or difficult emotions.
Cognitive Defusion: Changing your relationship with negative thoughts rather than trying to eliminate them completely.
Self-as-Context: Developing the ability to observe your experiences from a broader perspective without being defined by them.
Who Benefits from ACT Therapy?
Our Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approach effectively supports individuals dealing with various mental health issues and life challenges:
Adults
- Anxiety and Depression: Develop effective coping strategies for managing symptoms while building a meaningful life
- Past Trauma and PTSD: Process traumatic experiences with self-compassion and resilience
- Life Transitions: Navigate major changes with clarity and purpose
- Relationship Challenges: Improve communication and emotional regulation in relationships
- Self-Esteem Issues: Build authentic self-worth based on personal values rather than external validation
- Eating Disorders: Develop a healthier relationship with food, body image, and self-acceptance
- Social Anxiety: Learn to engage confidently in social situations while managing anxious thoughts
Teens and Young Adults
- School stress and academic pressure
- Identity exploration and self-discovery
- Emotional regulation challenges
- Family conflicts and relationship difficulties
- Social anxiety and peer pressure
Couples and Families
- Communication breakdowns
- Parenting stress and family dynamics
- Life transitions affecting the family system
- Building deeper connection and understanding
Our Approach to ACT Therapy
At Tides Mental Health, our Chicago ACT therapists provide personalized commitment therapy that honors your unique needs, background, and goals. We combine Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with other evidence-based therapies when appropriate, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and trauma-informed care.
What Makes Our ACT Therapy Different
Culturally Responsive Care: Our diverse team of ACT therapists provides affirming support for BIPOC, LGBTQ+, neurodivergent, and multilingual clients seeking inclusive mental health care.
Personalized Treatment Plans: We work collaboratively with you to develop treatment goals that align with your personal values and life circumstances.
Flexible Service Options: Choose from individual therapy, group therapy, or family sessions, with both in-person and online options available.
Experiential Learning: Our ACT therapists incorporate experiential exercises, mindfulness practices, and creative techniques to make therapy engaging and practical.
Integrated Approach: We seamlessly combine commitment therapy with other evidence-based therapies to provide comprehensive care tailored to your specific needs.
Building Psychological Flexibility
Central to our Acceptance and Commitment Therapy approach is developing psychological flexibility—the ability to adapt to changing circumstances while staying true to your personal values. Our Chicago ACT therapists help you:
- Stay present with difficult emotions without being overwhelmed
- Respond to challenges with wisdom rather than react impulsively
- Take meaningful action even when experiencing anxiety or depression
- Build resilience for navigating future life stressors
- Create lasting change that extends beyond therapy sessions
What to Expect in ACT Therapy
Your First Session
During your initial appointment, our ACT therapists focus on understanding your unique situation, exploring what brought you to therapy, and beginning to identify your personal values. We create a safe, non-judgmental environment where you can share openly while establishing therapeutic goals that make sense for your life.
Ongoing Therapy Sessions
Individual Therapy: Weekly or bi-weekly sessions tailored to your specific needs and schedule, incorporating mindfulness practices, experiential exercises, and values-based action planning.
Group Therapy: Connect with others on similar journeys while learning commitment therapy skills in a supportive community setting.
Family/Couples Therapy: Work together to improve communication, resolve conflicts, and strengthen relationships using ACT principles.
Therapeutic Techniques
Our Chicago ACT therapists utilize various strategies and experiential exercises including:
- Mindfulness and present-moment awareness practices
- Values exploration and clarification exercises
- Cognitive defusion techniques for managing negative thoughts
- Metaphorical exercises to explore life patterns and goals
- Behavioral activation for taking committed action
- Self-compassion building techniques
Benefits of ACT Therapy
Clients who engage in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy at Tides Mental Health typically experience:
Improved Emotional Regulation: Better ability to manage anxiety, depression, and intense emotions without being overwhelmed.
Enhanced Relationships: Stronger communication skills, increased empathy, and deeper connections with others.
Greater Life Satisfaction: Clearer sense of purpose and direction based on personal values rather than external expectations.
Increased Resilience: Effective coping strategies for handling future challenges and setbacks.
Authentic Self-Expression: Freedom to be yourself without fear of judgment or rejection.
Reduced Avoidance: Ability to face difficult situations and emotions with courage and self-compassion.
Values-Based Living: Making decisions and taking actions that align with what truly matters to you.
Our Expert Team of Chicago ACT Therapists
Our diverse team of ACT therapists brings extensive training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy along with specializations in trauma recovery, anxiety treatment, depression support, relationship counseling, and family therapy. Each therapist is committed to providing culturally responsive, affirming care that honors your unique identity and experiences.
We understand that finding the right therapeutic match is crucial for successful outcomes. Our intake process includes guidance in selecting an ACT therapist whose expertise, style, and background align with your specific needs and preferences.
Specialized Expertise
- Trauma-informed commitment therapy approaches
- LGBTQ+ affirming therapy and identity exploration
- Culturally responsive care for BIPOC communities
- Neurodivergent-affirming therapeutic approaches
- Eating disorder recovery using ACT principles
- Anxiety and depression treatment through mindfulness-based interventions
Getting Started with ACT Therapy
Beginning your Acceptance and Commitment Therapy journey at Tides Mental Health is straightforward and supportive:
- Free Consultation: Schedule a 15-minute conversation to discuss your needs and determine if our commitment therapy approach aligns with your goals.
- Therapist Matching: Our intake team helps you select a Chicago ACT therapist whose expertise and style fit your preferences.
- Flexible Scheduling: Book weekly or bi-weekly therapy sessions through our secure online portal, choosing between in-person or telehealth options.
Collaborative Treatment Planning: Work with your ACT therapist to develop personalized goals and strategies for creating a more fulfilling life.
Frequently Asked Questions
How is ACT therapy different from other approaches?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy focuses on changing your relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions rather than trying to eliminate them. This approach emphasizes psychological flexibility, mindfulness, and living according to your personal values, making it particularly effective for creating lasting change and a meaningful life.
How long does commitment therapy take?
The duration varies based on individual needs and goals. Some clients experience significant benefits within a few months, while others prefer longer-term therapeutic relationships. Our Chicago ACT therapists work collaboratively with you to determine the most appropriate treatment timeline.
Can ACT therapy be combined with other treatments?
Yes, our ACT therapists frequently integrate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with other evidence-based therapies such as CBT, DBT, or trauma-informed approaches when clinically beneficial. This integrated approach ensures comprehensive care tailored to your unique needs.
Is ACT effective for anxiety and depression?
Research consistently shows that commitment therapy is highly effective for treating anxiety and depression. By developing psychological flexibility and effective coping strategies, clients learn to manage symptoms while building a fulfilling life based on their personal values.
Do you offer group therapy using ACT principles?
Yes, we offer group therapy sessions that incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy techniques. Group settings provide opportunities to practice skills, receive peer support, and learn from others’ experiences while working with our trained ACT therapists.
Start Your Journey Toward Greater Well-Being
Don’t let difficult thoughts and emotions control your life. Our compassionate team of Chicago ACT therapists is ready to help you develop the psychological flexibility and skills needed to create a more fulfilling life aligned with your personal values.
Take the first step today:
- Schedule your free 15-minute consultation
- Connect with an ACT therapist who understands your unique needs
- Begin building the life you truly want
At Tides Mental Health, we believe everyone deserves access to high-quality, affirming mental health care. Contact us today to learn how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy can support your journey toward psychological flexibility, emotional well-being, and a meaningful life.