Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT, pronounced “act”) is an evidenced-based counseling theory developed to help manage distress across most, if not all, mental health challenges. It has been shown through various studies that ACT is an effective treatment model for anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic illness & pain, grief, trauma, and so much more. ACT helps build skills to manage distressing thoughts, feelings, sensations, and experiences. Through these skills, we learn alternative, more flexible responses to distress. We also learn unhelpful responses to distress that are very common for our minds. Through this information, we can gain awareness of what’s taking us away from what matters, allowing us to develop more helpful responses. Another core principle in ACT is choosing to live according to our values. Through this approach, ACT helps us move towards the life we want to live, building meaning, satisfaction, and fulfillment. For more detailed information about ACT, visit https://www.actmindfully.com.au/about-act/