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ACT

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, is all about learning how to live fully, even in the face of life’s challenges. The purpose of ACT is to assist you in living a fulfilling, meaningful life while effectively managing the inevitable pain that arises. With ACT, you won't try to control or eliminate difficult emotions and thoughts. Instead, you'll build skills that free you from struggling with them, so that you can connect with what truly matters to you, and take meaningful steps forward, even in the face of discomfort.

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ACT is a newer form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and both are widely used and effective approaches. While CBT focuses on identifying and changing unhelpful thoughts to improve emotions and behaviors, ACT takes a different path. Rather than trying to change or eliminate difficult thoughts and emotions, ACT helps you recognize them as a normal part of the human experience, rather than something to be corrected or controlled. Importantly, “acceptance” in ACT doesn’t mean giving up or tolerating harm—it means making space for challenging thoughts and feelings without letting them control your actions. By doing so, ACT empowers you to live a life guided by your values, rather than a life dominated by difficult emotions.

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Imagine you’re struggling with anxiety. Maybe it’s holding you back from speaking up at work, connecting with friends, or doing something you care about. ACT doesn’t focus on getting rid of the anxiety—it focuses on helping you stop fighting with it. Through simple mindfulness practices, you learn to make space for those uncomfortable feelings without letting them dictate your actions. Instead of avoiding situations or waiting for the anxiety to go away, you focus on what’s important to you and start taking steps toward it, even if the discomfort is still there.

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ACT works by helping you learn how to create distance from the thoughts that keep you stuck—like “I’m not good enough” or “What if I fail?”—so they begin to lose their power over you. You'll also learn how to focus less on managing those those and more on what is really important to you: What kind of relationships do you want? What do you want your life to stand for? These values become your compass, guiding your actions even when life feels overwhelming.

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In ACT, the focus is always on moving forward. It’s about small, intentional actions that align with your values and gradually build momentum. Whether you’re dealing with anxiety, depression, perfectionism, or a sense of being stuck, ACT helps you break free from the patterns that hold you back and build a life that feels meaningful and authentic.

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ACT was developed to help people navigate life’s ups and downs with flexibility and resilience. It teaches that while pain is a natural part of life, it doesn’t have to dictate your choices. By learning to accept difficult thoughts and feelings, committing to your values, and taking purposeful action, ACT empowers you to live a meaningful life—even in challenging times.

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At our clinic, we tailor ACT to your unique needs and goals. Therapy is a collaborative process, and our goal is to support you as you navigate challenges, discover what matters most, and take steps toward the life you want. ACT invites your to embrace discomfort so that you can lead a more rich, full and rewarding life. And according to ACT, that is the secret to happiness.

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If you’re ready to explore how ACT can help you, contact our client care team to book your appointment with one of our ACT therapists.​​

Need Help Choosing A Therapist?

Finding someone you can trust is important.

Our client care team is here to help you find the best person for your specific needs.

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Dina D'Angelo

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Dee Rosell

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Lauren Driedger

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When we take action on the things that truly matter deep in our hearts, when we move in directions that we consider valuable and worthy, when we clarify what we stand for in life and act accordingly, then our lives become rich and full and meaningful, and we experience a powerful sense of vitality.

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- Russ Harris 

PROVIDING PSYCHOTHERAPY IN NIAGARA SINCE 2008

ABMA COUNSELLING

4056 DORCHESTER RD

NIAGARA FALLS, ON   

L2E 6M9

We work with adults, children and families to help strengthen relationships and improve lives. 

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​© 2025 Abma Counselling in Niagara

Abma Counselling has been providing psychotherapy services in Niagara since 2008. What began as a solo practice by Steve Abma has grown into a group practice of several experienced therapists providing treatment for a wide variety of issues, including depression, anxiety, ADD, relationships, marriage, addictions & stress. We are a team of dedicated professionals, passionate about helping individuals, couples and families strengthen their relationships and improve their lives. Counselling, Psychotherapy, Psychologist Services for Niagara Falls, St. Catharines, Fonthill, St. David's, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Virgil, Fort Erie, Ridgeway, Beamsville, Jordan, Vineland, Grimsby, Thorold and Welland.

​© Steve Abma. Published by Steve Abma.

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