Is ACT right for you? Understanding acceptance and commitment therapy
- Group at Priory Hospital Roehampton
- Use to treat a range of mental health conditions
- Meet and interact with people alike
When we face mental health challenges, our first instinct is often to fight. We try to ‘fix’ our anxiety, ‘delete’ our sad thoughts, or ‘push through’ the discomfort. But what if there was a way to stop the tug of war with your emotions and start living a life based on what truly matters to you?
At Priory Hospital Roehampton, our acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) pathway is designed to help you do exactly that.
What is ACT?
ACT is a modern, evidence-based approach. While traditional therapies often focus on reducing or eliminating symptoms, ACT takes a different path.
The goal of ACT is psychological flexibility. Instead of trying to push away uncomfortable feelings, which often makes them come back stronger, ACT teaches you how to make space for discomfort. By changing your relationship with your thoughts, you can reduce their power over you and focus your energy on meaningful action.
ACT is particularly effective for:
- Anxiety and depression
- Managing chronic stress
- Overcoming avoidance behaviours
- Building emotional resilience
ACT vs CBT: understanding the difference
Most people have heard of cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT), but ACT is a newer approach that focuses less on challenging thoughts and more on changing how we relate to them. Here’s how they compare:
What is an ACT pathway?
In a clinical setting, a pathway is a structured journey. You can think of it as a roadmap designed by experts to take you from feeling overwhelmed to feeling empowered.
Our ACT pathway at Roehampton is a 6-week programme consisting of 1 full day per week. Because it’s an open pathway, you can join at any point without having to wait for a specific term start date, and the core skills will always cycle back to support your progress.
What does a day on the ACT pathway look like?
The course takes place face-to-face with a wider group of patients who are all experiencing similar challenges. This approach is evidence-based with proven results, and it has been found to be highly effective in the treatment of mental health conditions.
A typical day (9:30am to 4:00pm) includes:
- ACT progress review: Reflecting on core components and troubleshooting any barriers to using your new skills
- Mindfulness training: Learning to notice thoughts and urges without judgement or the need to react automatically
- Lunch: A shared meal provided in our on-site dining room
- Experiential learning: Hands on practice of the six core ACT principles to see how they apply to your life
- Supportive psychotherapy: An open, therapist-led space to share emotions and build a community of encouragement
The power of group healing
We know that the idea of group therapy can feel daunting. However, there’s a unique strength found in a shared space. At Roehampton, our ACT sessions allow you to connect with others experiencing similar challenges. Throughout the pathway, you’ll be encouraged to share your experiences and learn from others in a supportive, safe and trusting space. This helps break the cycle of isolation, proving that you’re not alone in your struggle.
Our ACT therapists at Roehampton
Our ACT pathway is led by a experienced therapists who are highly trained in delivering evidence-based psychological support.. They’ve helped many people move towards a more fulfilling life by providing a compassionate and confidential environment.
During your time in the group, you’ll receive personalised attention from our specialists. They work closely with you to identify your unique goals and tailor the ACT framework to your specific situation. Our clinical team provides:
- A safe space: A confidential environment where you can share your feelings without judgement
- Peer learning: Opportunities to gain perspective from others who truly understand what you’re going through
- Practical resilience: Evidence-based strategies designed to help you manage challenges long after the 6-week programme ends
- Dedicated guidance: Your allocated keyworker remains your main point of contact to ensure you feel supported throughout the entire process
Ready to take the next step?
Our ACT pathway is available for both self-pay patients (£632 per day) and those using private medical insurance (PMI). Please check with your insurer to find out the level of treatment they will authorise.
