Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in NYC

What is ACT?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, often referred to as ACT, is a science-backed therapy approach that focuses on breaking free from unhelpful patterns of behavior or thinking as well as processing, making room for, and accepting difficult thoughts and feelings. It helps people overcome a wide variety of challenges, understand what matters to them, and improve resilience and stability.

At Park West Psychology, I approach therapy as a dynamic process. That means I adjust to meet my client’s needs and responds to what is working for them. For this reason, we may not spend too much time talking about the approach we’re taking to therapy. Instead, techniques like ACT will be the underlying structure that you may not think about.

However, I know some people like to better understand the evidence-based approaches I use and how they benefit people. If that sounds like you, this page will outline all the ACT basics, and I’d be happy to discuss this approach in greater detail during a consultation or intake session.

My Approach to ACT

I use specific tools from my foundation of knowledge in a variety of therapy approaches based on client needs and goals. If you’re already a client of mine or you’ve worked with therapists in the past, you may have experienced counseling that uses ACT and not even realized it.

The foundation of this approach to therapy is simple.

The therapist helps you develop what’s called “psychological flexibility”. This is done by helping you to first notice your thoughts and feelings, change your relationship to them, and make room for tough experiences you might be avoiding or struggling with.

At the same time, we’ll work to help you understand your values, or what matters to you, and come up with ways for you to act on those values to make positive change. As you focus your attention on what matters to you in the present, you build flexibility and openness to living a meaningful life. This allows people to engage more fully with their loved ones and find greater satisfaction in daily life.

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What to expect in an ACT Therapy Session

ACT literally stands for acceptance and commitment therapy, but I like to break that acronym down to explain what it actually helps you with:

A – Accept your thoughts, feelings, and experiences

C – Committing to goals that match your values

T – Taking action towards what matters to you, despite challenges

During therapy sessions, we’ll talk about the narrative you have running through your mind that tells you who you are, what is important to you, the tricky experiences you’re faced with, and what you can do about all of this. We’ll focus on accepting your thoughts and feelings as they are, without needing to judge them or change them right away. From there, we’ll we’ll dig into how these thought patterns impact you every day. Together, we’ll develop a plan of action you can take each day to start living a life that is aligned with your values, even in the face of difficult emotions, thoughts, or life stressors.

Should I Consider ACT?

If that all sounded a little complicated, I hear you. My practice is all about making therapy a resource that delivers real-world results and benefits. Setting the theory of ACT aside, some of the many reasons this approach is used include:

  • Alleviating stress at home, work, or socially.

  • Reducing symptoms of common mood disorders like anxiety and depression.

  • Curbing compulsive behaviors, including minimizing symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

  • Supporting substance use recovery efforts.

  • Processing trauma, including complex trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Let’s Get Started

I’m Daniel Clark, a licensed psychologist practicing at Park West Psychology. I utilize a variety of therapy approaches, but my goal remains the same – help my clients take action to achieve their goals, reduce symptoms of mood disorders, address negative thinking and behavior patterns, and generally lead more satisfying lives. If this sounds like what you’re looking for in a therapist, I hope you’ll reach out.

I welcome clients in my New York City office by appointment. I also offer services via telehealth for New York and Massachusetts residents. Getting started working with me is simple. Just take a few moments to call (562) 314-1999, email info@parkwestpscyhology.com, or fill out my online inquiry form. I look forward to hearing from you.