Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in New Hampshire

Helping You Move Forward with Greater Acceptance, Resilience, and Purpose

Life inevitably brings difficult thoughts, emotions, and experiences. While it's natural to want to avoid emotional pain, trying to control or eliminate uncomfortable feelings often leaves us feeling more stuck. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a different approach—one that helps individuals develop a healthier relationship with difficult thoughts and emotions while taking meaningful steps toward the life they want to live.

At Authentically You Counseling, we provide Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for individuals throughout New Hampshire. ACT is an evidence-based therapy that helps people increase psychological flexibility, strengthen emotional resilience, and make choices guided by their values rather than fear, anxiety, or self-doubt.

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Whether you're struggling with anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, obsessive thoughts, or life transitions, ACT can help you move toward lasting change.

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What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, commonly known as ACT, is a form of psychotherapy that teaches individuals how to respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions.

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Rather than trying to eliminate uncomfortable feelings, ACT helps people learn to make room for them without allowing those experiences to control their behavior. At the same time, clients are encouraged to identify what matters most to them and take meaningful action toward living a life that reflects their values.

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ACT is based on the understanding that emotional pain is a normal part of the human experience. The goal is not to avoid difficult emotions but to build the flexibility and resilience needed to move forward despite them.

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How Does ACT Work?

Many people become caught in cycles of avoiding uncomfortable emotions or struggling against unwanted thoughts. Unfortunately, these efforts often increase emotional suffering over time.

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ACT helps individuals:

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• Become more aware of their thoughts and emotions

• Reduce the struggle against difficult internal experiences

• Practice mindfulness and present-moment awareness

• Identify personal values

• Develop psychological flexibility

• Take meaningful action despite discomfort

• Build emotional resilience

Instead of asking, "How can I stop feeling anxious?" ACT encourages individuals to ask, "How can I live the life I want even when anxiety shows up?"

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The Six Core Processes of ACT

ACT is built around six interconnected principles that work together to increase psychological flexibility.

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Acceptance

Learning to make room for difficult thoughts and emotions instead of fighting against them.

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Cognitive Defusion

Recognizing thoughts as mental events rather than absolute truths, reducing their power and influence.

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Being Present

Developing mindful awareness of the present moment rather than becoming overwhelmed by worries about the future or regrets about the past.

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Self-as-Context

Learning to observe thoughts and emotions with curiosity while recognizing they do not define who you are.

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Values

Clarifying what matters most in your life, including relationships, personal growth, health, work, family, and purpose.

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Committed Action

Taking meaningful steps toward your values, even when challenges or uncomfortable emotions arise.

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Conditions ACT Can Help Treat

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy has been shown to be effective for a wide range of mental health concerns.

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Anxiety Disorders

ACT helps individuals reduce the struggle with anxious thoughts while building confidence to engage more fully in life.

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Depression

ACT encourages individuals to reconnect with meaningful activities and values, even when depression makes motivation difficult.

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Trauma

ACT can help individuals develop healthier relationships with painful memories and emotional experiences while supporting recovery alongside other trauma-informed approaches.

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Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

ACT is often integrated with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy to help individuals respond more effectively to intrusive thoughts and uncertainty.

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Chronic Stress and Burnout

ACT teaches individuals how to respond to stress more flexibly while maintaining focus on what matters most.

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Anger Management

By increasing awareness and reducing impulsive reactions, ACT helps individuals respond intentionally rather than automatically.

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Life Transitions

ACT provides practical tools for navigating change while remaining connected to personal values and long-term goals.

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Common ACT Techniques

Depending on your individual needs, ACT may include:

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• Mindfulness exercises

• Values clarification

• Cognitive defusion techniques

• Acceptance practices

• Guided reflection

• Behavioral commitments

• Self-compassion exercises

• Present-moment awareness

• Goal setting based on personal values

These tools help clients build practical skills that extend beyond the therapy room.

Benefits of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Many individuals who participate in ACT experience:

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• Greater psychological flexibility

• Improved emotional resilience

• Reduced anxiety and stress

• Improved mood

• Increased self-awareness

• Better emotional regulation

• Greater self-compassion

• Healthier coping strategies

• Improved relationships

• Increased confidence

• Stronger connection to personal values

• Greater overall life satisfaction

Our Approach to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

At Authentically You Counseling, we recognize that every client's journey is unique. ACT is one of several evidence-based approaches we use to support emotional wellness and personal growth.

Your therapist will work collaboratively with you to understand your goals, strengths, and challenges while developing a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs.

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ACT as Part of a Personalized Treatment Plan

Depending on your circumstances, ACT may be integrated with other evidence-based therapies, including:

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

To identify and challenge unhelpful thinking patterns while developing practical coping skills.

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Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

To strengthen emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. 

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Internal Family Systems (IFS)

To explore different parts of yourself with curiosity and compassion.

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EMDR Therapy

To process traumatic experiences and reduce the emotional impact of distressing memories.

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Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT)

To strengthen mindfulness skills and reduce emotional reactivity.

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Polyvagal Theory-Informed Therapy

To better understand nervous system responses and develop greater emotional regulation and resilience. Learn more here.  

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Medication Management

For some individuals, medication may be one component of a comprehensive mental health treatment plan.

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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Concord, Portsmouth, and Surrounding New Hampshire Communities

Authentically You Counseling provides Acceptance and Commitment Therapy through our Concord and Portsmouth offices, serving individuals throughout New Hampshire. Many clients travel from Manchester, Dover, Nashua, Laconia, Tilton, Franklin, Loudon, Hopkinton, Somersworth, Stratham, Greenland, and surrounding communities to receive counseling services.

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In-Person Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in New Hampshire & Telehealth Services in Maine and Massachusetts

In addition to our New Hampshire office locations, telehealth therapy services may be available for eligible clients located in Maine and Massachusetts. Virtual appointments offer convenient access to evidence-based mental health care from the comfort and privacy of your home.

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Whether you're seeking support for anxiety, depression, trauma, stress, or life transitions, our team is here to help.