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Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based psychological therapy that helps people manage difficult thoughts, emotions, and behaviours by focusing on acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based living. Rather than trying to eliminate distressing feelings, ACT teaches individuals to develop a healthier relationship with their inner experiences and to take committed steps toward a more meaningful life.

At Sunshine Clinic Private Hospital, ACT is offered as part of our outpatient day programs. Delivered by our allied health team, ACT helps patients learn practical skills to manage anxiety, depression, trauma, and other mental health conditions. Our approach is recovery-oriented, person-centred, and tailored to each individual’s needs, ensuring that therapy supports both immediate symptom relief and long-term wellbeing.

Overview of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is a modern form of cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) that combines psychological science with mindfulness practices. It is based on six key processes:

1

Acceptance – learning to open up to uncomfortable feelings and experiences rather than avoiding or suppressing them.

2

Cognitive defusion – noticing and stepping back from unhelpful thoughts, reducing their power and influence.

3

Mindfulness – developing present-moment awareness to reduce rumination and anxiety.

4

Self-as-context – building a sense of self that is broader than individual thoughts and feelings.

5

Values – identifying what truly matters to the individual.

6

Committed action – taking purposeful steps in line with one’s values, even when difficulties arise.

Instead of aiming to “fix” or remove distress, ACT focuses on building resilience, acceptance, and purposeful living. This makes it especially helpful for people facing conditions that cannot always be completely eliminated but can be managed effectively.

Conditions Treated with ACT

ACT is highly versatile and can be used to support people experiencing a wide range of mental health conditions. At Sunshine Clinic, it is often incorporated into outpatient programs for:

Including depression and bipolar disorder, helping individuals reduce rumination and reconnect with valued activities.
Teaching strategies to accept anxiety symptoms and reduce avoidance behaviours.
Helping individuals develop new ways of relating to distressing memories and triggers.
Particularly borderline personality disorder, where ACT supports emotional regulation and values-based decision-making.
Addressing cravings and relapse prevention by focusing on acceptance and long-term values.

Easing distress following major life changes by helping individuals adapt and refocus on meaningful goals.

ACT is suitable for individuals of different ages and backgrounds. At Sunshine Clinic, it is adapted for each patient, ensuring it is relevant to their personal circumstances and recovery goals.

Evidence for Acceptance & Commitment Therapy

ACT is backed by a strong and growing body of research. Over 900 clinical trials have investigated ACT, making it one of the most widely studied modern psychological therapies.

Studies show ACT is as effective as traditional Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) for depression and anxiety disorders, with particular benefits in reducing relapse.
ACT has demonstrated effectiveness in helping people live well alongside traumatic memories by reducing avoidance and improving resilience.

Evidence indicates ACT supports long-term recovery by promoting acceptance of cravings and recommitment to values-driven behaviours.

ACT is now considered a gold-standard psychological treatment for people living with chronic pain conditions, improving quality of life and function.

In Australia, ACT is widely recognised by psychologists and mental health services as an effective, evidence-based therapy. It is increasingly included in both public and private hospital programs as a treatment option for a variety of conditions.

How ACT is Delivered at Sunshine Clinic Private Hospital

At Sunshine Clinic, ACT is delivered within a supportive, structured outpatient program. This may involve:

  • Group sessions – where patients learn ACT skills together, sharing experiences and building peer support.
  • Individual therapy – tailored one-on-one sessions with our allied health team.
  • Mindfulness and movement programs – integrating ACT principles into creative and somatic therapies such as art, music, and mindfulness exercises.
  • Skills-based modules – focusing on specific areas like stress management, emotional regulation, and relapse prevention.

Patients are encouraged to apply what they learn in real-life settings, with support from clinicians and peers. This focus on lived experience helps ACT skills become practical tools that can be used beyond the hospital environment.

Why ACT is Valuable for Recovery

ACT stands out because it shifts the focus from controlling symptoms to building a meaningful life, even in the presence of ongoing challenges. Patients often report:

  • Reduced distress from intrusive thoughts and emotions.
  • Greater resilience when facing setbacks.
  • Improved ability to focus on what truly matters.
  • Stronger relationships and connections.
  • A renewed sense of direction and purpose.

At Sunshine Clinic Private Hospital, ACT is more than just a therapy technique – it is a pathway to helping patients rediscover hope, autonomy, and confidence. Our outpatient programs are designed to meet each patient where they are, supporting recovery with both clinical expertise and compassionate care.

Comprehensive Private Mental Health Care in Melbourne’s West

Sunshine Clinic offers psychiatry consulting services, as well as inpatient and outpatient programs tailored to support recovery, resilience, and long-term wellbeing.

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