Find an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Therapist in United Kingdom

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, usually called ACT, is a therapeutic approach that emphasizes psychological flexibility - the ability to be present with your experience while taking actions guided by your values. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult thoughts or emotions, ACT teaches you to notice them, to step back from them through techniques such as cognitive defusion and mindfulness, and to choose behaviour that moves you toward a meaningful life. Central ideas include acceptance of internal experience, clarity about personal values, and committed action in line with those values. ACT draws on behavioural science and mindfulness practices to help you increase resilience and live with greater purpose.

How ACT is used by therapists in the United Kingdom

In the United Kingdom, ACT is offered by clinicians from diverse professional backgrounds including clinical psychology, counselling, psychotherapy, and other mental health disciplines. Therapists may work within public services, private practice, charities, occupational health settings, and specialist clinics. In larger cities such as London, Manchester and Birmingham you will often find teams that combine ACT principles with other approaches when it fits a person’s needs. Many UK practitioners are trained in ACT-specific methods and continue professional development through workshops and accredited courses. As a result, you can expect to find ACT delivered in a range of formats - single-session interventions, short-term focused programmes, and longer-term therapy - adapted to the setting and presenting issue.

How practitioners integrate ACT with local services

Many ACT therapists in the UK collaborate with general practitioners, workplace wellbeing services and community organisations to provide a joined-up approach. In urban centres such as London and Manchester, there are often specialist teams that use ACT for chronic health concerns and long-term conditions, while community services might use ACT-informed techniques to support people coping with life transitions and stress. Whether you are seeking support through a referral route or self-referral, ACT can be tailored to fit different pathways and service structures across the country.

What issues is ACT commonly used for?

ACT is applied to a wide range of challenges. People often seek ACT for persistent anxiety, low mood, stress at work, and difficulties with self-critical thinking. Therapists also use ACT techniques to help people manage symptoms that accompany long-term health conditions, chronic pain, and ongoing medical issues. Issues such as obsessive thoughts, phobias, relationship struggles, and life transitions tend to respond well to the emphasis ACT places on values and committed action. You will also find ACT helpful if you are trying to improve performance - in creative work, sport, or public speaking - because it helps you focus on values-driven action rather than getting stuck in attempts to control thoughts and feelings.

What a typical online ACT session looks like

If you choose online therapy, a typical ACT session begins with a brief check-in where your therapist will invite you to describe your week and any immediate concerns. The session then moves to experiential work - simple mindfulness exercises, guided metaphors, or cognitive defusion techniques that help you notice thoughts without getting entangled in them. You and your therapist will discuss how your actions align with your values and may set small, specific experiments or exercises to practise between sessions. Sessions usually last around 50 to 60 minutes and combine gentle exploration with practical steps you can apply in daily life. You will be encouraged to track small shifts and reflections outside sessions so the therapy remains focused on real-world application.

Practical considerations for online work

For online ACT it helps to have a quiet room, a reliable internet connection and a device with a camera and microphone. Choose a comfortable seating position where you can close your eyes for short mindfulness practices if needed. Before your first appointment, your therapist may send intake forms and information about personal nature of sessions and session logistics so you know what to expect. If you prefer face-to-face therapy, many practitioners in cities such as Birmingham and Manchester offer appointments in clinic settings as well as remote sessions, giving you flexibility to match the format to your needs.

Who is a good candidate for ACT?

ACT can be appropriate for people who are willing to engage with experiential exercises and who want to focus on living according to their values rather than only reducing symptoms. It suits those who find themselves avoiding difficult feelings or stuck in unhelpful patterns of control. Because ACT emphasises action and behaviour change, it often appeals to people who want practical strategies alongside reflective work. ACT is not a quick fix for emergencies - if you are in immediate crisis or at risk of harm you should seek urgent help from local emergency services or your GP. For ongoing difficulties that affect your day-to-day life, ACT can be a useful approach either on its own or combined with other therapies.

How to find the right ACT therapist in the United Kingdom

When looking for a therapist, consider training and experience in ACT, the professional qualifications they hold, and whether their approach matches your preferences. Many therapists list their specialisms, therapeutic style and practical details such as session length and fees on their profiles. Think about whether you want a clinician who focuses on values work, mindfulness practice, or a mix of ACT with other evidence-informed approaches. It is perfectly reasonable to contact a few therapists to ask about their experience with your particular issue and how they structure sessions. If you live in or near London, Manchester or Birmingham you may have more options for face-to-face appointments, while online therapy widens the pool of clinicians across the UK, making it easier to find someone whose style resonates with you.

Preparing for your first ACT session

Before you begin, write down a few things that matter to you and some immediate goals you would like to work on. Bring notes about your current challenges, any previous therapy experiences, and practical constraints such as availability and budgeting. During initial sessions you will discuss goals and agree on a way of working that fits your circumstances. Be open to trying experiential exercises and to practising between sessions - ACT often relies on small, consistent steps that accumulate into meaningful change. If you are unsure whether ACT is right for you, many therapists offer an initial consultation where you can ask questions and get a sense of how the therapy might feel.

Practical matters and next steps

Consider whether you prefer NHS, charity-led services or private practice, and check whether a therapist’s fees and appointment times suit your situation. In large urban areas like London and Manchester waiting lists and demand can vary, so exploring both in-person and online options can speed up access. Look for clinicians who describe ongoing training in ACT and who are willing to explain their methods in plain language. Trust your sense of rapport - feeling understood and able to collaborate with a therapist is one of the most important factors in successful work.

When you are ready, use the listings above to compare ACT therapists in the United Kingdom. Reach out to a few clinicians, ask about their experience and session format, and choose someone you feel comfortable working with. ACT can help you clarify what matters to you and take practical steps toward a life shaped by your values - starting the search is the first step.