Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is a broad-based cognitive and behavioral therapy approach that has a wealth of empirical support. ACT's distinguishing features include placing the therapy process in the context of your life, and shifting from feeling better toward living better. ACT reverses a common tendency to wait for distress to subside before doing the things you want to be doing. Instead, it excels at teaching you how to move into meaningful activities amidst unpleasant emotions.

ACT provides instruction in a wide range of skills: mindfulness, acceptance, compassion, kindness, defusion from fixed ways of thinking, and exposure — having contact with, rather than avoiding unpleasant experiences. At the heart of ACT, is developing psychological flexibility — the capacity to feel all of your feelings directly while continuing to move towards valued actions.

Relevant Training and Experience

Dr. Terracciano has increasingly been working ACT into his treatment plans. He has received direct training from psychologist Steven Hayes PhD, developer of ACT, as well as Drs. John Forsyth and Kelly Wilson, leading ACT research-practitioners. Stephen continues his professional development as an ACT practitioner by attending topical presentations at the annual meeting of The Association for the Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, as well as staying current on the latest peer-reviewed journal articles.

ACT for Anxiety Group Program

In addition to providing customized ACT for individuals, Stephen leads ACT groups for people affected by the spectrum of anxiety disorders. Since witnessing significant breakthroughs his individual clients have realized while guiding them through The Mindfulness And Acceptance Workbook, by Drs. Forsyth & Eifert, Stephen is now offering this content in group format, as a supplement to individual therapy, or as a stand-alone treatment. Results from a randomized clinical trial indicate that this self-help workbook is helpful for people with severe anxiety and depression. Dr. Terracciano will provide education on the principles of the ACT method, guide participants through numerous exercises using practice demonstrations, and coach participants in applying ACT skills in their personal wellness program.

Registration & Fees

Please contact Intentional Living as fees vary for individual and group formats. For the ACT for Anxiety Group Program, an initial consultation or attendance at an orientation meeting is required to determine suitability. A 50% registration deposit is required to secure placement. The balance is due prior to the first session.

Schedule for ACT for Anxiety Group Program

TBA. See Programs for details.