Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
in Orange County, California
Navigating the ups and downs of life can be difficult, especially when you’re dealing with mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, trauma, or substance use. At We Conquer Together, we offer Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Orange County, California as part of a holistic and evidence-based approach to mental health treatment. Our goal is to help individuals move toward a more meaningful life by cultivating psychological flexibility, emotional resilience, and the ability to live fully in the present moment.
ACT is not about controlling or avoiding negative thoughts and feelings. Instead, it teaches clients to relate to them differently—through mindfulness practices, self-compassion, and committed action aligned with personal values. Whether you’re located in Irvine, Newport Beach, or elsewhere in Southern California, our therapy services near you are designed to support you or a loved one on a path toward growth and healing.
What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, also known as ACT therapy, is a modern, empirically-supported form of psychotherapy. It is grounded in six core processes that aim to foster psychological flexibility—the ability to remain open and present while choosing behaviors that move you toward your values. Unlike cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) or dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which emphasize challenging or changing thoughts, ACT encourages acceptance and mindfulness as tools for change.
The six foundational pillars of ACT include:
- Acceptance of emotional pain and thoughts without judgment
- Cognitive defusion to unhook from unhelpful thoughts
- Present moment awareness through mindfulness
- Self-as-context: observing your thoughts rather than becoming them
- Values identification: clarifying what matters most
- Committed action: taking real steps aligned with those values
These principles can help clients develop new responses to distress and build a life centered around purpose, connection, and authenticity.
Who Can Benefit from ACT Therapy?
ACT is a highly adaptable therapeutic approach that can be integrated into treatment for a wide range of mental health concerns. At We Conquer Together, we use ACT to support clients experiencing:
- Anxiety disorders, including social anxiety and generalized anxiety
- Depression and mood dysregulation
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Substance use disorders and substance abuse
- Eating disorders and body image struggles
- Chronic pain and physical illness
- Trauma and PTSD
- Low self-esteem and lack of emotional regulation
We also incorporate ACT into treatment for clients in inpatient treatment as part of a comprehensive mental health care strategy. Whether you’re beginning your recovery journey or exploring personal growth, ACT can support healing on every level.
ACT vs. CBT and DBT: How Is It Different?
ACT shares roots with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), but its approach is unique. CBT focuses on identifying and changing distorted thought patterns, while DBT emphasizes emotional regulation, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness. ACT, in contrast, teaches you to allow thoughts and feelings to exist without letting them control your actions.
Rather than struggling against discomfort or internal experiences, ACT empowers you to move forward with them. This shift allows clients to make choices aligned with their values—even in the face of uncertainty, fear, or pain. For those who have found traditional modalities limiting, ACT can be a liberating alternative therapy choice that emphasizes autonomy and acceptance.
Why Choose ACT
in Orange County?
Orange County is home to a thriving community of licensed clinicians, LMFTs, and behavioral health professionals who offer a diverse array of therapeutic options. At We Conquer Together, we’re proud to offer ACT as part of our evidence-based treatment in a supportive environment that honors your individual needs.
Our office serves clients throughout Irvine, Newport Beach, and the greater Southern California area. We believe in creating a non-judgmental space where individuals can work toward well-being at their own pace. Whether you’re struggling with a mental health disorder, managing substance abuse, or simply seeking a richer, more fulfilling life, ACT can help you respond to life’s challenges with clarity and courage.
What Does an ACT Treatment Plan Look Like?
An ACT-based treatment plan is always tailored to your unique needs and may be integrated with other therapies like EMDR, DBT, or CBT depending on your goals. Treatment begins with an initial assessment, where your therapist works with you to identify core values, examine unhelpful thoughts, and explore the role avoidance or control plays in your suffering.
From there, therapy may include:
- Weekly or biweekly therapy sessions with a licensed provider
- Mindfulness and present moment exercises
- Behavioral experiments rooted in committed action
- Journaling, self-reflection, or experiential exercises
- Homework designed to support growth between sessions
Over time, ACT supports positive change not by eliminating discomfort, but by building your capacity to face it skillfully and compassionately.
ACT: for Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders
Many clients seeking treatment for substance use disorders or dual diagnosis find ACT especially helpful. This approach acknowledges the complex relationships between mental health, trauma, and drug or alcohol use. Instead of focusing solely on symptom reduction, ACT invites clients to live fully—even with urges, anxiety, or painful memories.
ACT supports recovery by:
- Reducing reliance on avoidance-based coping
- Encouraging connection to a meaningful life beyond addiction
- Increasing awareness of self-as-context to lessen shame and judgment
- Supporting committed action toward sobriety and healing
As part of our substance abuse treatment programs in Orange County, ACT provides a deeply compassionate path forward for those ready to reclaim their lives.
Begin Your ACT Therapy Journey
in Orange County
At We Conquer Together, our mission is to help individuals move from struggle to strength through integrative, client-centered care. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy gives you the tools to confront fear, build psychological flexibility, and make space for the things that matter most. Whether you’re in Irvine, Newport Beach, or anywhere in Orange County, our experienced team is here to support your transformation.
If you or a loved one is ready to explore ACT therapy for mental health, trauma, or substance abuse, reach out today. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan that helps you move toward freedom, connection, and lasting wellness.