Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
A structured, evidence-based approach to building a meaningful life alongside difficult thoughts and feelings
We accept referrals from various health insurances including:
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a modern, evidence-based psychological therapy that focuses on helping people respond differently to difficult thoughts and emotions, rather than trying to eliminate them.
ACT is grounded in the understanding that distress is a normal part of human experience. Often, the more we struggle to control or avoid difficult thoughts and feelings, the more stuck and overwhelmed we can become.
Instead, ACT helps you develop psychological flexibility, enabling you to respond to challenges in a more open, balanced, and effective way.
Flexible ways to access support
In-clinic therapy
Calm, confidential setting in Jesmond, designed for comfort, privacy, and a reassuring experience
Online therapy
Flexible and accessible sessions delivered securely from your home environment
How ACT works
ACT focuses on changing your relationship with thoughts and feelings, rather than the content of them.
For example:
Trying to suppress anxious thoughts can make them more persistent
Avoiding difficult situations can increase fear over time
Becoming entangled in self-critical thinking can reinforce low mood
ACT helps you to:
Notice thoughts without becoming overwhelmed by them
Create space between you and unhelpful thinking patterns
Accept difficult emotions when they arise
Focus your energy on what truly matters to you
This allows you to move forward even when things feel difficult.
What ACT can help with
ACT is particularly effective for:
Anxiety and overthinking
Depression and low mood
Chronic stress and burnout
Health-related anxiety and adjustment
Difficult life transitions
It can also support:
Perfectionism
Emotional avoidance
Loss of direction or meaning
Long-term coping with ongoing challenges
ACT is especially helpful where trying to “get rid of” thoughts or feelings has not worked.
What to expect in ACT sessions
ACT is collaborative, experiential, and focused on practical change.
Assessment and formulation
We begin by understanding your current difficulties, patterns of thinking, and what may be keeping you stuck.
Identifying patterns
Developing new skills
Values and direction
Taking action
Common misconceptions about ACT
“ACT means just accepting things and doing nothing”
ACT is about active change, not passive acceptance. It helps you take meaningful action, even in the presence of difficulty.
“I need to get rid of my thoughts first”
ACT does not aim to eliminate thoughts, but to reduce their impact so they no longer control your behaviour.
“It’s too abstract or philosophical”
ACT is practical and grounded, focusing on real-life changes that matter to you.
Benefits of ACT
ACT is valued because it:
Builds long-term psychological flexibility
Helps reduce the impact of difficult thoughts and feelings
Focuses on meaning, values, and direction
Can be applied across a wide range of difficulties
Many people find that ACT helps them feel less stuck and more able to engage in life, even when challenges remain.
Our approach to ACT
At northeast psychology, ACT is delivered in a way that feels:
Practical and accessible
Tailored to your individual goals
Collaborative and non-judgemental
Integrated with other approaches where helpful
We focus on helping you build a life that feels meaningful, not just manageable.
Is ACT right for you?
ACT may be particularly helpful if you:
Feel stuck in patterns of overthinking or avoidance
Have tried to control thoughts or emotions without success
Want to focus on what matters most in your life
Are navigating ongoing challenges or uncertainty
If you are unsure, we can help you decide whether ACT or another approach would best suit your needs.
Next steps
If you are considering ACT, we offer a free 15-minute consultation to help you explore whether this approach feels right for you.