Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
in person for Lubbock, TX and virtually for all of Texas
ACT isn't about feeling better — it's about living better. Rather than trying to eliminate difficult thoughts and feelings, ACT teaches you to change your relationship with them so they no longer run your life.
Accepting new clients --- Most Insurances Accepted
IS THIS RIGHT FOR YOU?
Who Can Benefit from ACT?
ACT is a flexible, evidence-based approach that works well for a wide range of concerns. It may be especially helpful if you recognize yourself in any of these:
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You've tried thinking positively or "just moving on" — and it hasn't worked
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Anxiety, sadness, shame, or self-criticism keep pulling you away from the life you want to live
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You feel stuck — going through the motions but not feeling connected to what matters
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You tend to avoid situations, people, or emotions that feel uncomfortable
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Your inner critic is loud, and you believe most of what it says
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You struggle to be present — your mind is either in the past or the future
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You know what you value but can't seem to act in line with those values consistently
ACT doesn't promise an easy life — it promises a more meaningful one, even when things are hard.
THE APPROACH
How ACT Works
Evidence-Based Care
ACT is based on the idea that suffering comes not from difficult emotions themselves, but from our struggle against them. We naturally try to suppress, avoid, or escape uncomfortable thoughts and feelings — but this "experiential avoidance" often makes things worse, not better. ACT offers a different path: learning to observe your inner experience with curiosity instead of fear, and making room for it rather than fighting it.
The approach is built around six core processes: Acceptance — making room for difficult feelings without being overwhelmed; Defusion — learning to see thoughts as just thoughts, not facts or commands; Present-moment awareness — developing mindful contact with the here and now; Values clarification — getting clear on what truly matters to you; Committed action — taking meaningful steps toward those values even in the presence of discomfort; and Self-as-context — recognizing that you are not your thoughts, feelings, or history.
Sessions are collaborative and often creative — ACT uses metaphors, experiential exercises, and mindfulness practices that make the concepts tangible and workable. It's adapted for a wide range of presentations, from anxiety and depression to chronic pain, grief, and relationship struggles. At Flatland Counseling, ACT is often woven together with other approaches like CBT and DBT to create a treatment plan that fits you specifically.
ACT is endorsed by the American Psychological Association and has strong research support across anxiety, depression, chronic pain, OCD, substance use, and more.
80% of clinical trials examining ACT report significant improvements in psychological flexibility and overall wellbeing
THE PROCESS
What to Expect
Step 1: Reach Out
Fill out our short contact form or call us. We'll follow up within one business day to answer questions and get you scheduled.
Step 2: Your First Session
Your therapist will take time to understand your history, what's been hard, and what you're hoping to get out of therapy. No pressure, no homework — just conversation.
Step 3: Start Making Progress
Together, you'll build practical tools to interrupt thought and behavior patterns. Most clients notice a shift in how they respond to stress within the first few sessions.
COMMON QUESTIONS
Frequently Asked Questions
Is ACT the same as mindfulness? __ ACT incorporates mindfulness as one of its core components, but it's more than a mindfulness practice. Mindfulness — learning to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment — is a key skill in ACT, but ACT adds values clarification and committed action on top of that. The goal isn't just to be present; it's to use that presence to live in line with what actually matters to you.
How is ACT different from CBT? __ CBT focuses on identifying and changing distorted or unhelpful thoughts — replacing negative thinking with more accurate thinking. ACT takes a different stance: rather than trying to change thoughts, ACT teaches you to change your relationship with them. In ACT, the goal isn't to think more positively — it's to think less literally, so your thoughts have less power over your actions. Many therapists blend both approaches, which can be very effective.
Do I have to meditate or practice mindfulness to benefit from ACT? __ Not in the traditional sense. ACT does involve mindfulness skills, but they're taught in practical, everyday ways — not necessarily through formal meditation. If meditation isn't your thing, your therapist can adapt the exercises to fit your preferences and lifestyle. The core skills can be practiced in the middle of a difficult conversation or a stressful moment at work, not just on a cushion.
What kinds of problem does ACT help with? __ Not in the traditional sense. ACT does involve mindfulness skills, but they're taught in practical, everyday ways — not necessarily through formal meditation. If meditation isn't your thing, your therapist can adapt the exercises to fit your preferences and lifestyle. The core skills can be practiced in the middle of a difficult conversation or a stressful moment at work, not just on a cushion.
Will ACT ask me to just accept things I shouldn't have to accept? __ This is a common misunderstanding. ACT doesn't ask you to accept unfair situations or pretend painful things are okay. Acceptance in ACT refers to making room for your own internal experience — thoughts, feelings, sensations — rather than fighting or avoiding them. It's not resignation; it's making space so you can act more effectively despite the discomfort.
How long does ACT therapy typically take? __ This varies depending on your goals and situation. Many people notice meaningful shifts in 8–16 sessions. ACT can also be integrated into longer-term therapy when there are deeper or more complex issues involved. Your therapist will discuss a realistic timeline with you based on your specific concerns.
Is ACT available via telehealth? __ Yes. ACT works very well via telehealth — the exercises and conversations translate naturally to an online format. We offer telehealth to clients anywhere in Texas.
Is ACT a good fit for teenagers? __ Yes. ACT has been adapted for adolescents and has strong research support with teens, particularly for anxiety and depression. The values-based framework resonates well with teenagers who are figuring out who they are and what matters to them.
How do I get started? You can reach out through our contact page or click the Get Started button to request an appointment. Taking that first step is often the hardest part — I'm glad you're here.
CONDITIONS WE TREAT
Issues We Help With Using ACT
ACT is a versatile approach used across many of the concerns we treat. It may be part of your treatment plan for any of the following: