Find an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Therapist in Oregon

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, commonly called ACT, is an evidence-informed approach that blends mindfulness, behavioral strategies, and values clarification. At its core, ACT does not try to eliminate difficult thoughts or feelings. Instead, it teaches you ways to relate differently to inner experiences so those experiences have less control over the choices you make. The emphasis is on identifying what matters to you - your values - and taking committed, practical steps toward a life shaped by those values even when discomfort arises.

Core principles behind ACT

ACT is built around six interrelated processes that aim to increase psychological flexibility. These include acceptance of internal experiences, cognitive defusion to reduce the literal hold of thoughts, mindfulness to anchor you in the present moment, clarifying values to guide action, committed action toward meaningful goals, and self-as-context - a perspective that helps you notice that you are more than your momentary thoughts and feelings. Together these principles form a practical framework therapists use to help you shift from avoidance to approach-oriented living.

How ACT is used by therapists in Oregon

Therapists across Oregon incorporate ACT into individual and group care, tailoring the approach to fit different settings and client needs. In urban centers such as Portland and Eugene, clinicians may blend ACT with other modalities to address complex presentations, integrate brief mindfulness practices into session routines, or use values-driven goal setting for career and relationship concerns. In smaller communities and suburban practices, therapists often emphasize practical strategies for daily habits, managing long-term stressors, and adapting ACT exercises to fit clients' routines. Whether you are seeking therapy in Salem, living in a rural part of the state, or connecting online from Bend or Medford, you can find clinicians who adapt ACT materials to cultural background, age, and life stage.

What issues is ACT commonly used for?

ACT is versatile and commonly applied to a broad range of concerns. Therapists often use ACT with clients working through anxiety, persistent worry, or panic-related problems by helping them accept anxious sensations while moving toward value-driven activities. It is also frequently used for depression, where the focus shifts from trying to eliminate low mood to reengaging in meaningful behaviors that restore a sense of purpose. People managing chronic pain or long-term medical conditions may find ACT helpful because it emphasizes living a meaningful life alongside discomfort. Other areas where ACT is applied include stress and burnout, obsessive-compulsive patterns, substance use challenges, and life transitions such as relationship changes or career shifts. In each case, the therapy centers on what you value and how you can take steps toward those values even when you face internal barriers.

What a typical ACT session looks like online

Online ACT sessions follow a rhythm much like in-person appointments but with some practical differences related to the virtual setting. A session often begins with a brief check-in where you and your therapist note any important events or shifts since the last meeting. The therapist may guide you through a short mindfulness or grounding exercise to orient attention, then move into experiential work - for example, an exercise to notice the tone of a thought without getting pulled into it, or a values clarification conversation using questions and metaphors. Sessions typically include skill-building - learning and practicing acceptance strategies, cognitive defusion techniques, or behavioral experiments - and end with agreed-upon actions you can take between sessions to practice what you learned. Online delivery makes it easier for you to use materials from your environment during exercises, and therapists can often suggest ways to integrate ACT practices into your daily routine at home or work.

Who is a good candidate for ACT?

You might consider ACT if you are tired of trying to control or eliminate uncomfortable thoughts and feelings and want a more values-driven way of living. It suits people who are willing to engage in experiential exercises, try small behavioral steps outside sessions, and reflect on what matters most to them. ACT can be adapted for adolescents, adults, and older adults, and therapists often tailor pacing and techniques to individual readiness. If you struggle with rigid avoidance behaviors, repetitive thoughts that limit your life, or decisions that feel stalled by fear, ACT provides a structured path to practice new responses and expand what is possible for you. It is also appropriate for people looking to build resilience and clarify life direction rather than seeking a quick fix for symptoms alone.

How to find the right ACT therapist in Oregon

When you search for an ACT therapist in Oregon, consider how their training and approach align with your needs. Look for clinicians who explicitly describe ACT or acceptance-based approaches in their profiles and who explain how they use values work and mindfulness in therapy. Pay attention to practical matters too - whether they offer online sessions or in-person work in locations such as Portland or Salem, what hours they keep, and how they structure initial consultations. It can help to read bios for information about experience with specific concerns you bring, such as anxiety, chronic pain, or life transitions. You may want to schedule a brief intake or phone call to get a sense of their style and whether you feel heard and understood. Chemistry between you and a therapist matters a great deal, and a short conversation can often tell you whether a clinician’s approach feels like a good match.

Considering logistics and access

Think about the practical aspects that will support regular attendance and practice. If you prefer in-person work, check whether a therapist’s office is conveniently located near transit options or major neighborhoods. If online sessions are more accessible for your schedule, confirm that the clinician provides teletherapy and ask about their policies for cancellations and rescheduling. Insurance and payment arrangements vary, so review those details in advance to avoid surprises. Many therapists offer an initial consultation that lets you ask about their ACT experience, typical session structure, and approaches to homework and skill practice.

Making ACT work for you in Oregon

ACT is most effective when you treat therapy as an active process that extends beyond the hour-long session. Practicing short mindfulness exercises, experimenting with values-based actions between sessions, and journaling about what you notice can accelerate progress. In Oregon’s cities and smaller communities alike, therapists will help you adapt ACT exercises to fit your daily life, whether that means weaving in nature-based mindfulness if you live near Portland’s parks or creating short home-based practices if your schedule is busy. If you are ready to explore a different relationship with difficult thoughts and feelings while moving toward what matters most, the ACT clinicians listed on this page can help you take the next step. Start by browsing profiles, reading therapist descriptions, and scheduling an initial conversation to see which clinician aligns with your needs.