Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Ottawa

At Levity Counselling, most of our therapists offer therapy rooted in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a warm and process-based approach that is especially effective for anxiety, depression, and other emotional challenges. The twist? ACT doesn’t focus on banishing your tough emotions (spoiler alert: that’s impossible). Instead, we help you learn how to deal with them and live a richer, more meaningful life, even when things feel emotionally chaotic.

ACT at Levity

What is ACT Therapy Like?

Picture this: You’ve got anxiety, sadness, or fear sitting in your lap like a stubborn cat. In ACT, we’re not going to try to boot that cat off. Instead, we help you make peace with the fact that the cat is there, and maybe even give it a little scratch behind the ears. The goal is not to get rid of your tough emotions, but to change how you interact with them. We’ll use mindfulness practices to help you become more aware of your thoughts and feelings, noticing them without judgment. This makes it easier to create space between you and your emotions, so you can make more intentional, value-driven choices—rather than reacting based on fear or discomfort.

Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Living Your Values

ACT focuses heavily on mindfulness, teaching you to observe your thoughts and feelings in the present moment without trying to change them. This awareness gives you the freedom to choose actions that are in alignment with your core values. It’s about connecting with what truly matters to you—whether it’s relationships, work, personal growth, or something else—and making decisions that reflect those values, even when it’s hard.

Moving Forward with Purpose

ACT therapy also emphasizes committed action—helping you take steps toward your values, even if they come with discomfort. This can mean taking small, manageable steps toward a more fulfilling life, even if anxiety or depression tries to hold you back. Together, we’ll work on setting realistic goals and taking meaningful actions that move you closer to the life you want to live, without waiting for your emotions to “feel better” first.

ACT is a humanistic approach, meaning it’s based on the belief that you have the ability to grow, change, and make meaningful choices for yourself. In our work together, you’ll experience a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore your emotions and thoughts freely.

A Fresh Path for Anxiety and Depression

For those dealing with anxiety and depression, ACT offers a refreshing shift from traditional therapies that focus mainly on symptom relief. Instead, ACT focuses on psychological flexibility—helping you embrace difficult emotions, build awareness, and take action toward your values. This approach doesn’t just aim to reduce symptoms temporarily but encourages long-term growth and a deeper connection to your life’s purpose.

Therapy with us is like…

Take the First Step

Reach out to us at Levity Counselling to learn more about how ACT-based therapy can help you on your journey to healing and personal growth. We’re here to help you take the first step. Check out our (LINK TO THERAPIST PROFILES PAGE) therapist options to see who might be the right fit for you.