What I Learned from ACT Bootcamp: Deepening My Work with Clients
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has been a cornerstone of my work for quite some time. Rooted in both science and compassion, ACT (pronounced like the word “act”) is an evidence-based approach that helps people move through pain by cultivating psychological flexibility - the ability to stay present, open up to difficult emotions, and take meaningful action guided by personal values.
The goal of ACT isn’t to eliminate emotional pain - it’s to help people build lives that feel rich, full, and grounded in what matters most, even in the presence of discomfort.
Recently, I had the opportunity to participate in an intensive ACT Bootcamp training. While I’ve been integrating ACT into my therapy practice for years, this advanced training offered a space to sharpen my skills and reconnect with the heart of the model - both as a clinician and as a human being.
Through live demonstrations, hands-on exercises, and thoughtful collaboration with fellow therapists, I deepened my ability to support clients in:
Unhooking from unhelpful thoughts - without needing to argue with or control them
Making space for difficult emotions like grief, fear, and self-doubt, instead of getting stuck in the struggle
Cultivating mindful presence and self-compassion in the here and now
Clarifying core values - and taking meaningful steps toward living them
This training reaffirmed something I deeply believe: therapy isn’t just about symptom reduction. It’s about helping people live with greater authenticity, resilience, and clarity. It’s about making space for the full range of human experience - messy, beautiful, painful, and meaningful - and choosing to move toward a life that feels like your own.
It also reminded me that as therapists, we don’t stand above the work - we walk the path too. I came away from the bootcamp with enhanced tools for my clients, and with a renewed sense of purpose and presence in my own life.
This deeper dive into ACT has strengthened my work with individuals navigating anxiety, grief, perfectionism, life transitions, or a general sense of feeling lost or stuck. If you're longing to feel more grounded, to reconnect with who you are, or to take steps toward a more intentional, values-aligned life - I’m here to walk alongside you.
If this approach resonates with you, I invite you to reach out and schedule a free 15-minute consultation call. It’s a chance to connect, explore what you're looking for, and see if we’re a good fit. I’d be honored to support you on your path to healing and wholeness.