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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Managing Difficult Thoughts and Emotions

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based counseling approach that helps children and teens handle difficult thoughts and emotions without letting these thoughts and emotions control their behavior.

Instead of trying to eliminate uncomfortable feelings like anxiety, sadness, or frustration, ACT teaches young people how to accept those emotions and still move forward in meaningful ways. The goal is to help children and teens live according to their values—even when emotions feel uncomfortable.

When Thoughts or Feelings Begin Limiting Daily Life

Who Can Benefit from ACT Counseling?

ACT may be helpful for children and teens who:

Struggle with anxiety or worry
Experience sadness or low motivation
Avoid situations because of fear
Get stuck in negative thinking patterns
Feel overwhelmed by strong emotions
Have difficulty coping with stress
Struggle with perfectionism

For younger children, ACT skills are simplified and often taught through activities and guided exercises.

For teens, ACT may focus more on identity development, values, and long-term goal setting.

How We Help

Building Psychological Flexibility and Value-Based Action

ACT Counseling focuses on building psychological flexibility—the ability to experience thoughts and emotions without being controlled by them.

We help children and teens:

  • Recognize unhelpful thought patterns
  • Practice mindfulness and present-moment awareness
  • Identify personal values
  • Take meaningful action even when emotions are uncomfortable
  • Reduce avoidance behaviors

Parents may be included to reinforce flexibility and supportive communication at home.

Call (573) 803-1402

How ACT Therapy Works

Acceptance

Children and teens learn that uncomfortable thoughts and emotions are normal and do not need to be avoided or eliminated.

Cognitive Defusion

Clients learn how to “step back” from negative thoughts rather than automatically believing them.

Mindfulness

ACT strengthens present-moment awareness to reduce overthinking and rumination.

Values-Based Action

Children and teens identify what matters most to them and learn how to move toward those values—even while experiencing difficult emotions.

Benefits of ACT Therapy

Reduced avoidance behaviors
Greater emotional flexibility
Improved resilience during stress
Increased motivation
Healthier coping skills
Improved confidence in decision-making
Stronger alignment with personal values

ACT helps children and teens build long-term emotional strength rather than temporary symptom relief.

What to Expect at Tender Hearts

ACT Therapy begins with an assessment to understand emotional patterns and goals.

Sessions are structured but experiential, often including exercises, metaphors, and real-life applications. Children and teens are encouraged to practice skills between sessions. Parents may receive guidance to support flexibility and emotional growth at home.

Progress occurs as young people learn to respond to emotions in healthier, more intentional ways.

Find Answers

Frequently Asked Questions

ACT and CBT share similarities, but ACT focuses more on acceptance and values-based action rather than changing thoughts directly.

No. ACT teaches children and teens how to function effectively even when uncomfortable emotions are present.

Yes. Techniques are adapted to developmental level and often involve interactive activities.

The length of counseling varies depending on individual needs and consistency of practice.

Parent involvement may be included, particularly for younger children, to support skill-building at home.

Contact our office to schedule an appointment at either the Cape Girardeau, Farmington, Arnold, or Fenton location.