Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Services
Dr. Warner specializes in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. She offers individual adult therapy, couples, therapy, and group workshops. Click the info button to find out more:
What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy or ACT (pronounced like "act") is a very effective model of treatment, but many people don't know much about it. It is similar to cognitive-behavioral therapy in some ways, but very different in others.
It may be helpful for you to know a little more about this therapy model and why I choose to practice it. Here is an explanation I really like from one of my favorite ACT authors, Dr. Russ Harris:
ACT is a scientifically-based therapy that takes its name from one of its core messages: accept what's out of your personal control and commit to taking action that improves your life.
And the aim of ACT is basically very simple: to help you create a rich, full, and meaningful life while effectively handling the pain and stress that goes with it.
ACT achieves this in two main ways. First, it helps you develop psychological skills to deal with your painful thoughts and feelings more effectively, in such a way that they have much less impact and influence over you. We call these "mindfulness skills."
Second, ACT helps you clarify what is truly important and meaningful to you – what we call your "values" – and then use that knowledge to guide, inspire, and motivate you when making changes in your life.
— from Harris, ACT Made Simple
How does ACT work?
I will be giving you a set of short forms to complete when we begin our work together. These questionnaires will help us identify automatic thoughts and beliefs that arise, as well as how much you struggle with these thoughts or beliefs. We will also begin to identify your values and the goals you want to reach along the path to your valued life.
ACT is a very interactive therapy. We will talk a lot, but we will also practice the skills we talk about in session. You will be asked to practice these skills outside of session too, because that is where the changes you want to make will really count. We will practice mindfulness skills and different exercises to help you gain some distance from troubling thoughts, feelings, or images so we can really look at them and work on those psychological flexibility skills described above.
Some of the things we practice may seem a little odd or even a little funny at times. This is okay! Along the way, I will always ask you if you are willing to try something, and you can always say no. However, some amazing things can happen when we step outside our comfort zones a little, and you reading this right now is the first step.
Individual Adult Psychotherapy
Individual psychotherapy can be helpful for a wide range of issues, such as anxiety, depression, relationship struggles, or difficulty adjusting to important life changes. Sometimes there is not a specific clinical problem, but you may simply feel that you could be more effective and engaged in your life.
In individual psychotherapy, a safe and supportive professional relationship is formed, allowing you to explore thoughts, feelings, and beliefs that are preventing growth and adjustment. Therapy is an active and interactive process, in which we work together to identify core values and current barriers, and then develop concrete goals to achieve in the service of living in alignment with your values.
Couples Therapy
Couples therapy can help both members of the couple learn to listen and respond more authentically to one another, problem-solve more effectively, and rediscover the joy in their relationship. The focus of couples therapy sessions is on helping couples learn to work as a team, in the context of a safe and supportive professional experience.
Workshops/Group Therapy
Short-term workshops or group therapy sessions are available and offerings vary. Please visit our Facebook page for the latest offerings.
Mindful Parenting for Parents of Younger Children – Parenting is wonderful and stressful! Learn how to embrace the joy in parenting your young child in this workshop.
Mindful Parenting for Parents of Children with Special Needs – Learn how to cope more flexibly with stress and change, and discover the joy in your family during this workshop.
Coping with Stress Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – This workshop teaches ways of effectively handling stress and worry.