Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Worry, self-doubt, and big feelings can sometimes keep children from doing things they care about. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) helps children and teens make room for these feelings while taking meaningful steps forward. It builds psychological flexibility: the ability to adapt, stay connected to what matters, and choose how to respond.

At YEG Psychology Kids, ACT comes to life through stories, creative activities, and examples children recognize. We meet young people where they are, helping them be kinder to themselves and discover that a difficult feeling does not have to decide what happens next.

How ACT works

A child can feel nervous and still join a game, or feel disappointed and try again. ACT helps young people discover this through mindfulness and behavioural strategies. Sessions may use drawing, games, or metaphors, such as imagining thoughts as passing clouds. The core principles include:

Acceptance: Children learn to notice and make room for difficult feelings. They discover that emotions do not have to disappear before they can take a meaningful step.
Cognitive Defusion: ACT helps children recognize that thoughts are not always facts or instructions. Noticing “I’m having the thought that I can’t do this” can create space to try, even when self-doubt shows up.
Mindfulness: Age-appropriate exercises encourage children to pay attention to the present moment and notice thoughts, feelings, and body sensations with curiosity.
Values Clarification: Young people explore what matters to them, such as friendship, kindness, creativity, or learning. These values help guide their choices.
Commitment to Action: Children practice small steps toward what matters, such as joining an activity, asking for help, or trying again after a setback.

When appropriate, parents and caregivers are involved to support these skills at home and respond to difficult emotions with understanding.

Effective for a Variety of Issues

ACT can support children and teens experiencing:

Anxiety, worry, and stress
Low mood and sadness
Self-criticism, perfectionism, and fear of mistakes
Self-esteem and self-acceptance struggles
School pressures and avoidance of challenging activities
Friendship difficulties, grief, and life changes
Coping with chronic pain or illness

Our therapists consider each child’s needs when deciding whether ACT is a good fit and how to combine it with other approaches.

Why Choose ACT?

Waiting until worry disappears can mean missing out on friendships, activities, or new experiences. ACT helps children take manageable steps toward what matters, even when uncomfortable feelings come along.

Whether your child wants to speak up, make a new friend, or feel less caught in self-doubt, we help them find a starting point. Progress can begin with one small choice that brings them closer to the things they care about.