types of therapy

acceptance and commitment therapy

acceptance commitment therapy melbourne

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is an evidenced-based therapy and an extension of Mindfulness Therapy. It is an ‘ACTive’ approach to help you define and create a satisfying and meaningful life. You will learn with your psychologist ways to effectively manage difficult thoughts, feelings, memories, sensations and urges. It will help you manage stressful or difficult life events or difficult relationships. ACT also teaches ways to stop self-defeating behaviours. This makes you calmer, more satisfied and more empowered. Focus is given to making wise choices that are in line with your values. 

Generally, it is useful to commit to six sessions then assess whether you need further support. If you need fewer or more sessions, that’s fine too – it is a collaborative process. 

What Is ACT Used To Treat?

ACT has been clinically proven to work for a wide range of psychological problems and self-development. These include:

  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Low self-esteem
  • Trauma
  • Pain
  • Chronic health conditions
  • Adjustment to stressful life events
  • General self development
  • Drug or alcohol use
  • Serious mental illness (such as Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, Personality Disorders)

Who Is ACT Appropriate For?

ACT has been found to be very helpful for:

  • Adolescents
  • Young adults
  • Adults

Further information: ACTMindfully

Catalyst Psychologists using this therapy are:

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Ready to make an appointment, or have any questions? Call us on 0468 637 413 and we can help.

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Sheida Badiee

Consultant Counselling Psychologist
Endorsed in Counselling Psychology and Board-Approved Supervisor
B.A. (Behavioural Science, Hons), M. Psych (Counselling). 

I have 12 years of experience in counselling adolescents and adults, to help them improve their relationships, their wellbeing and their mood. I enjoy working with people from all walks of life and assisting them through challenging circumstances. I have been designing and providing training for many years, as well as supervising other Psychologists, and really enjoy this work. Helping students improve their study skills has been a particular focus, especially at my time at Swinburne University Student Counselling.

I use a number of evidenced-based therapies including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy, Emotion Focussed Therapy, and social and study skills training.

  • Adolescents (13yrs +)
  • Adults
  • Adjustment
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Phobias
  • Stress
  • Studying issues and study skills
  • Bereavement, grief and loss
  • Relationship issues (peer, partner, family)
  • Self-harm and suicidal ideation
  • Trauma and PTSD
  • Domestic violence
  • Workplace issues
  • Body image and eating issues

I am endorsed by the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency (APHRA) in Counselling Psychology and am a Board-Approved Supervisor. See the AHPRA Register of Health Practitioners.

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Jenna Miller

Educational and Developmental Psychologist
B.A, Adv Dip (Psych), M. Psych (Edu and Dev), MAPS

Jenna is a warm, collaborative and engaging therapist, passionate about working with and supporting people across the lifespan (childhood through to adulthood). Jenna completed her training with a Masters of Educational and Developmental Psychology at Monash University, and has several years of experience working in primary schools and private practice. 

Jenna has a particular interest in working with children, adolescents and families to provide psychological support on a range of issues, including mental health and developmental challenges. Jenna uses a strengths-based, person-centred approach to help find ways to best support families and clients reach their potential. Jenna is also passionate about applying a neurodiversity affirming lens to her work, while using a variety of evidence-based interventions such as Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Motivational Interviewing (MI) to achieve desired outcomes.

Jenna has extensive assessment experience, helping to identify various mental health, behavioural, and developmental neuro-types including Specific Learning Disorders such as Dyslexia, Autism, and Attention Deficit Hyperactive Disorder (ADHD). Jenna enjoys providing ongoing support to clients and their families after an assessment or diagnosis, particularly working collaboratively with clients, parents, and teachers to help best support her clients across settings.

  • Children 3yrs +
  • Adolescents
  • Young Adults
  • Adults (up to 65 yrs)
  • Autism and Developmental Disorders
  • ADHD
  • Mild ID
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Phobias
  • OCD
  • Adjustment
  • Relationship issues (peer and family)
  • Bullying
  • Parenting
  • Learning Difficulties
  • Giftedness
  • Somatic Symptoms
  • Behavioural problems
  • Divorce, separation and
  • Studying issues
  • Assessments of Learning Ability (including Cognition/Intelligence), Educational Attainment, Specific Learning Disorders, Giftedness and Developmental Disorders (ADHD, Autism etc)
  • NDIS Self-Funding and NDIS Plan-Managing clients

I am a member of the Australian Psychological Society and am registered with AHPRA as an Educational & Developmental Psychologist.

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