Our Drug & Alcohol Rehab
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Massachusetts
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based therapeutic approach that helps individuals move through pain, not around it. At Northstar Recovery Center, we use ACT to support individuals facing addiction, mental health challenges, or both. By helping you build psychological flexibility, practice mindfulness, and take meaningful action, you can move toward achieving the life you want to live.
What is ACT?
ACT (pronounced as a single word, not initials) blends mindfulness strategies with behavior change principles. Instead of trying to control or eliminate difficult thoughts and feelings, ACT teaches you how to accept them without judgment while maintaining your core values.
ACT helps you:
- Unhook from unhelpful or self-critical thoughts
- Accept uncomfortable emotions rather than avoid them
- Clarify personal values and long-term goals
- Take committed action in the direction of a more meaningful life
This approach is especially helpful for people struggling with shame, avoidance, emotional numbness, or perfectionism—all of which are common in both addiction and mental health disorders.
Northstar Recovery Center
ACT for Addiction, Mental Health, and Dual Diagnosis
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy is just one of the many therapeutic approaches integrated into your personalized treatment plan.
For Substance Use Disorders
ACT helps individuals reduce the internal struggle that fuels addiction. Instead of trying to suppress cravings or pain, you will learn to notice those urges without acting on them. This helps build a more values-driven life in recovery.
For Mental Health Conditions
ACT is effective in treating anxiety, depression, grief, PTSD, and more. You will learn to stop fighting your thoughts and emotions, and instead relate to them with awareness and acceptance.
For Co-Occurring Disorders
ACT offers a powerful framework for people living with both substance use and mental health challenges. It creates room for healing by shifting focus away from control and toward committed, values-based living.
Get Help With Recovery Costs
Most Major Insurances Accepted
We are in-network with major insurance providers and accept most plans. Fill out the form on the right for a no obligation benefit verification. We’ll help you understand exactly what (if any) out of pocket costs will be. If we don’t accept your insurance, we work closely with facilities who do and will recommend the best treatment option for your insurance coverage.
Our Treatment Program
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy at Northstar
In ACT therapy at Northstar, you’ll explore six core processes.
- Cognitive Defusion – observing thoughts without getting entangled in them
- Acceptance – making room for painful emotions and sensations
- Present-Moment Awareness – grounding yourself in the here and now
- Self-as-Context – seeing yourself as more than your thoughts, emotions, or past
- Values Clarification – identifying what truly matters to you
- Committed Action – taking steps aligned with those values, even in the face of discomfort
You will be able to practice these skills with your clinician and other clients, so that you can apply them in the real world.
Northstar Recovery Center
Acceptance Is the First Step Toward Change
While recovery isn’t easy, it doesn’t need to be a constant battle. ACT at Northstar Recovery Center offers a path forward that honors your pain, centers your values, and empowers your next steps. Get in touch to learn more.
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Begin Your Journey Today
Contact Us to Begin Your Recovery
If you or a loved one is ready to explore treatment options, Northstar Recovery Center is here to walk with you every step of the way. Our dedicated team is available 24/7 and understands the complex emotional and physical challenges of addiction and mental health disorders. You don’t have to do this alone.
Call us today or fill out our simple online form to connect with a member of our admissions team.