Oakland Psychotherapy & Online Counseling
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
What is Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |What it’s like to work with Chloe | What to talk about in therapy
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
I choose to use Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) because it doesn’t waste energy on trying to change or get rid of thoughts. Why? Because that’s impossible.
ACT helps us refocus our attention on helpful aspects of our thoughts or use mindfulness to let them pass by if they are unhelpful.
In therapy, you will learn how to acknowledge all your thoughts and feelings so you can validate them, not run away from them. It’s counter intuitive to focus on hard things but ACT will help you make room for every part of yourself.
Reframing emotions as “uncomfortable”, instead of “bad” or “negative”, is key to living a full, meaningful life.
We feel how we feel. Acceptance & Commitment Therapy assists us to make room for our feelings, both difficult and pleasant.
ACT teaches us how to DO things and BE someone we’re proud of.
Learn how to make choices that will give your life purpose. Spend time doing things that you value. Prioritize what is most important to you.
Oakland Therapist - Chloe Demisch, LCSW
Candor + Care
I use a warm and friendly approach with my clients. You as my client want to feel comfortable and understood. I am not a buttoned-up “suit and tie” kind of gal.
A familiar and optimistic style tends to fit best with clients who seek my help. In therapy sessions, I balance support, care, and honesty, with a dash of humor.
Using everyday language and avoiding overly complicated psychological jargon helps us be on the same page.
I find what makes you unique and capitalize on that.
Every client has different strengths and preferences. I am skilled at meeting you where you are at.
I am not perfect and have often been through many of the same struggles you are dealing with. I will bring my experience working through these issues to help you never feel alone.
Creating an inviting and safe space is crucial to a good therapist. I am here for your ups and downs. Especially the downs.
There is nothing you could say that will shock me.
With a decade of experience in mental health clinics, jails, and halfway homes, I have helped people at their darkest moments. I am ready and eager to jump into the hard stuff with you.
Validation is key to our work together.
I will not try to “fix”. I will listen. I will be with you on the journey. Problem-solving has it’s place in therapy but first I want to help you feel heard and understood.
You are the expert on your life.
I’m here to help you identify patterns. Provide an outside perspective. Find connections between your feelings and thoughts. To help you be your best self.
Experienced ACT Therapist in Oakland -Chloe Demisch, LCSW
My expertise is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). I have completed numerous ACT trainings and have facilitated several Acceptance and Commitment Therapy trainings as well.
I first learned about ACT while working at UCSF and found it to be superior to other methodologies because the focus is on ACTION. Processing, venting, and analyzing thoughts and feelings are all fine and good…. but personally, I want my clients to see some results! And that’s exactly what has happened for all of my clients, and I want you to be next!
ACT has been scientifically proven to be effective with all kinds of mental health issues:
depression
addiction
chronic pain
weight loss
low confidence
phobias
And the best part is the results are long lasting. You will be able to apply the ACT skills and techniques I teach you to all your ups and downs, ins and outs, and in-between!
What to talk about in ACT therapy
Many clients come to therapy not sure what to talk about. Understandably so. It’s odd to share your deepest, darkest secrets with a stranger!
Therapy with me will feel comforting and safe.
I use a natural, relaxed style with clients. Inviting you to open up at your own pace. Curiosity, open-mindedness, and support are my middle name.
I am skilled at tailoring my therapy style to fit YOU.
Some clients prefer a more structured approach, some enjoy an educational style. Some people really just need someone to listen to them. Others want lots of questions.
Meeting you where you’re at is key.
We will find what works best for you to help you get the results you want. I will take the lead when necessary to promote growth and insight. Checking in with you frequently about how you are feeling during session is important in creating a safe space.
It’s OK if you don’t know what you want.
I use special skills and techniques in therapy to help you sort, clarify, and understand your unique needs and desires. You will come away with answers and direction.
Working with ambivalence, uncertainty, and confusion is my specialty.
Using Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) we will review pros and cons, figure out what’s most important to you, understand what drives you and move forward from there. Change is hard, even if it’s for the better. My training in ACT will allow you to come to your own conclusions, with my guidance to keep you on track.
Book today and receive a free 10-minute consultation