Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Depression
Building a Life Filled with Vitality and Meaning
CBT and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) are evidence-based treatments that help reduce depressed mood by increasing meaningful activity, shifting unhelpful thinking patterns, and building practical coping skills. Depression often pulls people into cycles of withdrawal, low energy, self-criticism, and avoidance. Our work focuses on gently interrupting those cycles.
Treatment may include behavioral activation (re-engaging with activities and relationships that bring joy, meaning, or accomplishment), cognitive strategies to challenge or step back from harsh self-judgments, values-based goal setting, problem-solving skills, mindfulness and self-soothing strategies, and real-life behavioral practice. Rather than relying on insight alone, we actively support clients in applying these skills in everyday situations.
Our approach is:
* Goal-focused and often time-limited.
* Available in individual and family-based formats.
* Centered on emotional education—helping clients identify triggers for irritability and low mood, and manage difficult emotions with effective coping strategies.
* Focused on building energy and momentum through structured behavioral activation.
* Designed to help clients relate differently to self-critical or hopeless thoughts while moving steadily toward personally meaningful values and goals.
* Active and collaborative—we teach skills and help practice them in real-life situations to build confidence and follow-through.
* Family-inclusive when working with youth, helping parents recognize patterns that may unintentionally reinforce withdrawal or irritability and equipping them with tools to support their child’s independence and resilience.