Acceptance and stepping back from thoughts
Making room for difficult feelings, while learning to notice thoughts as thoughts rather than commands or unquestionable facts. In ACT, this includes cognitive defusion.
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ACT psychotherapy · Zrenjanin and online
ACT psychotherapy and psychological counselling.
We begin by understanding the difficulty and assessing personality and patterns of functioning. Together we then define clear goals and track changes in behaviour and day-to-day functioning, so progress matters beyond the session.
The foundation
What is ACT psychotherapy?
In my psychological counselling and psychotherapeutic work, I draw, among other approaches, on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). ACT aims to strengthen psychological flexibility: the ability to stay in contact with our experience and choose actions that reflect our values, even when uncomfortable thoughts and feelings are present.
ACT psychotherapy is not simply about trying to eliminate every unpleasant emotion. We explore what a person does when difficulties arise, the consequences of those responses, and what might help them move towards the life they want to build.
Attention and perspective
Practising present-moment awareness and a more flexible perspective on ourselves, rather than being defined entirely by our current mood or personal narrative.
Values and committed action
Clarifying what matters and what that looks like in everyday behaviour. Commitment means choosing manageable, meaningful steps, not forcing constant productivity.
The goal of psychotherapy is change that matters in everyday life.
Understanding a problem is important, but insight alone is not the endpoint. I pay particular attention to changes in behaviour: approaching previously avoided situations, returning to meaningful activities, setting boundaries, or responding differently in relationships. These are concrete indicators of progress. Accepting difficult feelings does not mean giving up on change.
Tailored to the individual
We do not all start in the same place
ACT psychotherapy does not follow one fixed sequence for everyone. The starting point depends on the difficulty, its context, and the patterns that keep it going. These examples show how psychotherapeutic work may begin in different situations.
Low mood and withdrawal
Starting with manageable activity
When low motivation, withdrawal, and loss of daily structure are prominent, gradual behavioural activation may be a useful starting point. We choose small, realistic actions connected to personal values, rather than waiting for motivation to arrive first. We also address the thoughts and emotions that can make these steps difficult.
Anxiety and avoidance
Less struggle, more room to act
We explore what happens when we try to control or avoid discomfort at any cost. At an agreed pace, we then practise approaching meaningful situations, even when some anxiety is present.
Relationships and life difficulties
Recognising patterns and trying different responses
In relationships, life transitions, and recurring conflicts, it can help to explore habitual patterns, emotions, boundaries, and values. We are interested not only in “why” but also in what could be done differently.
From assessment to review
What does psychotherapy involve?
I do not rely solely on how one session feels. Psychotherapy begins with an initial assessment and agreed goals. Throughout the process, we review whether meaningful changes are happening and how substantial they are.
Initial personality assessment
We start by discussing your concerns, life circumstances, and previous ways of coping. The initial phase also includes psychological personality testing to build a fuller picture of your patterns of responding and provide a foundation for an individual plan.
Goals and behavioural change
Based on the assessment, we agree on practical goals. Our work focuses on changes that matter to you: returning to meaningful activities, reducing avoidance, responding differently in relationships, or acting more consistently with your values.
Evaluation and monitoring progress
During psychotherapy, we periodically review the intensity of difficulties, everyday functioning, and progress towards agreed goals. Conversation, appropriate questionnaires, and behavioural indicators help us assess the extent and quality of change and adjust our approach when needed.
Next step
Considering psychotherapy?
If you are dealing with low mood, anxiety, relationship difficulties, or a life transition, you can get in touch and briefly describe what has been happening. We can discuss how psychological counselling or ACT-informed psychotherapy might fit your situation.