ACT Isn’t Just “Think Positive”: How ACT Therapy Works in Las Vegas, Nevada
ACT therapy in Las Vegas to help you move forward.
If you’ve ever been told to "just think positively" when you're overwhelmed, anxious, or stuck, you know how unhelpful (and honestly invalidating) that can feel. As a psychologist offering ACT therapy in Las Vegas, Nevada, I often work with clients who’ve tried all the surface-level advice and are still feeling stuck. That’s where ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) comes in, and no, it’s not just about looking on the bright side.
In this blog, we’ll explore what ACT is, why it might be a great fit for you, and how it can be a powerful, research-backed approach to help you build a life that feels meaningful, even when things are hard.
What Is ACT Therapy?
ACT stands for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a type of behavioral therapy that helps you learn how to accept your thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them, while committing to values-based actions that move your life forward.
It’s grounded in the idea that pain is a part of life, but suffering happens when we get tangled up in our thoughts and avoid what matters to us. ACT teaches skills to unhook from those painful thoughts and take action that aligns with what matters to you.
ACT Isn’t About Being "Happy All the Time"
One of the biggest myths I see as a provider of ACT therapy in Las Vegas is the idea that therapy is about "feeling better."
Truth is? It’s more about living better.
In ACT, the goal isn’t to eliminate anxiety or sadness , it’s to help you change your relationship with those experiences so they don’t run your life. Instead of trying to control your emotions (which usually backfires), ACT helps you make space for them and still show up for the things that matter.
What Happens in an ACT Session?
Working with a psychologist trained in ACT therapy in Las Vegas typically includes:
Mindfulness exercises to help you be present without judgment
Cognitive defusion techniques to unhook from unhelpful thoughts
Clarifying your core values, so you know what matters to you
Committed action, taking small steps toward what matters, even if discomfort shows up
These aren't abstract concepts, they're practical, doable steps that help you move forward in your life. You don’t have to wait until you feel "ready."
Real-Life Example: ACT in Action
Let’s say you’re feeling anxious about starting a new job. Your mind is spinning: *"What if I mess up? What if they don't like me?"
In ACT, we might:
Notice and name those thoughts (“Ah, my mind is giving me the ‘I’ll fail’ story again”)
Practice defusion (“I’m noticing I’m having the thought that...”)
Ground in the present moment (simple breathing or sensory grounding)
Clarify what matters (“Why is this job important to you?”)
Take a small action (e.g., prepping your lunch, laying out clothes) that moves you toward your values
What Makes ACT Different From Other Approaches?
Unlike some therapies that focus on changing your thoughts, ACT is about changing your relationship with your thoughts. We’re not playing mental tug-of-war, we’re learning to let go of the rope.
This can be incredibly freeing for people who feel like they’re constantly battling their inner critic.
ACT is also deeply compassionate. It recognizes that we all have pain, and instead of seeing that pain as a problem to fix, it invites us to make space for it, learn from it, and still live a rich and meaningful life.
How ACT Differs from CBT and DBT
Many clients I see in Las Vegas have already tried Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These are effective, research-backed approaches, but ACT takes a different path.
While CBT often focuses on identifying and restructuring distorted thoughts, ACT teaches you how to step back from your thoughts and observe them without needing to change or challenge them. Instead of saying, “How do I make this thought go away?” ACT invites you to say, “I see this thought, and I’m still choosing how I want to show up.”
Similarly, where DBT emphasizes distress tolerance and emotional regulation (especially in the context of intense emotion or trauma), ACT leans into value-driven action, asking: “What do you want your life to stand for, even in the presence of pain?”
If CBT or DBT haven’t quite clicked for you, ACT therapy may offer the shift you’ve been looking for.
ACT for ADHD Brains
If you or your child is navigating ADHD, ACT can be an incredibly supportive approach. Traditional talk therapy can sometimes fall flat when attention is scattered or executive functioning is challenged. ACT, by contrast, meets you where you are, with curiosity and flexibility.
ACT can help ADHD clients:
Notice when their minds are pulling them away from what matters
Use mindfulness to gently return attention to the task or moment
Reduce shame and self-criticism by learning to hold thoughts lightly
Take action before perfection or overwhelm kicks in
As someone who provides both ACT therapy and ADHD evaluations in Las Vegas, I’ve seen how empowering this approach can be.
Clarifying What Really Matters
One of the most powerful parts of ACT is its focus on values, not just goals or symptom relief. We spend real time identifying what kind of person you want to be, what relationships matter, and how you want to move through the world.
From there, we work backward. Rather than chasing “feeling better,” we start asking:
“What does it look like to live better?”
You may notice yourself choosing different responses to stress, speaking up in relationships, or making more aligned choices. These are small but meaningful shifts that ripple out over time.
Therapy doesn’t have to be about fixing something that’s broken. It can be about becoming more fully you. That’s the kind of work we do together in ACT therapy in Las Vegas.
From Awareness to Action! Building Momentum with ACT
Awareness without action can be frustrating. You might already know your patterns, what triggers you, and even what helps, but something still gets in the way.
ACT is about building bridges between insight and action. We don’t just talk, we try things. This flexible, trial-and-error mindset helps reduce fear of failure and makes change feel more doable.
Clients in Las Vegas often tell me ACT helps them finally feel momentum, not from doing more, but from doing what matters.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Therapy isn’t about fixing you. It’s about supporting you.
Working with a psychologist who provides ACT therapy in Las Vegas means you’ll have a guide, someone to walk alongside you as you navigate hard emotions, clarify what matters, and take brave steps forward.
If this sounds like something that might help, I invite you to learn more about how I can support you on your journey.
Ready to Start?
If you’re curious about how ACT could support you, I’d love to chat. I offer a free 15-minute consultation so we can see if it feels like a good fit.
Schedule your free consult here and take the first step toward building a life that reflects your values and supports your growth.
FAQs
1. What is ACT therapy?
ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) helps people accept challenging thoughts and feelings while committing to actions that align with their values.
2. How is ACT different from traditional therapy?
ACT focuses on building psychological flexibility rather than eliminating symptoms, helping you relate to your thoughts in a new way.
3. Is ACT effective for anxiety or ADHD?
Yes. ACT is evidence-based and effective for a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, and ADHD.
4. Can ACT help with perfectionism?
Absolutely. ACT helps you unhook from perfectionistic thinking and act in ways that align with your values.
5. Is ACT therapy available in Las Vegas, Nevada?
Yes! I offer ACT-informed therapy to clients in Las Vegas and would be honored to support you.
6. Do you offer psychological assessments or ADHD testing?
Yes, I provide psychoeducational evaluations and ADHD evaluations in addition to ACT therapy. Learn more here.
7. What should I expect in the first ACT session?
We’ll explore what’s most important to you, what’s getting in the way, and begin learning flexible, values-aligned tools.
8. Can ACT therapy help if I’ve tried other approaches before?
Yes. Many people find ACT refreshing and effective after other modalities haven’t fully clicked.
9. Do you work with adults and teens?
Yes. I offer ACT therapy in Las Vegas to both adults and teens.
10. How do I get started with a psychologist in Las Vegas?
You can schedule a free 15-minute consult here to learn more and ask any questions you might have.
Author’s Bio
Dr. Dasa Jendrusakova, licensed psychologist in Las Vegas.
Dr. Dáša, Jendrusakova, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist offering ACT therapy in Las Vegas, Nevada, along with ADHD evaluations, immigration evaluations, and psychoeducational assessments. She uses a warm, values-based approach to help individuals create meaningful change, develop psychological flexibility, and move through life with greater ease. Learn more on her About page.
