ACT Isn’t Just “Think Positive”: How This Therapy Works in Real Life
ACT with your psychologist in Ventura
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 in Ventura, I often work with clients who have 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 psychologist in Ventura 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 in Ventura 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
Why ACT Might Be Right for You
ACT is especially helpful if you:
Struggle with anxiety, stress, or overthinking
Deal with ADHD and find yourself feeling scattered or stuck
Have a history of avoidance or perfectionism
Are going through a life transition
Want to feel more grounded and purposeful in your daily life
And as a psychologist in Ventura who also offers psychoeducational and ADHD evaluations, I find that ACT pairs beautifully with insight-based assessments, helping clients actually integrate what they learn.
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 work with in Ventura have already tried Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). These are both effective, research-backed modalities, but ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) takes a different approach.
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 felt like the right fit, ACT might offer a new path forward. As a psychologist in Ventura, I often weave together elements of these modalities based on what works best for you, but ACT has a uniquely empowering and compassionate feel that many clients really connect with.
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 a psychologist in Ventura specializing in ADHD testing and evaluation, I love how ACT empowers clients to notice their experience without judgment, and build habits that align with what matters most to them.
How ACT Helps You Clarify What Really Matters
One of the most powerful parts of ACT is its focus on values, not just goals or symptom relief. In fact, 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, and why I love offering this approach as a psychologist in Ventura.
From Awareness to Action! How ACT Builds Momentum?
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. We practice, tweak, get curious, and experiment. This flexible, trial-and-error mindset helps reduce fear of failure and makes change feel more doable.
When clients in Ventura come to me feeling stuck or stagnant, ACT often unlocks that sense of momentum. You don’t need to be “perfect” or have it all figured out. You just need to be willing to take one step, however small, toward the life you want to live.
You Don’t Have to Do It Alone
Therapy isn’t about fixing you. It’s about supporting you.
Working with a psychologist in Ventura trained in ACT means you’ll have a guide, someone who can walk alongside you as you navigate tough emotions, clarify what matters, and take brave, meaningful 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? Let’s Talk.
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 stands for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a mindfulness-based approach that helps you accept difficult thoughts and emotions while taking meaningful action.
2. How is ACT different from traditional therapy?
ACT focuses on building psychological flexibility rather than eliminating symptoms. It helps you relate to your thoughts differently instead of trying to change or control them.
3. Is ACT effective for anxiety or ADHD?
Yes. ACT has been shown to be effective for a wide range of conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and stress-related issues.
4. Can ACT help with perfectionism?
Absolutely. ACT helps you unhook from perfectionistic thinking and align your actions with what really matters to you.
5. Is ACT therapy available in Ventura?
Yes! I offer ACT-informed therapy in Ventura and would be honored to support you.
6. Do you offer psychological assessments or ADHD testing?
Yes, I provide psychoeducational evaluations and ADHD assessments. Learn more here.
7. What should I expect in the first ACT session?
We’ll explore what’s important to you, what’s getting in the way, and begin learning simple tools to increase awareness and flexibility.
8. Can ACT help if I’ve tried therapy before?
Many people find ACT helpful even if other approaches haven’t worked. It offers a fresh perspective and skills you can actually use.
9. Do you work with adults and teens?
Yes, I work with both teens and adults in Ventura who are navigating anxiety, stress, life transitions, or ADHD.
10. How do I get started with a psychologist in Ventura?
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 clinical psychologist in Ventura,
Dr. Dáša, Jendrusakova, PsyD, is a licensed psychologist in Ventura, CA, offering ACT therapy, psychological evaluations, and immigration evaluations. Her approach is warm, collaborative, and grounded in evidence-based practices that support long-term growth and change. Learn more on her About page.
