Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based approach that helps people develop a more flexible and compassionate relationship with their thoughts and emotions, while moving purposefully toward the life they want to live.
Grounded in Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), ACT places greater emphasis on acceptance, mindfulness and personal values — rather than trying to control or eliminate difficult internal experiences. Vivien Suttner offers ACT therapy at her Newtown practice in Sydney's Inner West and via telehealth for clients across NSW. She also sees clients from the Eastern Suburbs, North Shore, Parramatta and Western Sydney.
Instead of getting caught in a struggle with thoughts or feelings, ACT supports clients to notice and make space for them, without judgment. This reduces the impact these experiences have and allows for more flexibility in responding to challenges.
Mindfulness is a core component of ACT. Clients learn practical skills to stay present and engaged in the moment, helping them step out of unhelpful thinking patterns and respond more effectively to situations as they arise.
A key focus of ACT is identifying what truly matters. By clarifying personal values, clients can begin to make choices that are aligned with who they want to be, even when facing discomfort or uncertainty.
Over time, ACT helps build psychological flexibility — the ability to adapt, stay present, and take meaningful action despite life’s inevitable challenges.
Who Can Benefit from ACT?
ACT can be effective for a wide range of difficulties, including anxiety and excessive worry; depression and low mood; chronic pain and long-term health conditions; stress and burnout; grief and significant life transitions; obsessive or rigid thinking patterns; difficulties with self-criticism or perfectionism; and anyone who feels stuck in an ongoing struggle with their own thoughts or emotions. ACT is particularly well suited to people who have tried other approaches and found them helpful but not quite enough — or who are drawn to a therapy that connects practical skills with a deeper sense of meaning and purpose.
ACT with Vivien - What to Expect
Vivien integrates ACT alongside other evidence-based approaches where appropriate, tailoring each course of therapy to the individual's goals and circumstances. Sessions are available in person at the Newtown clinic and via telehealth for clients across NSW. Medicare rebates may apply for eligible clients with a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP) from their GP, covering up to 10 sessions per calendar year under the Better Access initiative.
Vivien Suttner is a registered clinical psychologist with over 25 years of experience, offering individual psychological therapy and assessments for adults and adolescents in Newtown, Sydney and across NSW via telehealth.
She is trained in ACT alongside a broad range of evidence-based approaches including CBT, DBT, Schema Therapy and trauma-focused therapies, integrating them according to what each person actually needs.
Vivien also specialises in comprehensive, evidence-based psychological assessments for individuals presenting with learning, attention, cognitive and behavioural problems.
She focuses on diagnostic accuracy, clarity and practical recommendations that are meaningful for families, schools, GPs and other professionals.
Therapy sessions are available in person and via telehealth, with Medicare rebates available for eligible clients.
Clinical Psychologist with Masters in Educational Psychology, Member of Australian Psychological Society, Fellow of the APS College of Clinical Psychologists
Meet Vivien Suttner
Send an enquiry or request an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Appointment
To discuss whether this form of therapy is right for you, book an assessment or to make a referral, please complete this form and Vivien will be in touch.