What Is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

At Dr. Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, we offer Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as a powerful tool to help individuals manage Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and other psychological challenges. ACT is a modern, evidence-based form of psychotherapy that is particularly effective for individuals who struggle with unwanted thoughts, compulsions, anxiety, and difficult emotions.

Unlike traditional approaches that focus on eliminating intrusive thoughts or suppressing anxiety, ACT teaches our clients how to accept these experiences as a normal part of life. Our compassionate therapist, Dr. Katie Flanigan will guide you in learning how to observe your thoughts and feelings without judgment—an approach called mindfulness. This skill is especially valuable for individuals with OCD, as it helps reduce the power and influence of obsessive thoughts and the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors.

A core aspect of ACT at our practice is helping you clarify what is truly important in your life—your personal values. Whether your goals involve relationships, career, health, or personal growth, we work together to identify these guiding values. Once they are clear, ACT supports you in taking meaningful, committed actions that move you toward the life you want, even when uncomfortable thoughts and feelings are present.

ACT helps increase what psychologists call “psychological flexibility”—the ability to respond to difficult thoughts and emotions in healthier ways and to make choices that align with your values rather than out of fear or avoidance. Our goal at Dr. Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services is to empower you to live a more fulfilling and meaningful life, even in the presence of OCD symptoms or other psychological challenges.

At Dr. Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, we specialize in evidence-based treatments for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related psychological concerns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is one of the effective approaches we offer to help clients manage a variety of emotional and behavioral challenges.

ACT may be especially beneficial for individuals experiencing distress related to OCD, anxiety, depression, chronic stress, or persistent negative thoughts. Many people with OCD or anxiety find themselves caught in cycles of trying to control or suppress unwanted thoughts and feelings—often leading to even greater distress. ACT helps break this cycle by teaching skills to accept uncomfortable thoughts and emotions, rather than fighting them, and to focus on actions that align with your personal values.

ACT can also support individuals coping with chronic pain, substance use issues, or those who feel “stuck” even after trying other therapies. If you are open to exploring how your thoughts and behaviors impact your well-being, and are willing to try mindfulness exercises and commit to value-driven changes, you may find ACT especially helpful.

At Dr. Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, we tailor ACT, adapting the approach based on each person’s developmental stage and unique needs. Our experienced clinicians will work with you to determine if ACT is the best fit for your therapeutic goals, whether you’re seeking support for OCD, anxiety, or other psychological challenges.

At Dr. Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, we understand that living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other psychological challenges can feel overwhelming. That’s why we offer Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a modern, evidence-based treatment designed to help you build a healthier relationship with your thoughts and feelings.

ACT is particularly well-suited for individuals struggling with OCD, anxiety, depression, and trauma. Rather than encouraging you to suppress or avoid distressing thoughts, ACT helps you accept them as a natural part of your internal experience. This approach can reduce the power these thoughts have over your life, decreasing symptoms and emotional distress.

Through ACT, our clients learn to identify their core values and commit to actions that reflect those values, even in the presence of uncomfortable feelings. This process can help you reconnect with what matters most, restoring a sense of meaning and motivation, even when OCD or anxiety makes daily life difficult.

Research shows that ACT can improve psychological flexibility and resilience, helping you adapt to life’s challenges more effectively. For those with chronic conditions, including chronic pain or persistent anxiety, ACT shifts the focus from eliminating symptoms to living a rich, meaningful life alongside them.

Our therapy sessions emphasize mindfulness and present-moment awareness, empowering you to break free from negative thinking patterns and become more engaged in each moment. These practical skills support long-term emotional regulation, personal growth, and overall well-being.

At Dr. Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, we are dedicated to providing compassionate, individualized care. ACT is just one of the ways we help you move toward a fuller, more authentic life—no matter what challenges you face.

At Dr. Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, we understand that every individual’s journey with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is unique. The length of ACT treatment can vary based on your personal needs, the severity of your symptoms, and your specific mental health goals, especially when working with challenges like OCD or anxiety.

For some clients, noticeable improvements may occur within just a few sessions, while others benefit from a longer course of therapy over several months. Generally, ACT is considered a short- to medium-term approach, often structured as 8 to 16 weekly sessions. However, your treatment plan at our practice will be flexible and customized to your progress, preferences, and goals.

Several factors influence the timeline, including:

• The nature and intensity of the issues being addressed (such as OCD, anxiety, or related concerns)
• Your consistency in practicing new skills between sessions
• Your overall response to therapy


Some clients may find ongoing or occasional “booster” sessions helpful, even after achieving their initial goals, to maintain progress and reinforce coping skills.

At Dr. Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, Dr. Katie Flanigan will collaborate closely with you—regularly reviewing your goals and progress—to ensure your ACT experience is tailored to your evolving needs. Open communication about your expectations will help us create the most effective and supportive treatment plan for you. For more information, contact us or schedule an appointment online. We are conveniently located at 400 Continental Blvd FL 6, Suite A El Segundo, CA 90245. We serve patients from El Segundo CA, Santa Monica CA, Inglewood CA, Gardena CA, Torrance CA, Hawthorne CA, Culver City CA, Westmont CA, West Los Angeles CA and surrounding areas.