Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Specialist Serving Santa Monica, El Segundo CA

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a key treatment approach offered at Dr. Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services for individuals struggling with OCD, anxiety disorders, and related mental health challenges. ACT focuses on mindfulness, acceptance, and behavioral strategies to help patients develop psychological flexibility—an essential skill for managing distressing thoughts, emotions, and behaviors.

Many individuals with OCD and anxiety experience persistent, intrusive thoughts and intense emotional discomfort. ACT teaches patients to accept these difficult experiences rather than fighting or avoiding them, viewing them as temporary events instead of threats. This shift reduces the power of negative thoughts and decreases avoidance and compulsive behaviors.

In addition, ACT emphasizes clarifying and reconnecting with personal values, guiding patients to engage in meaningful actions that reflect what matters most to them. This values-based approach fosters resilience and improves overall well-being.

The primary goal of ACT at our practice is to empower patients to adapt effectively to life’s challenges and live fulfilling, meaningful lives. Supported by evidence, ACT has proven effective in treating OCD, anxiety, depression, and stress-related conditions. We provide compassionate, personalized care to help individuals build emotional strength and lead richer lives.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) at Dr. Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services helps individuals with OCD, anxiety, and related mental health conditions by promoting psychological flexibility. This approach teaches patients to accept intrusive thoughts and uncomfortable emotions rather than avoiding or resisting them, reducing the distress and anxiety often associated with these experiences.

Mindfulness is a core element of ACT, guiding patients to observe their thoughts and feelings non-judgmentally and stay present. Regular mindfulness practice improves emotional regulation and decreases reactivity to distressing thoughts, which is especially helpful in managing obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

ACT also focuses on clarifying personal values and encouraging actions aligned with those values, even when difficult emotions or obsessive thoughts arise. Our team helps patients identify what matters most to them and supports them in developing meaningful goals and behaviors that foster resilience and life satisfaction.

By combining acceptance, mindfulness, and value-driven behavior, ACT equips patients with effective tools to manage psychological challenges. This therapy empowers individuals to adapt to life’s difficulties, reduce symptoms of OCD, anxiety, and depression, and build a fulfilling, balanced life. At our practice, we offer compassionate, evidence-based care to support each patient’s journey toward emotional well-being.

We utilize Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) as an effective and evidence-based treatment approach tailored specifically to the unique needs of individuals experiencing OCD, anxiety, and related psychological concerns. ACT is typically delivered as a short-term intervention, with the exact number of sessions adjusted according to each patient’s specific circumstances, therapy goals, and the complexity of their presenting issues.

On average, patients attending our practice engage in approximately 8 to 16 ACT therapy sessions, with sessions typically scheduled on a weekly basis. Each session lasts about 45 to 60 minutes, providing focused, individualized care designed to help patients develop practical and meaningful strategies to manage symptoms effectively and improve overall psychological flexibility.

The duration of ACT therapy at our practice depends upon various factors, including symptom severity, the patient’s level of engagement and responsiveness to treatment, and collaboratively established therapeutic goals. For some individuals, therapy at Dr. Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services can be relatively brief, emphasizing targeted skill development and coping strategies for immediate relief and symptom management. Others may benefit from a more extended treatment duration, particularly when addressing complex, longstanding or multiple interrelated issues.

At our practice, we are committed to a patient-centered approach, ensuring that the length and frequency of ACT sessions are regularly evaluated and adjusted collaboratively between therapist and patient. This ongoing evaluation helps us ensure continued progress and achievement of meaningful therapeutic outcomes tailored precisely to each individual’s unique needs and goals.

During an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) session at Dr. Flanigan Landeros OCD & Psychological Services, you can expect a personalized, supportive experience tailored to your unique needs, especially if you are managing OCD, anxiety, or related conditions. Each session begins with an open, collaborative conversation where you and your therapist discuss your current challenges, personal values, and therapy goals. This foundation ensures that treatment aligns with what matters most to you.

Our approach emphasizes creating a safe, non-judgmental space where you can explore difficult thoughts, emotions, and behaviors openly. You will engage in experiential exercises, mindfulness practices, guided imagery, and metaphor-based techniques designed to help you respond differently to intrusive thoughts and anxiety-provoking situations. These exercises aim to build psychological flexibility and reduce distress.

A key part of therapy involves identifying and clarifying your core values—those guiding principles that give your life meaning and purpose. Together, you will set meaningful goals and work toward committed actions that reflect these values.

Rather than trying to eliminate uncomfortable thoughts or feelings, ACT teaches you to accept and coexist with them while making conscious choices aligned with your values. This approach fosters emotional resilience, reduces distress, and improves your overall functioning, supporting lasting change and well-being.

Ultimately, ACT sessions at our mental health clinic aim to empower you to lead a meaningful, fulfilling life—even when encountering difficult emotions or experiences—by cultivating acceptance, flexibility, and purposeful action toward your valued goals. 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.