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Chicago Integrative Psychotherapy

ACT Therapy — Hero
A calm, grounded space reflecting the practice of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT Therapy · Andersonville, Chicago

Make space.
Take action.
Come home to yourself.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based approach to building psychological flexibility, so difficult thoughts and feelings stop running the show, and you can move toward the life you want to be living.

Our Approach

We meet you with presence and curiosity, walking alongside you as you come to understand yourself more fully.

Book a Session
Rooted in ACT
In-person in Andersonville
Virtual across Illinois
Accepting new clients
Section 1 — Problem Recognition

Does any of this sound familiar?

Fighting your own thoughts. Avoiding what feels uncomfortable, only to have it show up somewhere else. Doing everything right and still feeling stuck. You do not need the right words for it here. You only need to be willing to look at it.

Fighting your own thoughts Avoiding what feels uncomfortable Stuck in your head Disconnected from what matters Doing everything right and still feeling stuck Wanting to feel present again Feeling stuck Burnout
Section 2 — Reframe / Permission
A calm, grounded space reflecting the practice of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
A Common Question

Is there a therapy that doesn't try to make the discomfort go away first?

No. ACT is not about waiting until the anxiety disappears, or until you finally feel confident enough. It is about making space for discomfort while still moving toward what matters to you. Maybe the fear is still there. Maybe the old story in your head has not gone quiet.

You can take a step forward anyway. The goal was never to eliminate discomfort. It was to stop letting it run the show.

Suffering often comes not from pain itself, but from our attempts to avoid it.

Take the First Step →
Section 3 - What ACT Can Help You Build
Where To Begin

What does ACT help you build?

ACT is not about fixing yourself. It is about coming into fuller contact with your experience, exactly as it is, so you can move toward a life aligned with what matters to you. It works through six interwoven processes.

Tap what resonates with you.

Making space for difficult feelings

Learning to sit with anxiety, sadness, or fear instead of pushing it away.

Getting unhooked from your thoughts

Noticing the story your mind tells you, without having to believe it.

Staying present

Building the capacity to stay grounded in the moment, even when it is uncomfortable.

Stepping back from the story

Learning to observe your experience rather than being consumed by it.

Getting clear on what matters

Naming what truly matters to you, connection, honesty, courage, and letting that guide you.

Taking meaningful action

Small, values-aligned steps forward, even when fear or uncertainty is present.

Section 4 - Our Approach (Flip Cards)
A calm, grounded setting reflecting the practice of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Our Approach

How does Acceptance and Commitment Therapy work?

ACT works through six interwoven processes that build psychological flexibility, the capacity to stay present, open up, and move toward what matters, even in the face of difficulty.

Hover or tap a card to learn more.

1–2

Acceptance & Mindfulness

Learn More

Making space for difficult thoughts and feelings while staying grounded in the present moment, rather than fighting or avoiding them.

Flip Back

3–4

Defusion & Self-As-Context

Learn More

Gaining distance from unhelpful thoughts, like "I'm not good enough," and learning to observe your experience rather than being consumed by it.

Flip Back

5–6

Values & Committed Action

Learn More

Getting clear on what truly matters to you, then taking small, meaningful steps in that direction, even when fear or uncertainty is present.

Flip Back

Section 5 - What Happens After You Book
Getting Started

How do I start therapy?

Starting therapy does not have to feel like a leap. The path forward is just three steps.

01

Fill Out the Form

This step is simple, share a few details so we can start checking your insurance benefits, gather therapist options and available times, and follow up to talk through how we can help.

02

A First Conversation

Your first conversation is a chance to share what brought you here and find the right ACT-trained therapist fit among our team. No pressure to have it all figured out beforehand.

03

Build the Work Together

From there, we draw from ACT's core practices, acceptance, defusion, values work, and committed action, meeting at a pace that works for you.

Section 6 - Is This the Right Fit
Fit & Format

Is this the right fit for you?

There is no single kind of person who walks through this door. Therapy here is built to flex around you.

Tap what fits your situation.

Are you new to therapy, or coming back?
New to therapy Returning after time away
How would you like to meet?
In person in Andersonville Virtual anywhere in Illinois
What are you looking for?
Short-term support Long-term growth

Every identity and background is welcome here, exactly as you are.

A calm, welcoming space reflecting the fit and format of ACT therapy

Section - Insurance Accepted
Insurance & Access

Do we accept your insurance?

We are in-network with the following plans. If your insurance is not listed, we also offer sliding scale options, reach out and we will help you figure out what fits.

Aetna
Cigna
Blue Cross Blue Shield

Have questions about coverage or cost? Reach out, we're happy to help.

Section 7 - Credibility with Review Carousel
In Their Words

What does it feel like to work with us?

Every therapist here brings extensive training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, alongside other evidence-based, third-wave behavioral approaches including DBT, MBCT, and MBSR.

What Clients Are Saying

★★★★★

Worked with Laura for several years and it is not an understatement to say it was one of the best decisions I have ever made. She is incredibly skilled in her craft and created a safe yet challenging environment to explore and grow.

Gabrielle Murray
★★★★★

I've attended meditation group here and always appreciate the peaceful feeling that radiates through the space. Anuj and Laura are both kind and dedicated professionals.

Casey Clague
★★★★★

Laura is an amazing therapist and I really value the work we are doing. She is extremely knowledgeable and able to guide me in the right direction in a very skillful manner.

Adam Kohen
★★★★★

I absolutely adore my therapist Ethan, they have helped me deal with the issues going on in my life and I am truly happy with them.

John Derenoski
★★★★★

I recently started working with Anuj because I wanted to incorporate mindfulness and meditation into my therapeutic journey. His background in both western therapeutic methods and Buddhism is a great combination.

Tanya Sonna
★★★★★

This is my first time being in therapy and CIP made the process of getting set up easy and seamless. Been working with Kosta for the last two years, which has had such a profound impact on my life.

Ken Jones
Section 8 — FAQ
Common Questions

Still have questions?

What is Acceptance and Commitment Therapy?

ACT is an evidence-based form of therapy focused on building psychological flexibility, the ability to stay present with difficult thoughts and feelings rather than fighting or avoiding them, while still moving toward what matters to you. It is grounded in decades of behavioral research and has been studied for a wide range of concerns.

How is ACT different from traditional talk therapy?

Rather than working to eliminate uncomfortable thoughts or feelings, ACT helps you change your relationship with them, so they stop running the show. It combines mindfulness, values work, and committed action instead of relying on any single technique.

What can ACT help with?

ACT has been studied for anxiety, depression, trauma, chronic stress, and emotional regulation, though its real focus is building psychological flexibility rather than targeting a single diagnosis. Many people also use it to navigate burnout, life transitions, or a general sense of feeling stuck.

Is ACT evidence-based?

Yes. ACT was developed in the late 1980s and is grounded in behavioral science, supported by hundreds of clinical studies across a wide range of concerns.

What happens in my first session?

Your first session focuses on getting to know each other, not immediate advice. Expect questions about what brought you in, your history, and what you are hoping for, with space to ask questions of your own.

What if I don't feel a connection with my therapist?

It is more common than people expect, and it does not mean something is wrong with you. If a therapist does not feel like the right fit, say so. We will help you find someone on our team who does.

Do you take insurance?

Yes. We currently accept Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO, Cigna, and Aetna.

How much does a session cost?

Initial intake sessions range from $160 to $200 for 55 minutes. Regular sessions are $150 for 55 minutes. We also offer sliding scale options for clients who qualify, reach out to our intake team to find a pricing option that fits your needs.

How long does therapy typically take?

It depends on what you are working through. Some clients benefit from a few sessions, while others engage in longer-term therapy for deeper personal growth. There is no fixed timeline.

Is virtual therapy as effective as in-person?

Yes. Sessions are held on a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform, and virtual therapy is available anywhere in Illinois, not just Andersonville.

Section 9 — Final CTA (Placeholder Form)
Get Started

Ready to take the first step?