Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Minneapolis, MN
Northwoods Haven: We Overcome Together

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Addiction Treatment in MN
What Is Acceptance And Commitment Therapy?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a modern therapeutic approach that supports long-term change by helping individuals become more present and value-driven in their lives. It teaches individuals to stop fighting painful thoughts and emotions and instead relate to them in a healthier, more accepting way.
Guided by experienced professionals, clients learn how to reduce the power of cravings and self-defeating patterns by focusing on what truly matters to them. This process encourages meaningful action and fosters a deeper commitment to sobriety and personal growth.

ACT for Addiction Recovery
Benefits of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT is a core element of our recovery approach, helping clients embrace change through mindfulness and values-based action. Here are the main benefits of ACT:
- Normalizes Internal Struggles: Accept thoughts and feelings as part of the human experience.
- Promotes Mindful Living: Increase awareness and reduce impulsive behavior.
- Leads With Purpose: Use personal values as a compass for everyday decisions.
- Improves Psychological Strength: Handle adversity with greater mental and emotional flexibility.
- Encourages Transformation: Build habits that support personal growth.
With this therapy, clients learn to stop fighting their thoughts and start living a life that truly matters.
Core Elements of Our ACT-Based Treatment
What Happens During Sessions?
At Northwoods Haven, ACT sessions are interactive and purpose-driven, supporting each person’s recovery through mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based action.
Treatment begins with a check-in and moves into guided exercises like defusion techniques or values clarification. Clients learn to accept difficult thoughts without judgment while committing to purposeful actions.
Using metaphors, discussion, and experiential learning, clients build skills to stay grounded and resilient. Each session ends with practical, values-driven goals to apply in daily life, helping individuals move forward with clarity and intention.

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Why Choose Northwoods Haven for ACT?
ACT Therapy in Minneapolis
We believe resilience is about more than stopping addiction – it’s about building a life that reflects your values. Our ACT program helps clients develop mindfulness, sobriety, and purpose in a compassionate, community-centered environment right here in Minneapolis.
Our recovery services include:
Start living with intention – contact us today to begin your ACT treatment plan journey toward meaningful, long-term change.
Frequently Asked Questions About Our ACT in Minneapolis
The duration of ACT therapy can vary depending on the individual’s goals and progress. Some clients benefit from short-term work (8–12 sessions), while others find long-term support helpful for maintaining recovery and personal growth. ACT is often offered within structured outpatient programs, with regular sessions over several weeks or months. Your therapist will work with you to determine the best timeline for your needs.
Yes, ACT is highly effective in supporting relapse prevention. It teaches you to sit with cravings and emotional discomfort without reacting impulsively or returning to old habits. By grounding your actions in values rather than temporary feelings, you build a strong foundation for long-term success. Over time, these strategies help you stay committed to recovery, even during high-risk moments.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be applied to a wide range of substance use disorders, including alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and prescription medications. It’s especially effective for individuals who struggle with co-occurring mental health issues like anxiety or depression. ACT focuses on psychological flexibility, which can support recovery regardless of the specific substance involved.
ACT equips individuals with practical tools they can continue using after formal treatment. Skills like mindfulness, values-based decision-making, and acceptance help manage stress, cravings, and setbacks long after therapy ends. Because ACT focuses on internal flexibility rather than symptom elimination, it builds lasting resilience. Many clients find that ACT strategies become lifelong tools for navigating change and maintaining balance.
It’s completely normal to feel challenged by aspects of ACT, especially when facing uncomfortable emotions or practicing mindfulness for the first time. ACT acknowledges that discomfort is part of growth and healing. Your therapist will guide you at a pace that feels safe and manageable, offering support and tools to help you stay engaged. Struggling isn’t failure – it’s an opportunity to build new skills and strengthen your recovery.
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