HMV PSYCHOLOGY
& CONSULTING, PC
New York City, NY
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) — pronounced like the word “act”— is a leading evidence-based psychotherapy that helps people handle difficult emotions, thoughts, and life experiences while moving toward what matters most. If you’re searching for ACT therapy in NYC or looking for a New York City therapist for anxiety, depression, trauma, or OCD, ACT provides a practical and proven path forward.
With more than 1,000 randomized controlled trials, ACT is one of the most extensively researched therapies worldwide. It has shown effectiveness for anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, chronic pain, stress, and health-related challenges. Unlike rigid, manualized therapies, ACT is flexible and can be tailored to your goals, lifestyle, and values.
EMDR vs. ACT
EMDR is a structured, trauma-focused therapy with strong guideline support for PTSD (e.g., VA/DoD and APA guidelines). If your primary goal is targeted PTSD treatment, EMDR can be a great choice.
ACT can address post-traumatic symptoms too—especially avoidance, hyperarousal, and life-constriction—by helping you face memories and triggers while building a more values-aligned life.
For some clients, ACT is used alongside or after EMDR to support long-term recovery and meaning-making.
DBT vs. ACT
DBT (skills in mindfulness, emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness) has robust support, especially for borderline personality disorder and chronic self-harm risk. If you’re looking for a high-structure, skills-class + individual format, DBT can be ideal.
ACT overlaps with DBT’s mindfulness/acceptance pieces and adds values-guided behavior change and flexible exposure-based work—often with fewer program requirements and more tailoring to your schedule and goals.
IFS vs. ACT
IFS focuses on “parts” and cultivating a compassionate Self. ACT approaches similar territory through self-as-context and defusion (relating to thoughts/feelings/parts without being dominated by them).
Many people who like IFS also find ACT’s values + committed action pieces uniquely helpful for turning insight into daily change.
How ACT Therapy Works
ACT focuses on developing psychological flexibility—the ability to be present, open, and engaged in life even when challenges arise. In therapy, you’ll learn how to:
This integrative approach is why ACT is increasingly sought after by people in New York looking for anxiety therapy, trauma therapy, OCD treatment, and stress management counseling.
Why Choose ACT Therapy in New York City?
Life in NYC is fast-paced, demanding, and often stressful.
ACT therapy in NYC is especially well-suited for people navigating:
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Anxiety therapy in NYC – coping with social anxiety, panic attacks, and chronic worry.
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Depression therapy NYC – addressing hopelessness, fatigue, and loss of motivation.
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OCD therapy in NYC – managing intrusive thoughts and breaking free from compulsions.
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Trauma therapy NYC – building resilience and moving forward after painful experiences.
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Chronic pain therapy NYC – learning to live more fully despite physical limitations.
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Stress management therapy – handling pressure from work, school, or relationships.
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Because ACT is principle-based, it can stand alone or be integrated with other therapies you may have heard of in New York, such as CBT, DBT, EMDR, or IFS, while remaining deeply rooted in its own research foundation.
What to Expect in ACT Therapy
During sessions, ACT is active and experiential. You may practice mindfulness, explore new ways of relating to thoughts, clarify what’s most meaningful, and take practical steps toward your goals. Skills are designed to be used in everyday life—on the subway, at work, or in conversations with loved ones—making therapy in NYC both realistic and effective.
Why Work With Dr. Voulgarakis
Dr. Voulgarakis has advanced training in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, including direct study with its founder. As a licensed psychologist and board-certified behavior analyst based in New York City, he integrates ACT into his work with anxiety, trauma, OCD, depression, autism, and health psychology cases. His approach is evidence-based, compassionate, and personalized for the realities of life in NYC.