Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or ACT, is a psychological approach that helps people build a different relationship with difficult thoughts, feelings, and symptoms. It focuses on learning to accept what’s outside of your control while committing to actions that align with your values.
For people living with ME/CFS, fibromyalgia, or other long-term conditions, ACT can be a way to find more peace and meaning in daily life, even when symptoms are present.
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ACT doesn’t try to get rid of thoughts or feelings - it helps you create space around them. You learn skills like:
Noticing and naming difficult thoughts or emotions without getting stuck in them
Practising mindfulness and present-moment awareness - in a way that reduces anxiety around doing mindfulness
Clarifying your personal values
Taking small actions that reflect those values, even when things feel hard
Developing psychological flexibility: the ability to respond to life with openness and intention
Rather than resisting or avoiding discomfort, ACT helps you stop fighting your experience and gently refocus on what matters to you.
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ME/CFS
Fibromyalgia
Chronic pain
Anxiety and depression
Long COVID
Burnout
Emotional distress related to health conditions
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ACT may not be a cure for ME/CFS (although for many it has been a crucial part of recovery), but it can reduce emotional suffering, improve quality of life, and help you live with more self-compassion
It’s often offered by psychologists, counsellors or therapists
NHS Wales offers a free ACT-based course online called Activate Your Life
ACT is widely supported by research and used in clinical settings for chronic illness and mental health
Common themes among people who’ve benefited:
Struggling to accept their diagnosis or limitations
Feeling stuck in fear, guilt, or shame
Exhausted from trying to “fix” themselves
Looking for ways to find purpose or meaning while healing
Ready to stop waiting for life to begin again
Reducing shame generally
Stopping fear-based decision making
Mindfulness training that actually works
Nervous system regulation
Learning to connect with yourself
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Basic Costs Overview
Individual Therapy Sessions
UK: usually £50–£90 per hour (up to £120 in London or with highly specialised therapists)
Europe: around €60–€100 per hour depending on country and therapist experience
USA: generally $80–$200 USD per hour, higher in large cities or with senior clinicians
Australia: $100–$200 AUD per hour, with rebates available through Medicare for eligible clients
Online & Self-Guided ACT Courses
ACT for Chronic Pain (self-paced): about £420 GBP / €490 EUR / $527 USD / $800 AUD for lifetime access
ACT for Chronic Illness (on-demand): roughly £70 GBP / €80 EUR / $87 USD / $130 AUD
ACT Basics (introductory CE course, 8 CE hours): approx. £200 GBP / €230 EUR / $249 USD / $380 AUD
ACT for Anxiety Disorders (12 CE hours): around £360 GBP / €410 EUR / $449 USD / $680 AUD
Certificate programmes: generally £780 GBP / €880 EUR / $975 USD / $1,480 AUD with payment plans often available
Cost Factors
Location – therapy costs more in high-cost-of-living areas
Format – online sessions are often 10–20% cheaper than in-person
Therapist experience – specialists in chronic illness or pain may charge premium rates
Course depth – short on-demand courses are much cheaper than certification training
Discount-Friendly Directory
Free Access
NHS Wales offers the online Activate Your Life course for free - an ACT-based programme ideal for long-term illness recovery.
Contextual Consulting provides brief free training sessions online, including “Introduction to ACT” and other focused workshops.
Paid Courses with Concessions or Flexible Fees
ACT for Physical Health Problems by Contextual Consulting: 12-hour online workshop with possible group booking discounts for organizations (e.g. NHS trusts).
New Directions in ACT (Cardiff University): 10-week online course - £208 standard fee or £166 concession.
ACT for Chronic Illnesses (The Knowledge Tree): Self-paced, on-demand course for $87 with lifetime access and multi-participant discounts available.
Professional Training Platforms
Courses taught by ACT pioneers like Dr. Steven C. Hayes include group rate discounts (10% off for 5–9 participants; 20% off for 10+). Open to individuals in hardship via direct request.
Psychwire offers a 6-week ACT for Beginners course — prices vary, often reduced for professionals in training.
Illness-Friendly and Accessibility Notes
Many providers explicitly welcome enquiries for sliding-scale rates or reduced fees if you're on benefits, living with chronic illness, or have limited finances.
Universities like Cardiff offer disability support services, including tailored assessments, material formats, and concessions.
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