ACT Therapist in Ontario, Canada

Most methods of therapy are built from one therapists’ pattern recognition.

They noticed something that helped their clients and researched it.

In contrast, ACT is one of few therapy methods that was built from science-first.

That’s why it’s so effective. So, what can ACT do for you?

• Help you discover your values and begin living them
• Make positive changes like setting boundaries with yourself and others
• Help you live your rights - to decline requests, be treated fairly, honor your needs, and be imperfect

ACT can help you ask for what you want fairly and respectfully. It can connect you with your right to honestly state your thoughts, feelings, ideas, and opinions with confidence and worth.

I love helping clients who struggle with perfectionism and people-pleasing know that they are equally valuable as others.

Putting yourself first doesn’t mean putting others down. It means recognizing and honoring your worth, too.

Are you ready to feel the truth that you’re just as worthy and valuable as others? ACT therapy can help.

Reach out using one of the buttons below.

Entering ACT Therapy with me is very easy. I am covered by most insurances and can confirm that I accept your plan before the first session.

Here’s the process for starting therapy with me:

ONE
Click the button below to send me a secure email. I’ll reply with options to schedule your free consultation, where we’ll get to know each other a bit and see about working together.

TWO
We’ll meet over the phone. This is your chance to blow off a little steam and tell me whatever you’re comfortable with. Assuming we’re a good therapeutic fit, we’ll move on to step three.

THREE
You’ll meet me in person or online (telehealth) for your first session. Then, you’ll continue meeting me every week and start untangling your struggles and building the life you deserve.

That’s it! So start learning today how to better live without the challenges of perfectionism or people-pleasing. With a simple weekly meeting, you can achieve peace and comfort in mind. Schedule now.

What is ACT Therapy in a nutshell?

ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) is a mindfulness-based approach that helps people accept their thoughts and feelings rather than fighting them. The goal isn’t to eliminate discomfort but to change how you respond to it. In ACT, we focus on values-based action—helping you live in alignment with your values even when difficult emotions arise.

Who is ACT Therapy best for?

ACT is especially effective for clients struggling with perfectionism, people-pleasing, and rigid thinking patterns. These individuals often have trouble accepting imperfections or uncertainty and ACT helps them shift from control to acceptance. It's ideal for those who want to stop trying to "fix" or avoid their emotions and instead build psychological flexibility to live fuller, more meaningful lives.

What is ACT Therapy not good for?

ACT might not be the best fit for clients seeking quick symptom relief or those looking for highly structured approaches like CBT. Clients who resist mindfulness practices or struggle to engage with abstract ideas about acceptance may find ACT challenging. But for that same reason, it can be a source of tremendous growth. Don’t knock it til you’ve tried it!

What happens in ACT Therapy?

In sessions, we focus on six core processes:

1. Detaching from negativity – Separating thoughts and feelings from reality, especially the self-critical ones common in perfectionism.
2. Acceptance – Allowing uncomfortable thoughts and feelings without trying to escape them.
3. Contact with the present moment – Cultivating mindfulness to stay grounded.
4. Self as context – Encouraging a more flexible sense of self beyond rigid identities.
5. Values – Clarifying what truly matters to the client.
6. Committed action – Taking steps aligned with those values, even when it's hard.

Sessions involve a mix of emotional presence exercises, values exploration, and challenging unhelpful thinking patterns.

What conditions does ACT treat?

ACT is widely used for anxiety, depression, OCD, chronic pain, and stress-related conditions. For my clients, I love using ACT to aide with perfectionism, people-pleasing, and rigidity. It helps clients break free from harmful patterns by focusing on acceptance rather than trying to control everything. When we accept that we can’t control everything, we feel much more in control of ourselves.

How successful is ACT therapy?

ACT has been shown to be highly effective, particularly for clients dealing with chronic struggles like perfectionism and anxiety. Studies show it can improve quality of life and reduce psychological distress. Its focus on long-term behavioral change makes it a powerful approach for those looking for deep, lasting transformation.

Is ACT based on Buddhism?

ACT isn’t directly based on Buddhism, but it shares similarities with Buddhist mindfulness practices. Both encourage present-moment awareness and acceptance of life’s challenges. However, ACT is a psychological framework grounded in evidence-based science rather than spiritual traditions. You don’t need to develop any new beliefs or follow any religion to start or benefit from Acceptance and Commitment therapy.

What is the difference between ACT and CBT?

ACT and CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy) differ in their approach to thoughts and feelings. In CBT, the focus is often on changing distorted thoughts to change feelings and behaviors. In ACT, we don’t try to change thoughts as much as we learn to accept them and reduce their power over us. Where CBT emphasizes problem-solving, ACT focuses more on living in alignment with values, even in the face of discomfort.

How do I start working with ACT Therapist Polina Fedotenko?

To get started, fill out my contact form and I will be in touch within 48 business hours.