• reception@masterpiecepsychology.com.au
  • 02 9328 5899

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in Sydney

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based form of psychotherapy. It helps you accept what is outside your control and commit to actions that make your life richer and more meaningful.

At Masterpiece Psychology, we offer ACT therapy in Sydney from our Edgecliff clinic and via telehealth. Our psychologists use ACT alongside other evidence-based methods to help you manage difficult thoughts and feelings, make room for life’s inevitable pain, and build a full life guided by what matters most to you.

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How Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Works

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy combines acceptance and mindfulness strategies with a commitment to changing your behaviour. Together, these help you handle painful thoughts and feelings so they have less impact and influence over you. ACT is built on six core processes:

Acceptance

Instead of struggling to get rid of difficult feelings, ACT teaches you to open up to them as a normal part of being human. Acceptance isn't giving up or resigning yourself to suffering. It means your struggles no longer run your life.

Cognitive Defusion

Cognitive defusion techniques help you step back from unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. For example, instead of "I am a failure", you learn to notice "I'm having the thought that I am a failure". Seen this way, a thought is just a thought, not a fact.

Self as Context (The Observing Self)

You are more than your thoughts, feelings and experiences. This process helps you connect with a stable sense of self that stays constant, no matter how your inner experiences change.

Values Clarification

In your ACT sessions, we help you identify what truly matters to you, such as relationships, health, work, personal growth, spirituality or leisure. Knowing your values gives your life direction and meaning.

Committed Action

Finally, we help you set goals based on your values and take practical steps towards them. This may mean building new habits, starting new activities or letting go of behaviours that hold you back.

Being Present

ACT builds mindfulness: noticing the present moment with openness and without judgement. Simple mindfulness and grounding practices help you stay centred instead of getting lost in worries about the past or future.

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How ACT Can Help You Overcome Your Challenges

ACT for Anxiety

Acceptance and commitment therapy for anxiety helps you make room for anxious feelings instead of fighting them. Mindfulness skills keep you present, so you're less caught up in "what if" worries. We guide you to observe your anxiety with curiosity, so it no longer stops you from doing the things that matter. ACT is also used for OCD and intrusive thoughts.

ACT for Depression

ACT for depression helps you step back from heavy, self-critical thoughts and reconnect with what gives your life meaning. Rather than waiting to feel better before acting, you take small, values-based steps that gradually rebuild energy, motivation and a sense of purpose.

ACT for Poor Sleep

With ACT, we address the stress and worry that often build up around sleep. Instead of struggling against insomnia, you learn to accept restless nights more calmly and focus on habits that support good sleep. We also teach mindfulness and relaxation techniques to help your body and mind settle.

ACT for Trauma

ACT helps you open up to trauma-related thoughts, feelings and sensations without being overwhelmed by them. Your psychologist will support you to process traumatic events and learn skills for handling distressing memories. Together, we clarify your values to guide life after trauma, so the trauma becomes one part of your story, not the whole of it.

Neurodiversity (ADHD, Autism and More)

ACT is well suited to neurodivergent children, teens and adults. It focuses on self-acceptance, emotional flexibility and values, rather than trying to "fix" who you are. We help you manage overwhelm, anxiety and frustration, and take practical steps towards goals that matter to you.

ACT for Chronic Pain

Acceptance and commitment therapy for chronic pain shifts the focus from eliminating pain to living a full, values-based life alongside it. We help you change your relationship with pain, develop strategies for managing daily life, and set achievable goals that bring back activities you care about.

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Take The First Step To A Better Quality Of Life

Step 1

Booksession

Book online or call 02 9328 5899. Our Intake Specialists will learn about your needs and match you with an ACT-trained psychologist who suits you.

Step 2

Planning the treatment

We begin with a thorough assessment of your concerns, history and goals. From there, we create a personalised plan that may combine ACT with other evidence-based approaches.

Step 3

Treatment and monitoring

Regular sessions help you build and practise your new skills. We track your progress and adjust your plan as your needs change.

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Caring Sydney Clinicians you can trust

Tess Moffat Sosa

Principal, Clinical Psychologist

Priya Gauchan

Clinical Psychologist

Donna Alderson

Psychotherapist / Mediator

Matthew Parsons

Psychologist/Clinical Registrar

Our Promise

Comprehensive Assessments

Comprehensive Services

We offer a wide range of evidence-based, drug-free treatments, including acceptance and commitment therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma, neurodiversity, poor sleep and chronic pain.

Expertise and Experience

Masterpiece Psychology was founded in 2010 by Renee Mill, a highly respected Clinical Psychologist and Occupational Therapist. Today, the practice is led by Tess Moffat Sosa, who is committed to high clinical standards and to growing a team of expert psychologists and counsellors dedicated to every client.

Warm and Caring Environment

From our practitioners to our reception staff, the whole team is empathetic and supportive. We make sure you feel understood and cared for throughout your therapy journey.

Professional Fees That Suit Every Budget

Our psychologists offer a range of fees, so ACT therapy in Sydney is accessible to people of all ages and backgrounds. Medicare rebates are available with a GP Mental Health Care Plan, and most private health funds offer rebates.

Face-to-face, & Telehealth Sessions Available

Choose in-person sessions at our Edgecliff clinic or online ACT sessions from home. Telehealth makes support easy to reach if you live further away, have mobility issues or prefer the comfort of home.

Comprehensive Assessments
Don’t Be Afraid To Seek Help

Where to find us

Location: Suite 18, Level 3, Edgecliff Mews, 201 New South Head Rd, Edgecliff NSW 2027

Public Transportation: Masterpiece Psychology is only a 1-minute walk from Edgecliff Station. Several bus routes go past the offices of Masterpiece Psychology.

Parking: On-street parking is available, and paid parking stations are nearby.

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Frequently Asked Questions

ACT is used to treat anxiety, depression, OCD, trauma, chronic pain, sleep problems and stress. It also supports neurodivergent people and anyone wanting to live more in line with their values.

Both are evidence-based. CBT focuses on challenging and changing unhelpful thoughts. ACT teaches you to notice and accept those thoughts without struggling against them, then act on your values. Your psychologist may combine both.

ACT is often called a “third-wave” cognitive behavioural therapy. It grew out of the CBT tradition but places more emphasis on acceptance, mindfulness and values.

It varies from person to person. Some people notice changes within a few sessions, while others need longer. ACT is often a short-term therapy, but the skills you learn last a lifetime.

Yes. ACT often includes mindfulness practices, journaling or small values-based tasks between sessions. These help you apply what you learn in everyday life.

ACT can be beneficial for many people, but like any therapy, it may not be suitable for everyone. Its focus on acceptance and mindfulness resonates differently with each individual.
Starting ACT involves finding a therapist trained in this approach. It begins with an assessment of your challenges and goals, followed by a structured therapy process.

In order to remove symptoms of anxiety, pain, and trauma, one needs to unwire old neural pathways and rewire the brain with new, functional pathways. Traditional counselling does not do this. That is why we have introduced up to date, evidence-based technologies to facilitate this and supplement conventional treatments.

At Masterpiece Psychology we see our clients as individuals with needs, with a voice and with concerns. We take our time to get to know you so that we do not simply provide a one-size-fits-all solution.

We recommend a 3-session assessment in which you meet your psychologist and get to know each other. In the third session, you are given options and psychoeducation so that you are part of the treatment plan. A good relationship with your practitioner and feeling understood and cared for are essential parts of successful treatment.

No, you do not need a referral to see a psychologist. However, if you wish to receive a Medicare rebate, you do need to consult with a GP and obtain a mental health care plan. Individuals, couples, and families commonly see us without a mental health care plan. Many people have been referred directly by word of mouth, with recommendations from their family, friends, or school, or visiting our website online.

In order to receive a Medicare rebate, you will need to first go to your GP who will determine your eligibility for a Mental Health Care Plan (MHCP). You have the right to choose the Registered or Clinical Psychologist you wish to see. You must bring your MHCP to your initial appointment.

Please note, it is up to your GP to grant the Mental Health Care Plan as well as the number of sessions you are eligible for. The Intake Specialists at Masterpiece Psychology Practice will do their best to assist you. It is not their fault if a GP does not give the documentation you require, or Medicare refuses a payment. Please be courteous and respectful to our staff.

Acquiring a new Mental Health Care Plan is necessary for each calendar year and involves ongoing reviews with your GP. Currently, you need to go at least twice to your GP in a calendar year. You need to go initially to get the plan and after session 6 for a review for a further 4 sessions.

Our Intake Specialists are available to assist you with this complicated process.

Fees are consistent with the Australian Psychological Society’s recommended rates. Session fees are payable at the time of the consultation. We accept Mastercard, Visa, Eftpos, and AFTERPAY.

We take full payment from you. We can process the Medicare claim for you as long as you have provided us with your Medicare Card details. For private health fund rebates, the onus is on you to claim your rebate.

If you have a mental health care plan from your GP, you can receive a Medicare rebate of:

  • $137.05 for a Clinical Psychologist per session for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
  • $93.35 for a Registered Psychologist per session for up to 10 sessions per calendar year.
  • Once you reach your Medicare safety net, Medicare will cover 85% of the fee.
Rebates can be claimed through most private health funds. The amount will vary depending on your fund and your level of coverage.

When you call to make an appointment, you will speak with one of our friendly and caring Intake Specialists. They will answer any questions you have and work with you to find a time that suits you for an appointment. If you do not have a specific therapist in mind, they will need to ask a few brief questions to determine which psychologist is best suited to your needs.

If you have not seen a Clinical Psychologist or Psychologist before, it is common to feel a little anxious or hesitant about making the initial appointment. Most people feel more at ease once they have made that initial contact and attended their first appointment. We provide a warm, caring, and supportive atmosphere and are happy to answer questions at any time.

We recommend that you book at least 10 appointments when making your initial appointment, to avoid delays in follow-up appointments. Psychologists usually recommend seeing a client weekly to start to obtain the best results. Later, sessions may be spaced out depending on your individual needs. You and your psychologist will determine this together.

Our current policy is not to make a single booking for a new client. We have learnt from experience how demoralising it is to find a psychologist you like, be ready to proceed with treatment but cannot, as there are no available sessions. Our policy is for your benefit and well-being so please cooperate with the Intake Specialist.

You may not feel better straight away, sometimes people even feel worse before they begin to feel better. Meaningful change takes time. Therefore, it is important to persevere and not to miss appointments. If you are frustrated or want to cancel, please discuss what you are going through with your psychologist before dropping out.

We have limited capacity for bulk billing. However, as we are a placement for provisional psychologists, we do offer sessions for $140 per session with the student or pro bono in cases of financial need.

In rare cases, when we do bulk bill, it is only for individuals who have a Centrelink/Concession Card (Commonwealth Government Health Care card), a valid Medicare card and a Mental Health Care Plan from your GP.

To encourage people to keep all their appointments, we have regrettably brought in a cancellation fee for bulk billing clients and clients working with a student. This fee of $50 is applicable for all clients who do not cancel 24 hours in advance.

We like to work with committed patients who demonstrate their commitment.

Bulk billing clients, or pro bono clients, who do not show up for their initial appointment will be removed from the calendar. If 2 consecutive sessions are missed without proper cancellation, all subsequent appointments will be removed from the system.

We require cancellation with a minimum of 24 hours in advance. We send reminder texts 48 hours before a session so it is easy to cancel if you cannot make it. We appreciate it if 48 hours’ notice, or more, is provided if you need to reschedule an appointment. Failure to cancel without 24 hours’ notice incurs the full appointment fee.

Clinical Psychologists are Registered Psychologists who have extended their training. Clinical Psychologists have a minimum of a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology with a further two years of supervised clinical practice after receiving their degree. Clinical Psychologists have Clinical Psychology endorsement with the Psychology Board of Australia and are Clinical Psychology providers under Medicare.

All our psychologists are experienced clinicians and are supervised by the Principal, Renee Mill ensuring high-quality psychological care.

Please arrive 10 minutes prior to your first appointment to complete any required paperwork.

Your first session is dedicated to obtaining some background information, a detailed understanding of the nature of your concerns and the areas where you would like our help. Sometimes a plan of treatment is discussed in the first session but often it is not. A lot of background detail may be required before treatment formulation is complete. Your psychologist will answer any questions to provide clarity and confidence in the way forward.

If you are coming about your child, our Intake Specialist will inform you about who needs to be at the first session and what is required.

If you are seeking couple counselling, there may be specific requirements that you will be told about.

Sessions are 50 minutes long. At Masterpiece Psychology, we start and end sessions on time. If you are late, your session will still end at the same time. Please be mindful of the time in the sessions and work with your psychologist to keep within the time limit.
This will depend on your individualised treatment plan. Your psychologist will collaborate with you to decide on an effective treatment path that will suit your needs.

We live in a society where the medical model prevails. It is a sickness model. You go to the doctor when things are not working and they “fix” you, usually with medication. While medication for ADHD is highly successful for many children, they are not for everyone.

Masterpiece Psychology utilises other, well-proven, researched treatments for ADHD.

While there is no cure for autism, we can improve clients’ self-regulation and social skills which vastly improve quality of life.