Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) GROUP

This group meets every Friday at 11:30am SAST via Zoom. Bookings are now open for 2027

Groups run for 8 weeks. Bookings are essential as space is limited. The cost of is R6480 incl VAT but you can claim from medical aid if you have a PMB diagnosis- contact me for more information

Why Work with Me

As a psychiatrist with two decades of clinical experience, I’ve worked with many people living with chronic pain, each with their own story, challenges, and resilience.

What has stood out for me was that even with a great multidisciplinary team helping to manage your pain, the day to day struggle with pain was often still there.

Pain can easily take over your life and you move through each day in survival mode.

This is where Acceptance and Commitment Therapy comes in. It is about learning to let go the struggle with pain and reclaim the life that you want to be living.

Acceptance never means giving up hope or giving in. It is learning how to stop letting pain be in the driving seat of your life so that you can focus on what is important to you and brings meaning to your life.

In top tier international programs such as the Mayo Clinic Pain Rehabilitation Centre, third wave cognitive behavioural therapy such as ACT are heavily utilised to address emotional dysregulation, avoidance and functional disability tied to persistent pain. My unique training allows me to offer this to you, where ever you are in South Africa.

Why ACT Works So Well in an Online Group

Online ACT groups offer something unique: connection and accessibility.

When you live with chronic pain, even small tasks like getting dressed, driving, or sitting for long periods can take a toll. The online format allows you to participate from the comfort of your own home, adjusting your environment to suit your body’s needs — whether that’s lying down, using heat packs, or keeping your camera off when you need a break.

But beyond convenience, online groups create a surprising intimacy. You meet others who get it — who understand the invisible exhaustion and frustration that living with chronic pain brings.

It’s a space that blends professional guidance with human connection — where you can learn, reflect, and grow, at your own pace and within your own capacity.

Why This Group?

Living with chronic pain is more than dealing with physical symptoms. Your symptoms can shape how you feel, how you move, how you connect with others, and how you see yourself. Many people find themselves caught in a cycle of frustration, sadness, and loss — struggling to keep doing what matters most to them.

While medications help, they often don’t fully restore quality of life. That’s where Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) comes in.

What is ACT?

ACT is an evidence-based psychological approach that helps people live fuller, more meaningful lives, even when pain is still present.

Instead of trying to fight or eliminate symptoms at all costs, ACT teaches skills that build psychological flexibility:

• Acceptance — learning new ways to make space for difficult sensations, thoughts, and emotions.

• Mindfulness — being more present in the moment, rather than consumed by worries or regrets.

• Cognitive defusion — loosening the grip of unhelpful thoughts like “I can’t cope” or “I’ll never get better.”

• Values clarification — identifying what truly matters to you.

• Committed action — taking steps, guided by your values, even when challenging symptoms are present.

How ACT Helps

Research shows that ACT can make a meaningful difference in the lives of people living with pain, trauma, depression and anxiety:

• Improves functioning and daily life: ACT consistently helps reduce how much pain interferes with activities and independence.

• Reduces distress and low mood: Studies show ACT decreases depression, anxiety, and emotional suffering.

• Enhances quality of life: People often report a greater sense of purpose, connection, and well-being — even if symptoms themselves don’t disappear.

• Evidence for groups: ACT has been shown to work well in group settings, making it cost-effective and supportive, with participants benefiting from shared experiences.

In short: ACT doesn’t promise a life without symptoms — but it does offer a way to stop them from consuming your life.

What to Expect in This Group

• A safe, supportive space where you can connect with others who understand what living with pain is like.

• Practical skills and guided exercises to build acceptance, mindfulness, and resilience.

• Tools to help you clarify your values and take steps toward living the life you want.

• Focus on living well with pain — not just surviving it.

Bookings are essential

I am excited to bring this powerful approach to our community.

To enroll in the next group please contact me.

“You can’t stop the waves, but you can learn to surf.” — Jon Kabat-Zinn