What Is ACT?

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a form of psychotherapy that combines mindfulness strategies with behavior change techniques. Instead of trying to eliminate uncomfortable thoughts and emotions, ACT teaches clients to accept them and commit to actions aligned with their values.

For individuals with eating disorders, ACT helps reduce avoidance, challenge rigid rules around food and body image, and create a healthier relationship with themselves and their recovery.

At Virtue Recovery, ACT is integrated into individualized treatment plans alongside CBT, DBT, MI, nutritional counseling, and family therapy.

5 Benefits of ACT for Eating Disorders

Reduces Avoidance Behaviors

Teaches clients to face difficult emotions without using disordered eating as a coping mechanism.

Improves Mindfulness & Awareness

Encourages living in the present moment without judgment.

Builds Values-Driven Living

Helps clients reconnect with personal values to guide healthier choices.

Increases Psychological Flexibility

Supports resilience and adaptability in the face of challenges.

Strengthens Recovery Commitment

Provides motivation and meaning beyond the eating disorder.

Do I Have an Eating Disorder?

If you’re concerned about your symptoms, click below to take our eating disorders quiz.

How ACT Works at Virtue Recovery

  • Acceptance – Learning to acknowledge difficult thoughts and emotions without judgment.

  • Cognitive Defusion – Changing the way clients relate to thoughts so they no longer control behaviors.

  • Mindfulness Training – Focusing on the present moment to reduce anxiety and disordered patterns.

  • Values Clarification – Identifying personal values to guide meaningful recovery goals.

  • Committed Action – Taking practical steps to align behavior with values.

Luxury Treatment and ACT

Virtue Recovery provides ACT in a luxury treatment environment designed for deep healing. With private accommodations, chef-prepared meals, and holistic therapies, clients can focus fully on recovery with the highest level of comfort and support.

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Our Las Vegas Luxury Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center

Our inpatient program integrates ACT into daily treatment, providing intensive therapy alongside medical care, nutritional counseling, and holistic recovery practices. This immersive setting allows clients to practice ACT skills in a safe and supportive environment.

Our Las Vegas Outpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center

Our outpatient program provides flexible ACT-based therapy for clients who are transitioning from inpatient care or managing recovery while living at home.

Outpatient ACT services include:

  • Individual ACT sessions

  • ACT-based group therapy

  • Relapse prevention and values-based planning

  • Family support and education

  • Flexible scheduling for school, work, or family

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Our Las Vegas Adolescent / Teen Inpatient Eating Disorder Treatment Center

ACT is especially effective for teens learning to cope with emotions and pressures without resorting to disordered eating. Our Teen Inpatient Program incorporates ACT into treatment with developmentally appropriate strategies.

Program highlights include:

  • 24/7 medical and therapeutic support

  • ACT therapy tailored to adolescents

  • Family involvement and education on ACT principles

  • Academic support for continued school progress

  • Peer groups that foster resilience and connection

Frequently Asked Questions

ACT reduces avoidance behaviors, helps clients manage distress, and creates a values-driven path to recovery.

CBT focuses on changing thoughts and behaviors, while ACT emphasizes accepting thoughts and focusing on living in alignment with values.

Yes. At Virtue Recovery, ACT is integrated with CBT, DBT, MI, and nutritional counseling for comprehensive care.

Yes. ACT is especially effective for adolescents who struggle with body image, anxiety, or peer pressure.

Glossary of Terms for ACT Treatment

A therapy that combines mindfulness and behavior change.

Allowing thoughts and emotions to exist without judgment.

Creating distance from thoughts so they lose control over behaviors.

Present-focused awareness without judgment.

Identifying personal values to guide actions.

Taking steps that align with values and recovery.
The ability to adapt to challenges while staying true to values.

Intensive 24/7 residential care.

Flexible therapy sessions while living at home.

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