When life becomes heavy with stress, loss, or emotional pain, it can feel like the harder we try to push away unpleasant thoughts, the more they seem to push back. Acceptance & Commitment Therapy, known as ACT, offers a different approach. Rather than fighting painful emotions, ACT teaches how to make peace with them while moving toward a more meaningful and value-driven life.
At Cottonwood Psychiatry, Dr. Colleen McGuire, DO, helps clients navigate emotional challenges with compassion and evidence-based care through the practice of ACT.
Understanding Acceptance & Commitment Therapy
ACT is a form of psychotherapy rooted in mindfulness and behavioral science. It helps people accept what is beyond their control and take meaningful action toward living a full and purposeful life. Though it does not aim to eliminate difficult emotions entirely, ACT focuses on helping individuals respond to them in a healthier way.
Dr. McGuire often explains ACT as learning to hold painful thoughts gently, rather than tightly resisting them. This shift can reduce emotional struggle and increase flexibility in how one thinks and behaves. Over time, clients gain skills to create space for discomfort without letting it dictate their choices.
Typical progress in ACT can vary, but many individuals notice changes within a few weeks to a few months as they start to apply these techniques consistently. Sessions are collaborative, with clients working actively both in and outside of therapy.
What Makes ACT Unique
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy emphasizes self-acceptance, rather than self-judgment. Instead of focusing only on symptom reduction, ACT nurtures a sense of direction and purpose.
Some key areas of focus include:
- Learning mindfulness techniques that anchor you in the present moment
- Recognizing unhelpful thought patterns without reacting or avoiding them
- Clarifying personal values and using them as a guide for meaningful action
These principles can help people experiencing depression, anxiety, trauma, and life transitions find more stable emotional ground. ACT can also complement other approaches, especially for those who wish to explore alternatives to medication or a more holistic path to healing.
Dr. McGuire’s Approach at Cottonwood Psychiatry
Dr. Colleen McGuire brings both medical and humanistic insight to her work. As a Board-Certified Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine specializing in Psychiatry, she integrates her expertise in trauma, hormonal balance, and mind-body connection into therapy sessions. Her background in Anthropology and Music also deepens her understanding of how personal stories and cultural experiences shape emotional health.
Throughout her career, including roles as Chief Resident at the University of Colorado and Attending Psychiatrist at Denver Health, Dr. McGuire has guided individuals through recovery from complex emotional pain. She values collaboration, often mentoring nurse practitioners and physician assistants while building supportive therapeutic partnerships with clients across inpatient, outpatient, and telepsychiatry settings.
At Cottonwood Psychiatry, Dr. McGuire provides a calm and affirming atmosphere where individuals can learn to navigate their inner experiences with greater ease. She believes healing grows from understanding, self-compassion, and a clear sense of purpose.
Beginning Your Journey with ACT
Taking the first step toward therapy can feel daunting, especially when emotions feel uncertain or overwhelming. With ACT, recovery is not about erasing pain, but about learning to live fully despite it. Many clients discover that, with consistent practice, moments of peace and clarity become more frequent and lasting.
If you’re curious about how Acceptance & Commitment Therapy could support your emotional well-being, schedule your consultation today. Your next chapter of healing can begin with a single, compassionate conversation.
Dr. Colleen McGuire, DO, is a Board-Certified Psychiatrist with a holistic approach to mental health. She completed her medical training at Touro University and residency at the University of Colorado, where she served as Chief Resident. Specializing in trauma, midlife hormonal issues, and alternatives to medication, Dr. McGuire integrates therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Licensed in multiple states, she is known for her empathetic, client-centered care and dedication to mentoring. Outside work, she enjoys piano, swimming, and spending time with animals.
Schedule an Appointment
Start your journey toward the life you’ve always wanted with the help of Dr. McGuire at Cottonwood Psychiatry, and contact us today. Fill out our contact form below.
Please note that we do not do after-hours calls. If you are in an emergency situation please call an emergency hotline.