Kit Maitland
ACT Practitioner
writer, plant lady, singer of songs, recovering perfectionist,
introverted extrovert, awkward millennial
Some History
I’ve struggled with my mental health my entire life. Labeled as “sensitive” from a young age, the signs of undiagnosed ADHD were missed, leading to a lifetime of confusion, shame, and frequent spirals into depression and anxiety that sometimes left me incapacitated for days. These small but persistent traumas sparked a curiosity that never let go—the kind that eventually led me to study all the -ology’s I could in an attempt to understand the human mind. My mind. But while it’s books and degrees that taught me the language of human behavior, what truly shaped me is what I’ve lived.
During my lifetime I have had to re-learn how to walk, adapt to making new memories after losing my sense of smell, and how to survive a day living with chronic pain. I’ve navigated abuse, assault, narcissism, alcoholism, and all the tiny tortures that come with being called “too sensitive” and constantly told I was “too much.” I’ve been tested, broken, and rebuilt more times than I can count. Through it all, I’ve learned to notice the small, meaningful moments that make a day worth living.
Is This Therapy? Are You a Therapist?
No, I’m not a licensed therapist. I’ve studied social work and behavior analysis, and I’ve used the tools I share both personally and professionally. This space is meant as a cozy spot to explore ideas, reflect, and experiment, not as a substitute for professional counseling.
What To Expect
I incorporate aspects of a treatment technique called Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with reflections, stories, and small exercises to help you quiet your inner critic, move forward, and notice the little moments that make life meaningful.
I’ll share what I’ve learned, and what I’m still learning, about how to live with presence, openness, and psychological flexibility. No perfect morning routines or Instagram-worthy affirmations required.
It’s not therapy, but it’s practical, flexible, and yes, therapeutic. Think of it like tending a garden: noticing what’s growing, watering what needs care, and letting curiosity and sunlight do the rest.
A Little About Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
(ACT, pronounced like action) is all about learning to live fully, even when life is messy. The core idea is simple: pain isn’t the enemy, avoidance is.
ACT helps you:
- Notice and accept your thoughts and feelings
- Focus on what truly matters to you
- Take meaningful action, even when it feels scary or uncomfortable
Why Calm(ish)?
The “calm(ish)” part? That’s important. It’s a quiet rebellion against perfectionism. A soft exhale in a loud, demanding world. A gentle reminder that you’re allowed to just be here. Present. Not perfect.
I write from experience, not theory alone. I write because I’ve been in the thick of life’s chaos and survived– and because I want to help you see that survival is possible, that messy life can still be beautiful, and that there’s space to pause, breathe, and find your own rhythm.
Pull up a chair. Pour yourself a cup of tea. Wander the meadow with me, and know that whatever brought you here, you’re not alone.
🌼