about us
vision
Our vision is that in the face of all circumstances, people choose to create and live their lives according to their values and empower others to do the same.
Mission
Our mission is to empower vulnerable populations in crisis areas by providing science-based, culturally sensitive training for health workers and other professionals, shelter with medical and legal help to victims of violence, and doing scientific research to evaluate our services.
Commit and Act is dedicated to helping health care workers in Colombia and other countries support people struggling with trauma especially victims of domestic and gender-based violence as well as mental health difficulties. Health care workers are provided with training in an evidence-based therapeutic approach called Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT). Our staff and employees are also given ongoing supervision and support. We also conduct research on our projects so that we can refine and improve the services that we provide based on data and participants' evaluations.
our story
2011-2024
Commit and Act Colombia: Expanding Trauma Support and ACT Training
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Colombia faces ongoing challenges with domestic violence, gender-based violence, and trauma. Many women, especially single mothers, struggle with the lasting impact of abuse, displacement, and poverty, yet access to mental health care remains limited.
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Commit and Act, an international NGO with roots in Sierra Leone, is now expanding into Colombia to bring trauma-informed services, professional training, and community empowerment. Our focus is on providing health care workers and psychologists with tools to support survivors—particularly women and children—using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), an evidence-based therapeutic approach proven to help with trauma, anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
Building a Movement in Colombia
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The expansion began in 2024, when Colombian psychologists Carolina Gaviria and Andrea Villarreal connected to explore ways of bringing Commit and Act’s model into Latin America. Andrea has long worked with women survivors of domestic violence in Chía, Cundinamarca, supporting over 350 women through a program and workbook created by Carolina. Seeing the success of Commit and Act’s work in Sierra Leone, they envisioned how ACT and prosocial methods could transform communities in Colombia.
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At the 2025 ACBS World Conference, Carolina also partnered with Colombian psychologist Milena Flautero, who is committed to offering ACT trainings and webinars for Colombian professionals. These trainings will not only expand access to trauma-informed therapy but also directly fund Commit and Act Colombia programs.
How Therapists Can Get Involved
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We invite therapists, psychologists, and mental health professionals in Colombia and beyond to join our mission:
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Participate in ACT trainings and webinars designed to strengthen your skills while contributing to community-based trauma recovery.
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Volunteer expertise to help expand local programs, supervise trainees, or support research efforts.
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Join our ACBS LaTAM SIG collaborations to connect with colleagues advancing ACT across Latin America.
By participating, you’re not only developing your professional practice—you’re also helping women and families in Colombia heal from trauma and build healthier futures.
How the Community Can Help
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Commit and Act Colombia relies on donations and community support to continue this work. Your contribution helps us:
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Provide free or low-cost counseling for women affected by domestic violence.
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Train local health care workers and psychologists in ACT and trauma-informed care.
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Develop community workshops that promote safety, resilience, and empowerment.
Every donation makes a difference. With your support, we can bring hope and healing to survivors of violence and create lasting change in Colombian communities.
Together, we can break the cycle of violence, empower survivors, and expand access to evidence-based mental health care across Colombia.
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our team
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