Acceptance and commitment therapy, also known as ACT, aims to increase one’s psychological flexibility. This can be an important skill that many individuals who receive applied behavior analysis services could benefit from improving.
The Association for Contextual Behavioral Science defines ACT in this way:
“In theoretical and process terms we can define ACT as a psychological intervention based on modern behavioral psychology, including Relational Frame Theory, that applies mindfulness and acceptance processes, and commitment and behavior change processes, to the creation of psychological flexibility (Hayes, ND).”
Psychological flexibility is a complex concept. It includes being able to be in the present moment with your mind and your body in a way that allows you to be aware of what is happening in the now. Additionally, psychological flexibility includes being able to intentionally act in ways that are beneficial and helpful to yourself. By being more psychologically flexible, you can behave in ways that are connected to your own personal values and goals.
To obtain healthy levels of psychological flexibility, a person can utilize a combination of the six core processes of ACT.