Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT combines acceptance and attention processes with commitment and behavior change processes to create psychological flexibility. The aim of this chapter is to present the six core therapeutic processes or psychological domains of ACT, their respective aspects, and to delve into the hexagon model of psychological flexibility called Hexaflex by Hayes. Described as the six psychological dimensions illustrated in the Hexaflex are: Acceptance; Cognitive Defusion; Attention to the Present Moment; Contextual Self; Actions Committed to Values; and Values. Acceptance in ACT is an alternative to experiential avoidance. Defusion is the process of observing thoughts with an impartial, curious, and detached attitude. Attention to the present moment refers to flexible and purposeful attention to the current situation. The contextual self involves a sense of belonging perspective. Values are the basis of ACT; the whole process is value-driven. And committed actions are the effort to pursue a life in an important direction.