ACT Therapy Worksheet
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Psychological Flexibility
Psychological flexibility is the ability to stay present with our experience and take action guided by our values, even when facing difficult thoughts and feelings. It's the core process that leads to psychological health and well-being in ACT.
ACT Core Processes Worksheet
ACT builds psychological flexibility through 6 core processes. Work through each section to develop greater awareness and action toward your values.
1. Acceptance
Acceptance means allowing emotions and thoughts to exist without fighting or avoiding them. It's about making space for your inner experience while staying connected to what matters most to you.
2. Cognitive Defusion
Cognitive defusion involves stepping back from your thoughts instead of fusing with them. This creates space between you and your thinking, helping you see thoughts as mental events rather than absolute truths.
3. Being Present
Being present means staying grounded in the current moment, fully engaging with your here-and-now experience rather than being caught up in past regrets or future worries.
4. Self-as-Context
Self-as-context involves noticing that you are not your thoughts or feelings. You are the observer of your experiences - the part of you that notices and witnesses your inner world.
5. Values
Values are your heart's deepest desires for how you want to behave and what you want to stand for in life. They are chosen life directions that give meaning and purpose to your actions.
6. Committed Action
Committed action means taking steps toward your values, even in the face of discomfort. It's about behaving in ways that bring your values to life, regardless of what thoughts or feelings show up.