When learning Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), many practitioners begin with the key concept of promoting psychological flexibility, which is the ability to adapt to life’s challenges while staying connected to what matters most. A natural starting point for beginners is to learn each of the six core ACT processes individually and then apply them in sessions with clients. While this is a helpful foundation, it can often result in a narrow focus, with practitioners emphasising one process at a time.
For example, a session might focus on teaching defusion to help clients unhook from sticky or problematic thoughts. Another session might centre entirely on promoting acceptance of difficult and painful emotions. While these approaches can certainly be productive, they often miss the dynamic and interconnected nature of the ACT processes. The true aim of ACT is not to master each process in isolation but to move fluidly between them in service of psychological flexibility.
The interconnected nature of ACT processes
ACT processes are not standalone interventions; they are inherently linked. For instance, when working on defusion, clients often begin to notice the painful emotions that arise as they create space from their thoughts. This naturally leads to questions about values:
- What do these emotions tell you about what’s truly important to you?
- In this moment, what do you want to stand for?
- How do you want to hold yourself as you experience these emotions and these thoughts?
Similarly, a conversation about acceptance often opens the door to exploring present-moment awareness or committed action, as clients gain clarity on how to show up for their lives, even in the presence of discomfort. The processes work together as a dynamic system, often represented by the ACT hexaflex, with each process influencing and reinforcing the others.
As practitioners develop their skills, they move from focusing on individual processes to weaving them together seamlessly. At an advanced level, ACT sessions become a fluid exploration of the hexaflex, with the practitioner moving between processes in the moment to adapt to the client’s needs. This creates a microcosm in each interaction, where the goal is not just to “work on defusion” or “promote acceptance,” but to use all the processes to develop psychological flexibility in a holistic way.
The path from beginner to advanced ACT practice
The journey of becoming an effective ACT practitioner often mirrors the processes themselves. Beginners may feel clunky as they try to apply one process at a time, focusing heavily on the mechanics of each. Over time, with experience and training, practitioners develop the ability to hold multiple processes in mind simultaneously, integrating them in a way that feels natural and responsive.
This progression requires more than just intellectual understanding. Practitioners need to embody the ACT processes themselves. For example, they must learn to stay present and open during sessions, even when faced with their own discomfort or uncertainty. They must also model flexibility, showing clients how to shift between exploration of thoughts, feelings, values, and actions with curiosity and compassion. Training is key!
Training can help with this when it is designed to support this progression by offering experiential learning opportunities that go beyond intellectual understanding. Through practical exercises, practitioners actively engage with the ACT processes, experiencing them firsthand. This allows them to develop the embodied skills needed to stay present and open during sessions, even when faced with their own discomfort or uncertainty.
Peer group discussions and live practice sessions further enhance this learning by providing a safe, collaborative space to explore challenges, reflect on experiences, and build confidence. Practitioners also observe and model flexibility in action, seeing how to shift fluidly between exploring thoughts, feelings, values, and actions with curiosity and compassion—both for their clients and themselves.
Building fluency: training, experience, and supervision
Developing this level of fluency takes time, practice, and a commitment to ongoing learning. To move beyond the basics, practitioners need to:
- Understand each process deeply
It’s essential to have a thorough understanding of each ACT process, including its purpose, how it connects to psychological flexibility, and how it interacts with the other processes. - Use a range of strategies, metaphors, and exercises
Practitioners need to build a toolkit of skills, metaphors, and experiential exercises for each process. For example, they might use the “leaves on a stream” exercise to explore defusion or “the choice point” to clarify values and committed action. - Practise fluidity and responsiveness
Developing the ability to move flexibly between processes in response to the client’s needs requires repeated practice. Sessions should feel like collaborative explorations, rather than rigidly following a predetermined plan. - Seek supervision and feedback
Supervision is invaluable for refining ACT skills. It allows practitioners to reflect on their sessions, receive constructive feedback, and learn to identify opportunities for integrating processes more effectively. Using a structured measure, such as the ACT Fidelity Measure (ACTFM), takes this a step further by providing specific, high-quality feedback on how effectively practitioners are applying the ACT model. Structured measures help identify areas of strength and areas for development, ensuring that practitioners continue to grow in their ability to deliver ACT with precision and flexibility. - Experience the processes personally
ACT is not just a set of tools for clients—it’s a way of being. Practitioners who engage with the processes in their own lives are better equipped to embody them in their work. For instance, practising acceptance of their own discomfort in a challenging session or reflecting on their values as a therapist enhances their ability to guide clients authentically.
Becoming proficient in ACT is a journey that requires both technical skill and personal growth. While starting with a focus on individual processes is a necessary step, the true art of ACT lies in the ability to integrate these processes fluidly, creating a dynamic and responsive therapy experience.
As you deepen your understanding and practice, remember that ACT is not about perfection but about showing up—both for yourself and your clients—with openness, curiosity, and a commitment to what matters most. Through training, supervision, and self-reflection, you can move beyond the basics to create sessions that truly foster psychological flexibility.
Ready to take your ACT skills to the next level?
When: 22nd May, 2025
Where: Online
This one-day masterclass is designed for practitioners who want to refine their skills and deepen their understanding of process-based functional analysis. Through experiential exercises and expert guidance, you’ll learn how to effectively shape psychological flexibility in your clients. Don’t miss this chance to advance your practice—spaces are limited!
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