Psycological Flexibility Flashcards
Name the six processes that facilitate psychological flexibility.
- Contact with the present moment
- be here now - Values - know what matters
- Committed Action - do what it takes.
- Self-as-context - the noticing self
- Defusion - watch your thinking
- Acceptance - open up.
Describe ‘ contact with the present’
Be in the here and now.
This is the concept of being psychologically present and flexibly paying attention to our experience in this moment.
What is the benefit of staying in the present?
It allows an individual to allocate their attention in a flexible manner and connect with the experience they are having in the present moment, rather than ruminate on past events or further possibilities.
Describe Cognitive Defusion
Watch your thinking.
This is the process of learning to detach ourselves from our thought processes and simply observe them for what they are - nothing more or less than words or pictures.
What happens when someone defuses from their thought processes?
Their thought processes no longer control them, instead the person is able to simply observe their thoughts without getting caught up in them or feel the need to change or control them.
Describe Acceptance
This is the process of opening oneself up and “making room” for unwanted feelings, sensations, urges, and other private experiences; allowing them to come and stay without “fighting them, resisting them,running from them”.
Why is practicing acceptance important?
Because it encourages the individual to develop an ability and willingness to feel uncomfortable without being overwhelmed by it.
Describe ‘self-as-context’
The noticing self.
This is also known as pure awareness, or the observing self.
It creates a distinction between the part of ‘mind’ that thinks and the part that notices.
What is the ‘mind that thinks’?
That part of us that is thinking - generating thoughts, beliefs, memories, judgements, fantasies, plans etc.
What is the ‘mind that notices’?
The aspect of us that is aware of whatever we’re thinking, feeling, sensing or doing in any given moment.
Why is being aware of the observing self beneficial?
It allows an individual to have a greater ability to be mindful and in the present moment, as they can separate themselves from their thoughts, beliefs, and memories they have.
Describe Values
Know what matters.
The identification of values (what is important to the individual) is a central component of ACT because it assists clients to highlight the things that are important to them and create a meaningful life.
What do values serve as a guide or compass for?
- developing goals
- sustaining motivation
- helping clients to commit to ongoing actions that add meaning to life, even during difficult times.
Describe Committed Action
This is the process of taking steps towards one’s values, even in the presence of unpleasant thoughts and feelings.
What behavioural interventions are used to create committed action?
- goal setting
- exposure
- behavioural activation
- skills training
