What is psychological flexibility?
by Patricia McGuire, LPC-MHSP
1/28/2025
Psychological flexibility, according to Steven Hayes, is “contacting the present moment fully as a conscious human being, and based on what the situation affords, changing or persisting in behavior in the service of chosen values.”
Some research has shown that psychological flexibility is the most important “skill” to create change in the therapeutic process — it leads to emotional health, mental well-being, and lasting growth.
Psychological flexibility is not a one-time change, but rather an ongoing process of intentionally engaging with your lived experience with awareness, openness, and values-based action.
Psychological flexibility is often considered the “goal” of Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) and is practiced through these domains:
contact with the present moment - mindful, nonjudgmental awareness of your experience in the moment (thoughts, feelings, sensations, etc.)
cognitive defusion - unhooking from your thoughts to become a non-biased observer of your thoughts (ex. “I am not my thoughts, I am the thinker of my thoughts.”)
values - the guiding principles of your life (i.e. love, family, creativity, faith)
self as context - explore and acknowledge the complexity of your history and personal narratives to further recognize the YOU that has been present for every season of life — some call this the observing self
acceptance - allow your experience to be what it is without requiring it to change, including difficult thoughts and painful emotions (acceptance is not approval or assent, but a recognition of reality as it is)
committed action - engage in values-based behavior, even if it feels difficult or is coupled with unwanted thoughts
Psychological flexibility is a powerful framework for greater self-efficacy and committed action in your life. By practicing its core tenets, you are able to appreciate your history and access your current moment experience while finding flexibility to make choices aligned with your personal values.
As Steven Hayes puts it: “once you have clarity about what matters, you can take action to build sustainable habits that make your life more about what gives it meaning.”
If you’d like to explore these ideas further, connect with Patricia McGuire here
