Faculty: D. J. Moran, Ph.D.
Hosts: Jessica Díaz, M.D., Flavio Guzman, M.D.
Script Editor: David Barragán, M.A.
Learn more about Demystifying ACT: A Practical Guide for Therapists and earn 4.75 CE credits
<> EPISODE 1 → Psychological Flexibility: The Core of ACT
This is the first episode of our series “Demystifying ACT: A Practical Guide for Therapists”. Here we discuss the core concept of ACT: psychological flexibility. This promotes the ability to be in contact with the present moment, to be aware of our thoughts and emotions, and to act effectively according to our values.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT and Psychological Flexibility: Why It Matters, Examples and Definitions
<> EPISODE 2 → ACT: Empirical and Clinical Evidence
In this episode, Dr. D. J. Moran explains that ACT is supported by functional contextualism and relational frame theory. It makes ACT a pragmatic approach which has demonstrated effectiveness for clients with different diagnoses.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT Is an Empirically-Supported Therapy: Background and Clinical Evidence
<> EPISODE 3 → The Hockey Goalie: A Metaphor for Psychological Flexibility
In this episode, Dr. Moran explains the concept of psychological flexibility with a didactic metaphor. The hockey goalie metaphor describes how we, as hockey goalies, can commit to our values even in the face of obstacles. The main skill for doing it is flexibility.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The Hockey Goalie: A Metaphor for Psychological Flexibility
<> EPISODE 4 → ACT Hexaflex Model: Acceptance
In this episode, we start discussing the Hexaflex model of psychological flexibility. Dr. D. J. Moran talks about the first component of this model: acceptance. Which means actively contacting our psychological experiences directly and fully, without needless defenses, while behaving effectively.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Acceptance: A Core Process in the ACT Hexagon Model
<> EPISODE 5 → ACT Hexaflex Model: Self-as-Context
In this episode, D. J. Moran, Ph.D. talks about the concept of self-as-context. As he explains it, this is the transcendental psychological place from where we observe our thoughts and emotions. If we can observe our internal experiences it means that we are not attached to them, and we come to understand that it is possible to respond effectively based on our values instead of just reacting impulsively to them. That is why self-as-context is crucial for promoting psychological flexibility.
* Prefer to read? Self-as-Context: A Core Process in the ACT Hexagon Model
<> EPISODE 6 → ACT Hexaflex Model
In this episode, D. J. Moran, Ph.D. talks about defusion, the ability to take distance from ourselves and develop new perspectives on our mental behaviors. This concept is crucial for psychological flexibility because it helps us develop a healthier relationship with our thoughts and emotions.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: Defusion: A Core Process in the ACT Hexagon Model
<> EPISODE 7 → Mindfulness: A Core Process in the ACT Hexagon Model
In this episode, Dr. Moran explains the fourth core process in the ACT hexagon model: mindfulness. He guides us through a brief mindfulness exercise, then reflects on what mindfulness is, the importance of its practice in promoting psychological flexibility, and its various benefits.
* Prefer to read? Here's a text version: ACT and Mindfulness: Understanding the Relationship
<> EPISODE 8 → The Journey of Life: Values in ACT
If life is a journey, values are the directions. In this episode, Dr. D. J. Moran talks about the importance of addressing values in therapy to promote meaning and well-being. Values are powerful mechanisms for fostering behavioral change in clients.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The Journey of Life: A Metaphor for Values in ACT
<> EPISODE 9 → Acting in Our Values: Committed Action in ACT
In this episode, Dr. D. J. Moran explains the final element of the hexaflex model: committed action. Since ACT comes from the behavioral tradition, its ultimate goal is behavioral change. Committed action means acting in the service of our values, even in the face of obstacles.
* Prefer to read? Here's a text version: Values and Committed Actions in ACT
<> EPISODE 10 → ACT Case Conceptualization
In this episode, D. J. Moran, Ph.D., outlines which information should be included in an ACT case conceptualization. Dr. Moran also explains the importance of learning to conceptualize our cases, as part of becoming more effective therapists.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: ACT Case Conceptualization: Assessing the Six Core Processes
<> EPISODE 11 → The Inflexahex Model and ACT
In this episode, Dr. D. J. Moran, Ph.D., talks about the six elements of the ACT inhexaflex model. Each of the six elements of the hexaflex model (acceptance, defusion, self-as-context, committed action, values, and mindfulness) has its opposite that explains what leads a client toward inflexible psychological repertoires.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version:The Inflexahex Model and ACT: Six Converse Dyads to Understand Psychological Inflexibility
<> EPISODE 12 → Acceptance vs Experiential Avoidance in ACT
In this episode, Dr. D. J. Moran talks about experiential avoidance and how it can be an obstacle to living a meaningful life. From an ACT perspective, a flexible life doesn’t rely on avoiding uncomfortable feelings, but rather embracing them and developing effective behaviors so we can act according to our values.
* Prefer to read? Here’s a text version: The Inflexahex Model in ACT: Acceptance vs Experiential Avoidance