Psychological flexibility
Psychological flexibility or agility relates to the ability to act in alignment with who and what matters to us while remaining fully connected and open to our inner experience (sensations, urges, thoughts, memories etc.). It is a thriving skill that enhances our capacity to be fully present and self-aware.
It involves getting greater clarity on what deeply matters to us and engaging in purposeful behavioral change and actions whilst disentangling from unhelpful thoughts.
Psychological flexibility creates the space for more purposeful choices and increases our capacity for learning, resilience and collaboration in a constantly changing complex environment.
It is the aim of Acceptance and Commitment Training (ACT) which is a mindfulness-based approach.
- Integrating ACT processes into the work focuses on what matters most: values, not problems. The aim of the development journey is thus based on strong purpose and helps to move away from compliance issues that may arise in the context of executive coaching. It also kindles the energy to move from intention to action.
- Whilst several methods aim at changing limiting thoughts, ACT invites clients to detach from them instead of disputing them and provides effective methods to escape cognitive entanglement.
- The ACT matrix (K. Polk) provides coachees with a visual tool that increases their capacity for self-observation. Observing through the ACT matrix point of view supports awareness of both behavioural patterns and inner resources. By adopting this observer perspective and becoming more mindful, clients increase their ability to make effective choices and take better decisions. As they become able to see successes and setbacks in context and without unhelpful judgement on themselves, they foster a more compassionate stance towards themselves and others.