ACT Hexaflex

ACT uses a unique diagnostic tool called the Hexaflex, a visual aid for classifying and treating client problems holistically. Each of the six domains corresponds to one of the core ACT principles, all of which have various activities and exercises to help the practitioner push their clients along.

• Acceptance: Acknowledge and embrace the full range of your thoughts and emotions rather than trying to avoid, deny, or alter them.
  
  
• Cognitive Diffusion: Distance yourself from and change the way you react to distressing thoughts and feelings, to mitigate their harmful effects. Techniques for cognitive defusion include observing a thought without judgment, singing the thought, and labeling the automatic response that you have.
  
  
• Being Present: Be mindful in the present moment and observe your thoughts and feelings without judging them or trying to change them.
  
  
• Values: Determine your personal values in different domains and strive to live according to those principles
  
  
• Self as Context: Expand your notion of self and identity to see yourself as more than just your thoughts, feelings, and experiences.
  
  
• Committed Action: Take concrete steps to incorporate changes that will align with your values and lead to positive change. This may involve goal setting, exposure to difficult thoughts or experiences, and skill development.