The ACT model: an exercise for teachers and education staff

An exercise for teachers and education staff to promote acceptance of thoughts and feelings.

Guides / 1 min read

ACT is a therapeutic model developed by psychologist Steven C. Hayes to enhance emotional intelligence and wellbeing by promoting acceptance of thoughts and feelings.

The ACT model helps people shift from being emotionally reactive (responding to emotions impulsively or automatically without thinking) to emotionally responsive (responding to emotions thoughtfully and intentionally with awareness), which is thought to help develop emotional intelligence by fostering a deeper understanding of our feelings and behaviours.

The ACT model

A – Awareness:
Being aware of your emotions, accepting and labelling them can begin the de-escalation of difficult emotions.
C – Check thoughts:
It can help to challenge unhelpful and catastrophising thoughts with more balanced thoughts.
T – Try alternatives:
See if you can introduce alternative ways of thinking or try new ways of behaving that could lead to changes in the challenging situation.

Download the exercise below and give it a try!