Understanding ACT, Psychological Flexibility, and Stress in Optical Practice

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focuses on psychological flexibility - noticing thoughts and feelings, staying present, and choosing actions that align with your values. In optical practice this helps staff separate internal reactions from the practical tasks that must still be completed.

A patient or customer may be distressed during customer support, a family member may be upset, a colleague may need help, or administrative tasks may await at the end of a long shift. ACT does not advise tolerating unsafe conditions; it helps staff see internal responses clearly so they can make appropriate, practical choices.

Three useful ACT questions

• What am I noticing? For example: anxiety, guilt, frustration, physical tension, or the thought "I am not doing enough".
• What matters here? For example: dignity, safety, kindness, honesty, teamwork or clear communication.
• What is the next workable action? For example: pause briefly, ask for help, document a concern, or speak calmly.

Clinical role example

Psychological flexibility means responding to the situation in front of you, rather than being driven by every stressful thought that appears.