Skews R., West A., Archer R. (2021) Acceptance and Commitment Coaching in the Workplace. In: Smith WA., Boniwell I., Green S. (eds) Positive Psychology Coaching in the Workplace.

Acceptance and commitment theory (ACT) and positive psychology are deeply aligned despite their development in different traditions, as both focus on human flourishing and wellbeing. This chapter provides an overview of ACT, highlighting how the theory is applied to coaching in the workplace as acceptance and commitment coaching (ACC). A summary of research demonstrating the impact of ACT-based interventions in the workplace is provided, so practitioners can see the workplace outcomes ACC has an effect on. The chapter outlines the six behavioural processes for building psychological flexibility: Values; committed action; present moment awareness; self-as-context; defusion; and acceptance. The reader is given examples of how to apply the behavioural processes within the framework of ACC. The distinct features of the practitioner stance within ACC are presented, such as disrupting existing behaviours which allows the coachee to develop new, more effective behaviours aligned with their values. The chapter closes with an illustrative case study and discussion points to help the reader reflect on how they can apply ACC in their coaching practice.