At the heart of every behavior, beneath every struggle and every success, are core human yearnings—deep motivations that shape how we move through the world. If you’ve practiced Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you’re likely familiar with the six core processes of psychological flexibility. But underneath those six processes lies something more essential, something profoundly human.
These are the six yearnings:
- Belonging
- Coherence
- Feeling
- Self-Directed Meaning
- Competence
Orientation
These aren’t diagnoses or labels. They aren’t techniques or interventions. They’re longings—fundamental desires that show up in every person you meet in the therapy room (and in yourself, if you’re willing to look).
Let’s walk through them—not to label or reduce human complexity, but to open a doorway to deeper understanding.
Already have an account ? Sign in
