EPISODE · Feb 23, 2026 · 56 MIN
The Psychology of Acceptance
from Wired for Hope
In this episode, Dr Jess speaks with Dr Richard Coates, a clinical neuropsychologist, about the transformative power of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - both in brain injury rehabilitation and in everyday life. Richard opens up about his own experience of using ACT skills to show up for the things that matter to him, from walking into a podcast studio with a racing heart to queuing for roller coasters with his family. Together, he and Dr Jess explore the crucial difference between acceptance and resignation, the concept of psychological flexibility, and why ACT can be particularly well-suited to people living with the realities of brain injury, where traditional cognitive restructuring can fall short. Richard reflects on the importance of bringing creativity, humour, and genuine human vulnerability into the therapy room, and reveals the founding story of ACT and the human being behind it.LINKS:The Hexaflex explained: https://positivepsychology.com/act-model/ Russ Harris Values List: https://www.actmindfully.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Values_Checklist_-_Russ_Harris.pdf Subscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me.Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica BartonProduced by Anthony ZahraMusic Credit: SigmaMusicArtDISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line.UK Resources Include:• Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999• Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123• NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111• Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services.• Headway – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families.Limitation of LiabilityWhile every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content.Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
What this episode covers
In this episode, Dr Jess speaks with Dr Richard Coates, a clinical neuropsychologist, about the transformative power of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - both in brain injury rehabilitation and in everyday life. Richard opens up about his own experience of using ACT skills to show up for the things that matter to him, from walking into a podcast studio with a racing heart to queuing for roller coasters with his family. Together, he and Dr Jess explore the crucial difference between acceptance and resignation, the concept of psychological flexibility, and why ACT can be particularly well-suited to people living with the realities of brain injury, where traditional cognitive restructuring can fall short. Richard reflects on the importance of bringing creativity, humour, and genuine human vulnerability into the therapy room, and reveals the founding story of ACT and the human being behind it.LINKS:The Hexaflex explained: https://positivepsychology.com/act-model/ Russ Harris Values List: https://www.actmindfully.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Values_Checklist_-_Russ_Harris.pdf Subscribe today to join the Wired for hope podcast community and learn with me.Written and hosted by Dr. Jessica BartonProduced by Anthony ZahraMusic Credit: SigmaMusicArtDISCLAIMER: This podcast is not intended for use in crisis situations. If you are in immediate danger, experiencing suicidal thoughts, or facing a mental health emergency, please seek immediate help by contacting emergency services or a crisis line.UK Resources Include:• Emergency Services (Police/Ambulance): Call 999• Samaritans (Free, 24/7 Helpline): Call 116 123• NHS 111 (Non-Emergency Medical Help): Call 111• Contact your local Single Point of Access (SPA) for mental health referrals and support — a centralised hub in the UK for accessing local services.• Headway – A UK charity providing resources and support for individuals affected by brain injury and their families.Limitation of LiabilityWhile every effort is made to ensure the accuracy and relevance of information shared, the host and contributors to “Wired for Hope” disclaim any liability for any direct, indirect, or consequential loss or damage that may arise from the use of the podcast or reliance on its content.Please see full disclaimer in the show description. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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The Psychology of Acceptance
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