Towards And Away Moves: An ACT Metaphor

When we’re struggling with anxiety, stress, emotional overwhelm, difficult thoughts or feeling stuck, our behaviour can become organised around trying to escape what we’re experiencing inside. The Towards and Away framework, developed by psychologist Tobias Lundgren, offers a simple way of stepping back and noticing this process. In this extended exploration of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), we look more deeply at towards moves, away moves, emotional avoidance and the values that give our lives direction. Rather than judging our behaviour as good or bad, we become curious about where it is taking us. A practical exploration of mindfulness, psychological flexibility, emotional wellbeing and values-based living, helping us move from automatic reactions towards greater self-awareness, self-connection, meaning and intentional living.