The People Who Never Made It to the Room
Psychology Today
by Steven C. Hayes Ph.D.February 26, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
The article discusses the emotional toll of division and the power of acceptance in addressing racial discrimination and promoting well-being. A therapist in Vancouver, deeply committed to psychological flexibility and human well-being, was unable to attend a live training due to border restrictions, highlighting how modern barriers divide even those working to heal others. The author reflects on the importance of community and the need for adaptability in fostering connection and understanding.
Recent research shows that emotional acceptance—defined as actively engaging with and learning from painful emotions—is crucial for protecting Black individuals from the negative health impacts of racial discrimination. This acceptance, rooted in mindfulness traditions and psychological flexibility, helps mitigate the harm caused by discrimination by validating emotions rather than ignoring or suppressing them. The study found that those who successfully practiced emotional acceptance experienced significantly fewer health consequences tied to discrimination.
The article also points to systemic issues in professional training schedules that unintentionally exclude individuals with religious observances, such as Orthodox Jews and Seventh-day Adventists. Traditional workshop schedules often clash with these groups' sacred days, reinforcing feelings of marginalization. The author vows to adapt their ACT workshops to better accommodate diverse faith practices, emphasizing the importance of inclusivity and accessibility in mental health initiatives.
Ultimately, the piece underscores how division hurts us all—whether through borders or scheduling—and why fostering psychological flexibility, acceptance, and inclusive practices is essential for promoting human well-being and healing. For readers interested in health and mental well-being, this highlights the need to address both individual and systemic barriers that hinder connection and growth.
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Originally published on Psychology Today on 2/26/2026