You Are Heroic with Brian Johnson cover image

You Are Heroic with Brian Johnson

Defusing from Thoughts: Here’s One Way to Do It (Heroic +1 #1,897)

Sep 30, 2024
Steven Hayes, a leading psychologist and co-founder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, teams up with Russ Harris, a physician and ACT expert, to explore the art of defusing from negative thoughts. They discuss practical techniques for managing intrusive thoughts, emphasizing the importance of mindfulness. Alignment with personal values emerges as a key theme, offering a roadmap for living more authentically. Tune in for insightful strategies that encourage a life grounded in awareness and fulfillment.
03:19

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Utilizing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) underscores the importance of behavior modification over merely changing negative thoughts for personal growth.
  • Labeling thoughts as they arise serves as a mindfulness practice that helps individuals detach from negative emotions and engage with the present.

Deep dives

The Limitations of Changing Thoughts

The concept of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) emphasizes that attempting to change thoughts can be counterproductive, often leading individuals to become entangled in negative thought patterns. This notion contrasts with the findings associated with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), where changing cognition is less effective than fostering behavioral changes. Stephen Hayes points out that the most impactful aspect of CBT lies in its encouragement of behavior modification rather than thought alteration. By accepting thoughts as they arise instead of resisting them, individuals can focus on living in alignment with their core values, enhancing their overall sense of meaning and fulfillment.

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