ACT Process: Defusion
How to Use This Worksheet
Purpose
This worksheet helps clients notice recurring thought patterns ("stories"), recognize what those stories invite them to do, create psychological distance from them, and reconnect with values based action. The goal is not to eliminate difficult thoughts. The goal is to reduce their influence.
When to Use
This worksheet works especially well with clients who experience:
- Anxiety and worry
- Rumination
- Self criticism
- Perfectionism
- Shame
- Chronic pain
- Depression
- Anger
- Repetitive relationship conflicts
It is particularly useful when you notice a client saying the same thing repeatedly across sessions.
Examples include:
- "I'm a failure."
- "People are judging me."
- "I'll never get better."
- "I have to get this right."
Before Beginning
Normalize what is happening.
You might say:
"Our minds become very good storytellers. They repeat certain stories because they believe those stories will protect us. Today we're not trying to prove whether the story is true or false. We're simply becoming better at noticing it."
Step 1. Name the Story
Help the client identify one recurring thought.
Encourage them to write the story exactly as it normally appears.
Examples:
- "I'm not good enough."
- "Something bad is about to happen."
- "Nobody really likes me."
Avoid spending excessive time analyzing accuracy.
If they list several stories, gently ask:
"Which one shows up most often?"
