Defusion is a key concept in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), which is a form of therapy that helps individuals to live a more meaningful and fulfilling life by accepting their thoughts and feelings, and committing to actions that align with their values.
In ACT, defusion refers to the process of stepping back from thoughts and feelings and seeing them for what they are – just thoughts and feelings, rather than objective truths. This can help individuals to disentangle from unhelpful thoughts and feelings, and create space to choose actions that align with their values.
One of the techniques used in defusion is metaphorical language. Metaphors are used to create distance between the individual and their thoughts and feelings. For example, instead of saying “I am anxious,” an individual might say “I am noticing the feeling of anxiety in my body.” This small shift in language can help the individual to observe the feeling, rather than become fused with it.
Another technique used in defusion is mindfulness. Mindfulness involves observing thoughts and feelings without judgement, and creating distance between the individual and their internal experiences. By being mindful, individuals can learn to observe their thoughts and feelings without getting caught up in them.
In conclusion, defusion is a key concept in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and can help individuals to disentangle from unhelpful thoughts and feelings, and create space to choose actions that align with their values. By using techniques such as metaphorical language and mindfulness, individuals can learn to create distance between themselves and their internal experiences, and observe them with clarity and detachment.