Status Updates From ACT in Steps: A Transdiagno...

"People often say, “I’m depressed,” or “I’m anxious,” or “I’m mad.” It is less common to say one feels that way. But it makes a difference. If one is something then it is really difficult to change that...Therefore, we prefer to say experiencing anxiety, feeling sad, or noticing depressive thoughts...as events that the person observes instead of is defined by."

"Don’t explain the six processes or draw the hexaflex...In ACT, we prefer to help clients pay closer attention to how things are working for them. Our goal is to decrease rule following. If clients can pay closer attention to how things work in their lives, then they can figure out ways of responding that will work better in the long run."

“Thus, watch for the pull to argue when the client says something that is factually wrong. Focus on what effect the thought has on the client...Just listen. There is something accurate in the client’s experience. It is your job to help the client find that and use it to guide their future choices...give them time to contact more experiences and they will see how things work for them."

“This is because by stating the rule, you are undermining their opportunity to contact direct contingencies in their life, to explore and reflect on their own experiences with anxiety, and to learn the consequences of how they react to it.”