Quote:
Originally Posted by ScarletPimpernel
That's okay. I don't know much about it, so anything is helpful.
My T is all into positive/optimism. She doesn't even like to use the word negative...lol.
She told me for my thoughts I'm supposed to acknowledge them, but not accept them or fight them. Similar to how you're supposed to handle intrusive thoughts when you meditate. She related it to the Chinese finger puzzle: the tube you stick your fingers in. The harder you try to pull your fingers out, the tighter the puzzle gets. But if you relax and slowly pull your fingers out, you will break free of it. Another example is the pink elephant. If someone tells you to not think about the pink elephant, all you do is think about it. It's because you're reminding yourself by telling yourself not to think about it.
I do understand this. But...it just seems so risky. It's difficult having the thoughts already. I've suffered from them daily for 18 years. I will try anything to reduce the intensity. But it seems almost impossible not to react to them.
And it's ironic you mentioned spirituality/religion. I assumed she is Christian for a few reasons, but with all the things she has been teaching me lately...it's just more proof. That's okay with me though. It's just kinda amusing to me.
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Here is a link to a British self help site on ACT. The sight is a great resource for a lot CBT of which ACT is one of the newer forms.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Here is one of the best ACT metaphor video's on Youtube.
There are others that are suggested once you click on it. Its called The unwelcome party guest. and compares unwelcome thoughts to an annoying guest at your party. Once you accept them they don't seem as bad as you originally thought.
My T doesn't regularly use ACT formally but she is starting to introduce some of the practices to some of her anxiety and OCD patients.
peace