In the acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) model, one of the core processes is Experiential Avoidance, located just above cognitive fusion on the Hexaflex. Experiential avoidance refers to all the strategies and behaviors individuals use to avoid or suppress thoughts, feelings, and sensations that they find unpleasant or distressing. This section will explore the concept of experiential avoidance, introducing the DOTS framework as a way to understand the different forms this avoidance can take.
Experiential Avoidance: Strategies and Impacts on Adolescent Anxiety
Key Points
- Experiential avoidance in ACT refers to strategies used to avoid or suppress unwanted thoughts and feelings, often leading to short-term relief but long-term difficulties.
- The DOTS framework (Distracting, Opting Out, Thinking Strategies, Self-Sabotage) helps identify common forms of experiential avoidance, each with unique implications for client behavior.
- The goal of ACT is to move clients from avoidance toward a flexible acceptance of their thoughts and feelings, allowing them to live in accordance with their values despite discomfort.
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