Obstacles and Opportunities
Avoidance
Deborah avoided writing her trauma narrative the first time it had been agreed, and there was further avoidance the first time she approached writing about her highest intensity trauma. But both of these occasions were treated not as obstacles but as opportunities to work on avoidance, and to revisit and recommit to values. They were ways for her to practice making choices focused on long-term growth rather than short-term avoidance of discomfort.
Marijuana Use
She resisted reducing her use of marijuana, as she held strong opinions that it is natural and safe. It was not the therapist’s role to work from a perspective of right and wrong, or determining whether or not Deborah used the drug. She was just asked to try behavioral experiments to see what differences that might lead to, so she could make mindful choices rather than doing things like smoking on autopilot, such as when first waking up in the morning.