Smoking Cessation in ACT: The ‘Leaves on a Stream’ Exercise

Jonathan-Bricker
Fred Hutch Cancer Center, University of Washington

Key Points

  1. ‘Leaves on a Stream’ is an ACT exercise that helped Jane manage her smoking-related thoughts and urges by visualizing them as leaves drifting down a stream.
  2. The exercise facilitated Jane’s ability to acknowledge and let go of distracting thoughts and urges, particularly those related to the shame of smoking.
  3. Regular practice of this technique significantly contributed to Jane’s progress in reducing cigarette consumption and enhancing her focus on letting cravings come and go naturally.
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This section discusses a key exercise in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) known as 'Leaves on a Stream,' which Jane used to manage thoughts and urges related to smoking cessation.

The 'Leaves on a Stream' Exercise

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