Present Moment Awareness and Defusion Exercise
In acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for OCD, an essential exercise involves differentiating between thinking about an object and physically experiencing it. For example, Stacy might be asked to imagine holding a pen, considering its weight, texture, and temperature.
Then, she’s invited to pick up the pen and notice these same attributes. This exercise highlights the distinct difference between merely thinking about an object and the actual physical experience of holding it. This helps recognize the gap between mental experiences and reality, fostering present-moment awareness and defusion.
Labeling Internal vs. External Experiences
Another aspect of this technique involves labeling what’s happening internally versus externally. This approach aids in differentiating between mental experiences and real-time external events. This method enhances present-moment awareness and defusion, making a clear distinction between mental and physical experiences.
Metaphor of Junk Mail for Defusion
A metaphor used for defusion in ACT is likening intrusive thoughts to junk mail or spam. Over time, just as one learns to identify spam emails without opening them, clients can learn to recognize ‘mental spam’—intrusive OCD thoughts—and choose not to engage with them. This metaphor helps clients understand that there’s a significant difference between having an initial thought and actively engaging or responding to it.