"The mind is like a calculator without a subtraction button," says Steven Hayes, highlighting our tendency to complicate things instead of simplifying them. This metaphor stresses our instinct to layer judgments and 'what-ifs' onto our experiences, leading to increased distress rather than resolution.
The human mind operates like a runaway train, compounding worries and negative thoughts with each additional 'what if.' Recognizing when we're adding complexity to our thoughts can be crucial in managing unnecessary distress.
In Process-Based Therapy, one of the key elements is attention. By noticing when we're in 'adding mode,' we gain the ability to simplify our experiences, potentially alleviating pressure and frustration.
Instead of adding layers of concern or judgement, developing awareness of our thought patterns allows us to shift from complicating our experiences to simplifying them, leading to improved psychological flexibility.
#mental-health #cognitive-psychology #acceptance-and-commitment-therapy #mindfulness #problem-solving
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