88. Harnessing the power of values-based exposures

Today’s episode takes off with discussing fears of driving. This is the starting point to discuss a key process within acceptance commitment therapy: values-based exposures. In this episode, you will learn the principles to approach your fears, worries, and anxieties in a flexible way and in the service of your values. Brian Thompson, Ph.D. and I covered different ACT skills such as defusion, values, willingness and what you can do if you’re getting stuck in conquering your fears or you’re afraid of starting the process of facing your anxieties. Key Takeaways What is willingnessHow to deal with uncertaintyWhat to do when you’re powering through a fearful situationWhat is exposureUnderstanding fear-based reactions and safe behaviorsExploring the concept of exposure in overcoming fearDealing with physical sensations during fearful situationsThe role of acceptance and commitment therapy in overcoming fearUnderstanding the concept of willingness in therapyAddressing fear of uncertainty and unpredictabilityIntroduction to the upcoming book on act-informed exposure for anxietyUnderstanding act and exposureDealing with chronic worryEffective problem solving vs. worry Show notes with time stamps 00:31 Understanding Fear-Based Reactions and Safe Behaviors 01:00 Exploring Exposure Therapy and Anxiety 01:09 Dealing with Physical Sensations During Panic Attacks 02:44 Strategies to Manage Anxiety and Fear 03:39 Addressing Intrusive Thoughts and Fears 04:16 Understanding Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 07:33 Exploring Willingness in Therapy 14:28 Addressing Fear of Uncertainty 17:28 Introduction to ACT-Informed Exposure for Anxiety 19:19 Discussing the Book and Its Approach 19:44 Recommendations for Approaching the Book 19:45 Understanding the Process of Exposure 20:38 The Role of Repetition in Exposure 21:37 Handling Chronic Worries and Ruminations 22:12 Using ACT for Chronic Worry 23:11 Writing Imaginal Scripts for Worries 26:13 Effective Problem Solving vs. Worry 26:50 Distinguishing Between Productive and Unproductive Worry (*) Show notes and resources of this episode (*) Receive free weekly science-based, compassionate, and actionable skills to stop ineffective playing-it-safe (*) Figure out your playing-it-safe profile in 5 minutes and identify the key thinking strategies that keep you living in your head (*) Learn ACT skills for anxious achievers by taking Dr. Z. ACT courses Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.