Let’s Talk About Cognitive Defusion, Baby

the creek speaks.

Cognitive Defusion: A therapeutic technique used primarily in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that seeks to reduce the influence or impact of unhelpful thoughts and beliefs. Instead of challenging or changing the content of these thoughts, as in many traditional cognitive therapies, cognitive defusion teaches individuals to ‘de-fuse’ or detach from their thoughts. This process helps individuals view their thoughts merely as words or pictures, rather than as truths that have power over their feelings and behaviors. By creating some distance from these thoughts, individuals can observe them without getting entangled or overwhelmed by them, thereby reducing their influence on behavior and emotional responses.

I walk through the woods on a gravel path, Turkey Creek next to me, its muddy waters slowly passing by, unhurried by any of the things swirling and unfurling in the outside world. Sunlight filters through the trees, casting shadows on the silt-filled umber waters.

The creek does not care about the war in Ukraine.

I do not care about the war in Ukraine.

I care about human aggression. I lament human aggression. But, I don’t care about this particular expression of human aggression.

There’s plenty to go around: human aggression.