This week’s Trying It On features an experiential activity designed to help clients explore the impact of avoidance versus acceptance on their ability to pursue meaningful actions. The Writing with Obstacles Exercise vividly demonstrates how struggling with obstacles can prevent progress and highlights the value of shifting focus to what matters.
Purpose of the Exercise
The goal is to provide an experiential understanding of how avoidance and resistance (e.g., of painful thoughts, feelings, or experiences) can hinder meaningful action. By contrast, focusing on valued action despite the presence of obstacles demonstrates how willingness and acceptance can lead to progress.
Instructions
Materials Needed
A piece of paper and pen for the client
An object to serve as the obstacle (e.g., a piece of cardboard or a book)
Part 1: Struggling Against the Obstacle
Keep reading with a 7-day free trial
Subscribe to RhodeIslandACT to keep reading this post and get 7 days of free access to the full post archives.