Control Is the Problem
In ACT, attempts at controlling private events are thought of as part of the system that have brought the client into therapy. Four factors are identified that most clients bring into therapy (and, that have been wrestled with at various times in this forum):
- "Deliberate control works well for me in the external world."
- "I was taught it should work with personal experiences (e.g., 'Don't be afraid...')."
- "It seems to work for other people around me (e.g., 'Daddy never seemed scared...')."
- "It even appears to work with certain experiences I've struggled with (e.g., relaxation works for a while to reduce my anxiety symptoms)." It is emphasized that the examination of control strategies is based entirely on the clients experience, with workability as the unit of analysis, and that the therapist needs to be extremely careful not to dictate or demand that the client evaluate their control strategies as unworkable. Therapist techniques that are mentioned include using metaphors and experiential exercises to help the client develop increasing sensitivity to directly experienced contingencies. Also, the authors mention that asking questions rather than stating conclusions can be helpful in reducing pliance on the part of the client.