Cognitive Defusion and Decentering are very similar ideas. Both take an objective approach to thoughts and try to alter the effects of those thoughts on a person. Some articles say they are synonymous for each other except that one is used in ACT and the other in CBT. 

Decentering vs Cognitive Defusion

Compared to the control group  (treatment as usual or TAU), the ACT+TAU group showed a decrease in the believability of their symptoms during the 4 month follow-up.  The rapid decrease in believability can be due to the cognitive defusion of the delusional beliefs and hallucinations. 

Believability of Schizophrenic Symptoms with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Techniques that attempt to alter the undesirable functions of thoughts rather than trying to change their form, frequency, or situational sensitivity. It tries to change the way one interacts with or relates to thoughts. 

Wake Forest University

-Acceptance

-Cognitive Defusion

-Being Present

-Self as Context

-Values

-Committed Action



Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: 6 core processes (psychological flexibility model) 

Hayes, S. C., Luoma, J. B., Bond, F. W., Masuda, A., & Lillis, J. (2006). Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Model, processes and outcomes. Behaviour Research and Therapy, 44(1), 1-25.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: Model, processes and outcomes.

- Improves processes of change amongst tested subjects
- Reduces psychological symptoms such as social anxiety and depression
- improves mood processes amongst individuals with PTSD after Traumatic Brain Injury
- it does not require formal practice
- Lessen the likelihood of re-hospitilization for Chronic Mental illness
- Lessen Believability of positive schizophrenic symptoms
- Can decrease symptom occurrence
- less time consuming compared to practices like MBSR
- a trans-diagnostic treatment method: it can treat more than one disorder at a time


Benefits of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy core process: Cognitive defusion

It is the nonjudgmental contact with the self and the environment. It promotes experiencing the world more directly, so one can be more flexible, and their actions can be more consistent with their values. This is done by trying to take more control over thoughts and actions by observing rather than judging and predicting. 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Core Process: Being present

One can be aware of one’s own flow of experiences without being attached to them or an investment in which particular experiences can occur: thus defusion and acceptance is fostered. Self as context is fostered in ACT by mindfulness exercises, metaphors, and experiential processes.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Core Process: Self as Context

Values are chosen qualities of action that cannot be obtained as an object but can be observed in the moment. It uses a variety of exercises to help choose life paths with decreasing negative verbal processes like avoidance. 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Core Process: Values

Commitment to develop patterns of effective action linked to chosen values. This could include goals, homework, mindfulness exercises, etc that can lead to short, medium, or longterm behavioral changes. 

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Core Process: Committed Action

It is the opposite of experimental avoidance. Acceptance is embracing and being actively aware of the events one is trying to avoid. 

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