ACT In a Nutshell Metaphor

Free ACT exercise combining fusion, avoidance, and acceptance

The ACT in a Nutshell metaphor brings together two foundational ACT exercises, Hands as Thoughts and Feelings and Pushing Away Paper, to illustrate fusion, avoidance, and willingness.

Created by Russ Harris, this powerful, experiential metaphor helps clients see how struggling with thoughts and feelings keeps them disconnected, and how acceptance and defusion open the way for meaningful action and connection.

Use this free exercise to:

  • Introduce clients to ACT’s core processes in a single metaphor

  • Demonstrate the shift from struggle to willingness

  • Integrate acceptance, mindfulness, and values-based action in therapy

Learn more with our ACT courses, led by Russ Harris: practical, evidence-based training to help you apply Acceptance and Commitment Therapy with confidence.

A line drawing of some paper held together by a paperclip on a green background
Clinical tool

ACT In a Nutshell Metaphor

Learn the ‘ACT in a Nutshell’ metaphor to differentiate between fusion, avoidance and willingness.