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.
