ABSTRACT
The opposite position to acceptance is experiential avoidance. Experiential avoidance has a functional definition in that it is linked to values. Experiential avoidance is only targeted when it causes behavioural harm. Experiential avoidance invariably occurs alongside other processes such as fusion and lack of present moment contact. Acceptance is therefore paradoxical. Clients will arrive in session looking for ways to avoid experiences and they often have extensive and varied histories of doing so. The issue is to move their focus to highlight their control strategies as actually the source of the problem. The work of the therapist is to help the client see how excessive control engenders a futile struggle. Choosing acceptance reduces the chances of compounding perceived problems, leaving more energy to devote to the things that actually matter in life.
