ABSTRACT
Defusion techniques that are used outside of a solid shared formulation have the potential to be invalidating of the client’s experience as they miss the complexity of the relationship the client has with their thoughts. Like any good technique, defusion is best done when it fits into a clear formulation of the client and their main issues. The practitioner works to build a good understanding of the functions that occur inside particular thoughts and beliefs. There are several steps involved in setting the scene for good application of defusion techniques. First, it often helps to begin by building in the idea of the automaticity of thinking. This helps clients to begin to discriminate the degree of control they really have over their thinking. Understanding the circumstances that lead to high levels of fusion with a thought is in most circumstances crucial.
