Frequently asked questions
What is cognitive defusion?
Cognitive defusion is the act of recognizing your thoughts and feelings for what they are - just thoughts or feelings - not truths, commands, or who you are. Simply put, cognitive defusion can help you separate who you are from what you think and what is true.
How can cognitive defusion help me?
Cognitive defusion may be able to help you by reducing the impact of distressing or negative thoughts on your everyday life. For instance, cognitive defusion can help you recognize that not all negative thoughts are true, can increase your willingness to address unpleasant thoughts, and overall improve your mood (to see a research study which demonstrates this, click here).
Who is cognitive defusion good for?
Cognitive defusion is good for anyone who struggles with negative or upsetting thoughts. Studies have shown that the technique can be particularly helpful for individuals with depression, anxiety, and OCD.
How often should I practice cognitive defusion?
There's no set or required amount that someone needs to practice cognitive defusion. However, studies on the benefits of cognitive defusion typically ask people to practice the technique daily.
How long until I start seeing benefits?
There's no certain amount of time or practice of cognitive defusion that can guarantee results. However, some studies have found that people can experience benefits in as little as one practice session.