Leaves on the Stream: An ACT Cognitive Defusion Exercise for Letting Go of Unhelpful Thoughts

Leaves on the Stream is an Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) exercise that helps you notice thoughts without becoming caught up in them. By imagining each thought resting on a leaf and floating gently downstream, you can practice allowing thoughts to come and go without needing to challenge, suppress, or follow them. Learn how this cognitive defusion exercise can support mindfulness, psychological flexibility, and a different relationship with unhelpful thoughts.