Whenever I think about putting myself out there, I freeze. I start imagining how badly it could go, and then I just... don’t try.

Session Goal:

Introduce the ACT model and explore experiential avoidance.

Milestones:

Creative hopelessness and experiential avoidance mapping

Tips for Therapist:

Validate Priya’s fear of judgment and introduce the ACT hexaflex. Help her identify what she avoids and the costs of that avoidance. Normalize the human tendency to control internal experiences.

It’s not just fear. It’s like this tightness in my chest that tells me to run the other way.

Session Goal:

Increase willingness to feel discomfort without avoidance.

Milestones:

Acceptance and willingness

Tips for Therapist:

Use metaphors like 'passengers on the bus' or 'expanding the space around discomfort.' Guide Priya in practicing present-moment acceptance of sensations and thoughts.

My brain keeps shouting, 'You’ll embarrass yourself!' and I believe it. It just feels true.

Session Goal:

Teach Priya how to defuse from unhelpful thoughts.

Milestones:

Cognitive defusion techniques

Tips for Therapist:

Demonstrate defusion with repetition, label-the-thought, or singing technique. Emphasize that thoughts are not commands or truths — just words the mind produces.

I’ve spent so much time avoiding things, I don’t even know what I care about anymore.

Session Goal:

Help Priya reconnect with meaningful personal values.

Milestones:

Values clarification (choice points, domains of life)

Tips for Therapist:

Explore areas of life Priya values — relationships, growth, service, etc. Use choice point worksheets or metaphor (e.g., 'eulogy exercise') to guide reflection.

I want to try applying for that fellowship, but the idea makes my stomach turn.

Session Goal:

Support Priya in identifying a small value-driven action step.

Milestones:

Committed action and goal setting

Tips for Therapist:

Use SMART goals rooted in values. Reinforce effort over outcome. Reinforce that discomfort can coexist with meaningful action.

I’m still scared, but I don’t feel frozen anymore. It’s weird — I can move even with the fear.

Session Goal:

Consolidate ACT skills and reflect on change.

Milestones:

Psychological flexibility and future planning

Tips for Therapist:

Review Priya’s ACT toolkit (defusion, values, willingness). Emphasize that psychological flexibility is a practice, not a fix. Celebrate the shift from avoidance to engagement.