The “internal hijackers” refers to patterns of thinking that can interfere with our well-being and prevent us from living a fulfilling life. They take control of our thoughts, emotions, and behaviours, leading us away from our values and goals.
About this metaphor
Internal hijackers can manifest in different forms, such as negative self-talk, self-doubt, fear, anxiety, or avoidance. They are often rooted in our past experiences, conditioning, and cognitive biases. These hijackers can be powerful and persuasive, steering us away from what truly matters to us and hindering our personal growth.
The goal in ACT therapy is not to eliminate these internal hijackers but to develop awareness and acceptance of them. By becoming mindful of our thoughts and emotions, we can observe these hijackers without being completely consumed by them. We acknowledge their presence and their attempts to control our actions, but we choose not to let them dictate our lives.
ACT encourages individuals to practice psychological flexibility, which involves accepting uncomfortable thoughts and emotions while taking actions that are in line with their values. Instead of getting caught up in a struggle to eliminate or suppress internal hijackers, individuals learn to relate to them differently and make choices based on their personal values.
By recognising and disengaging from internal hijackers, individuals can gain greater control over their lives and move toward a more fulfilling and meaningful existence. The focus shifts from trying to control or eliminate unwanted thoughts and emotions to embracing them as part of the human experience while consciously choosing actions that align with one’s values.