The Chinese finger trap metaphor is a powerful illustration used in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)Â to explain the concept of psychological flexibility. The Chinese finger trap metaphor encourages individuals to shift their mindset from one of resistance and struggle to one of acceptance and willingness. By embracing acceptance, individuals can break free from the entanglement of their own suffering and open themselves up to new possibilities and solutions.
This video is taken from our ‘Expert tips for ACT’ playlist on YouTube:
The chinese finger trap metaphor
This clip of the chinese finger trap metaphor is taken from the Contextual Consulting Instagram channel.
The Chinese finger trap represents the struggles and challenges that we encounter in life. When we resist these challenges, it’s like pulling on the finger trap and making it tighter. The more we resist, struggle, and fight against the circumstances, the more we become entangled and trapped in our own suffering. This resistance can manifest as attempts to control or avoid difficult thoughts, emotions, or situations.
However, the metaphor teaches us that when we stop resisting and accept the circumstances, similar to gently pushing our fingers together, the trap loosens. Acceptance is about acknowledging and allowing our thoughts and emotions to exist without judgement or attempts to change them. It doesn’t mean that we approve or like everything that happens, but rather that we make room for all experiences, pleasant or unpleasant, and stop struggling against them.
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Our handy printable PDF of the metaphor is available here to download for your own records too.
Download imageJOE OLIVERÂ is founder of Contextual Consulting, and a consultant clinical psychologist, Associate Professor and program director of the University College London CBT for severe mental health problems Post-Graduate Program.
