The five facets of mindfulness e-book

“The Five Facet Model of Mindfulness Interventions” described in “Inside This Moment: Promoting Radical Change in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” by Dr Kirk Strosahl and Dr Patricia Robinson, presents a framework for incorporating mindfulness into therapy. To help guide you through this approach we created our FREE e-book to provide prompt sheets that assist therapists in eliciting and processing different facets of mindfulness during therapeutic conversations. One key concept discussed is the idea of pivot points, which are moments when individuals can choose to turn towards meaningful actions aligned with their values. The book emphasises the therapist’s role in creating a supportive context for clients to explore and embrace these pivot points. With worksheets and suggestions, our e-book offers practical tools for identifying and utilising pivot points to facilitate radical change and personal growth.

 

Download The five facets of mindfulness

 

DR JOE OLIVER created this e-book based on ideas from “Inside This Moment: Promoting Radical Change in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy” by Kirk Strosahl and Patricia Robinson.

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Here is an overview of the five facets.

1. Pivot points: Turning towards what matters

   Pivot points are moments of opportunity when individuals can choose to move away from automatic, unhelpful responses and pivot towards actions aligned with their values. The practitioner plays a crucial role in creating a supportive context that encourages this shift. The provided prompt sheets offer suggestions for identifying and effectively utilising pivot points during therapeutic conversations.

2. Noticing: Shifting from autopilot to awareness

   Noticing is a fundamental skill underlying all present moment work. It involves deliberate contact with the present moment and a shift from problem-solving mode to observer-mode. Key points of noticing include orienting oneself to the context, focusing on specific aspects of experience, and shifting attention between different elements. The provided instructions offer practical guidance for facilitating the process of noticing.

3. Describing what is there: Moving from evaluation to description

   Once experiences are noticed, the next step is to facilitate objective verbal descriptions of those experiences. This step minimises judgement and evaluation, helping to reduce the overwhelming nature of unexpressed emotions. Encouraging descriptive language, rather than evaluative language, allows individuals to turn towards their experiences without fusion with unhelpful thoughts. The instructions provided in the ebook offer examples of questions to elicit descriptive responses.

4. Letting go: Non-reactivity and disengagement

   Letting go involves the practice of non-reactivity, allowing thoughts, emotions, and sensations to be present without an immediate urge to fix or avoid them. It also includes disengaging from narratives that hinder progress towards one’s life purpose. By helping clients shift their attention away from unhelpful narratives, practitioners support them in moving towards their values. The ebook provides instructions that guide clients in letting go.

5. Softening into pain: Choosing what matters

   Softening into pain is an antidote to self-criticism and harsh evaluations. It involves shifting perspectives and practicing self-compassion. It allows individuals to choose a life direction based on what truly matters to them, even in the presence of discomfort. The instructions in the ebook encourage clients to treat themselves with kindness, consider alternative perspectives, and make commitments aligned with their values.

“The Five Facet Model of Mindfulness Interventions” provides a comprehensive framework for present moment work in therapy. By incorporating the facets of pivot points, noticing, describing what is there, letting go, and softening into pain, therapists can help individuals move towards valued actions and live a more fulfilling life. Our guidelines and prompt sheets offer practical tools for therapists to facilitate radical change and promote mindfulness in their practice. By practicing mindfulness and present moment awareness, individuals can make room for discomfort, respond skilfully to emotions, and engage in valued actions aligned with their values. These practices are foundational in ACT, empowering individuals to lead more fulfilling lives by embracing the present moment and cultivating psychological flexibility.