“The loop” is a powerful analogy to help client’s recognise their stuck patterns in a non-blaming way and see the ways in which their own behaviour can keep them stuck in the loop.
This video is taken from our ‘Expert tips for ACT’ playlist on YouTube:
The loop shows us how feelings and situations can often trap us in a repetitive cycle. It represents a passive experience where the client feels overwhelmed by their circumstances, but rather than actively engaging with them is gathering evidence that reinforces them. The therapists goal is to help the clients recognise this cycle and actively support them to reduce the amount of evidence they gather, thereby weakening the loop’s hold on them.
Our handy printable PDF of “the loop” is available here to download for your own records too.
Download imageYVONNE BARNES-HOLMES is co-developer of Process-based Behaviour Therapy (PBBT) which this particular analogy has come from. Yvonne has been a highly successful academic and clinician with a strong track record in teaching, training, publishing and presenting for over 20 years.
