logo
episode-header-image
May 19
14m 57s

How to Stop Fighting Intrusive or Negati...

Therapy in a Nutshell -Emma McAdam
About this episode

Learn to Regulate your Emotions: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership

Intrusive Thoughts, Overthinking, ACT, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Passengers on the Bus, Negative Thoughts

Have you ever felt like your negative thoughts are running the show? Like no matter how hard you try to push them away, they keep coming back, louder than ever? Maybe you deal with intrusive thoughts that feel terrifying, or you constantly overthink every decision. These thoughts can feel really overwhelming and they can seem to stop you from moving forward in life, from being happy, doing your work, or building relationships. If that sounds like you, then let me teach you an exercise that can help you break free from struggling with intrusive thoughts or overthinking. It’s called the Passengers on the Bus metaphor from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). This metaphor was developed by Dr. Steven Hayes, the founder of ACT, and it offers a simple but powerful shift: You are not your thoughts—you are the driver of your life.

Looking for affordable online counseling? My sponsor, BetterHelp, connects you to a licensed professional from the comfort of your own home. Try it now for 10% off your first month: https://betterhelp.com/therapyinanutshell

Learn more in one of my in-depth mental health courses: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com

Support my mission on Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/therapyinanutshell

Sign up for my newsletter: https://www.therapyinanutshell.com

Check out my favorite self-help books: https://kit.co/TherapyinaNutshell/best-self-help-books 

Therapy in a Nutshell and the information provided by Emma McAdam are solely intended for informational and entertainment purposes and are not a substitute for advice, diagnosis, or treatment regarding medical or mental health conditions. Although Emma McAdam is a licensed marriage and family therapist, the views expressed on this site or any related content should not be taken for medical or psychiatric advice. Always consult your physician before making any decisions related to your physical or mental health. In therapy I use a combination of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Systems Theory, positive psychology, and a bio-psycho-social approach to treating mental illness and other challenges we all face in life. The ideas from my videos are frequently adapted from multiple sources. Many of them come from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, especially the work of Steven Hayes, Jason Luoma, and Russ Harris. The sections on stress and the mind-body connection derive from the work of Stephen Porges (the Polyvagal theory), Peter Levine (Somatic Experiencing) Francine Shapiro (EMDR), and Bessel Van Der Kolk. I also rely heavily on the work of the Arbinger Institute for my overall understanding of our ability to choose our life's direction.

And deeper than all of that, the Gospel of Jesus Christ orients my personal worldview and sense of security, peace, hope, and love https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/comeuntochrist/believe

If you are in crisis, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Hotline at https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org or 1-800-273-TALK (8255) or your local emergency services.

Copyright Therapy in a Nutshell, LLC

Up next
Jul 4
The Science of Self-Blame and Depression
Struggling with depression and self-blame? Learn why it’s not your fault, how guilt fuels depression, and how to break the cycle and heal. Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Are you stuck in a cycle o ... Show More
22m 6s
Jun 30
Keto and Metabolic Treatments for Mental Health w/Dr. Chris Palmer
Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership The speaker discusses the metabolic theory of mental health, suggesting that brain disorders classified as mental illnesses are largely metabolic conditions. Traditi ... Show More
28m 47s
Jun 27
Pro Climber Talks about Facing Fear and Managing Risk- Hazel Findlay
Learn the skills to Regulate your Emotions, join the membership: https://courses.therapyinanutshell.com/membership Check out Hazel's Program here: https://www.strongmindclimbing.com/ I love climbing because there's an amazing intersection of mental and physical skills, and it pus ... Show More
33m 12s
Recommended Episodes
Jan 2024
How to Rewire Your Brain with Positive Self Talk with Lisa Mustard
In this episode I explore the transformative power of positive self-talk and its impact on mental health and emotional well-being. I dive into the nuances of nurturing a positive inner dialogue while cautioning against the pitfalls of toxic positivity. Before jumping into the mai ... Show More
12m 54s
Jul 2024
Transforming Resentment into Resilience: Mastering OCD
Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Welcome to episode 410! As we dive into the summer season, we hope you're staying comfortable, whether you love the heat or prefer cooler days. For those struggling with OCD or anxiety, Robert James Coaching offe ... Show More
13m 10s
Sep 2024
The Hidden World of Mental Compulsions: Why You Don’t Need to Fix Every OCD Thought
Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com Welcome to episode 427 of The OCD and Anxiety Podcast! In this episode, we delve into the hidden world of mental compulsions. Discover how to understand these thoughts better and learn to bring more compassion an ... Show More
10m 33s
Mar 2025
How To Control Your Inner Voice & Fix Your Negative Self-Talk | Dr. Ethan Kross
Ethan Kross is a Professor in the University of Michigan’s Psychology Department and Ross School of Business. He is the director of the Emotion & Self-Control Lab. His research examines how people can control their thoughts, feelings and behaviors to improve their lives.Today on ... Show More
46m 31s
Jul 2024
The Bus Driver Metaphor: Navigating Intrusive Thoughts in OCD
Book your free session directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In episode 412, join me from the serene Basque country as I escape the summer heat of Barcelona. If you're struggling with OCD or anxiety, this episode is especially for you.  Today's focus is on a powerful tool ... Show More
13m 5s
Jul 8
311. How to stop ruminating
Does your brain seem to hit replay on that embarrassing memory, or go over the way that situationship ended in hopes you’ll find some kind of closure? From dissecting past conversations to catastrophising about what might happen, repetitive thinking can feel like a mental trap. I ... Show More
48m 22s
Jul 7
311. How to stop ruminating
Does your brain seem to hit replay on that embarrassing memory, or go over the way that situationship ended in hopes you’ll find some kind of closure? From dissecting past conversations to catastrophising about what might happen, repetitive thinking can feel like a mental trap. I ... Show More
51m 55s
Feb 2025
Letting Go: A Guided Meditation for Overcoming OCD Intrusive Thoughts
Take the next step in your OCD recovery with my course - Use the Promo Code 'BREAKFREE' at Checkout for 50% off: OCD Course - OCD Elements: Foundations for Freedom Book your free discovery call directly, visit: www.robertjamescoaching.com In this episode of the OCD and Anxiety Po ... Show More
11m 3s
Dec 2024
Letting Go of Perfectionism
Hi, I’m Dr. Jodi Aman, and today, we’re going to tackle one of the biggest roadblocks to happiness and self-acceptance: perfectionism. I’ll be sharing insights on why perfectionism feels helpful but actually holds us back from joy and peace. We’ll explore ways to let go of these ... Show More
26 m
Dec 2024
"How can I get unstuck in life?"
This week licensed therapist Kati Morton talks about why we can sometimes think we are in love with our therapist, ways we can get unstuck in life, and what to do with our passive suicidal thoughts. She also talks about feeling safe after surviving a trauma, and how to deal with ... Show More
38m 59s