act Flashcards
Can you observe that thought without judgment?
I already do. I just let things float by. No big deal.
They want to teach you mindfulness—you just claimed you already live it, making their job redundant.
What emotions are you noticing right now?
I’m not really feeling much. Just calm.
ACT wants you in touch with emotion. Emotional neutrality keeps you ungrabbable—no emotion, no hook.
What values are most important to you?
I don’t really think in terms of values. I just do what feels right in the moment.
You’ve bypassed the entire core of ACT—values clarification. Now they can’t align your actions to anything.
What kind of person do you want to be?
Honestly? Just someone who doesn’t overthink all this.
They want to tie you to a motivating self-image. You’ve gone full non-attached zen hermit.
Can you make space for that discomfort?
I don’t mind discomfort. I’m used to it.
This tool works when discomfort feels threatening. You’ve neutralized the premise.
What would it look like to take committed action?
I’m not into forcing things. I let them happen when they need to.
ACT thrives on intentional action tied to values. You just erased the ‘committed’ part.
Is that thought helping you live the life you want?
I’m not focused on outcomes. I just experience things as they come.
You’re Teflon to outcome-driven nudges. Their model wants progress—you want detachment.
Can you hold this pain and still move forward?
I don’t really need to move forward. I’m okay right here.
ACT tries to reframe suffering as fuel for action. You refuse to want anything beyond now.
Are you willing to experience this feeling without trying to change it?
I don’t resist it, but I don’t dwell on it either. It’s whatever.
They want you to wrestle with resistance. You’ve ghosted the whole concept.
Let’s defuse that thought. Can you say it in a silly voice?
That feels artificial. I’d rather just let the thought pass like normal.
You’ve just shut down their quirky signature move with chill stoicism.
If your thoughts weren’t in the way, what would you do?
I don’t feel like they’re in the way. They’re just there.
They want to create distance from thought. You’ve claimed distance already exists.
How do you want to show up in this situation?
Quietly.
That’s technically a valid answer—but gives them zero traction.
“Frustrate the ACT Therapist” Flashcard Deck
Code Name: Fog Walker Protocol
— stay present but slippery, aware but unmoveable, mindful but totally uninterested in their values-based change game.
ACT
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
What is the purpose of the ‘ACT Frustration Protocol: Fog Body + Verbal Judo’?
Designed to look compliant, sound chill, and give them absolutely nothing to grab onto.
What does each card in the protocol provide?
A scenario, fog-based body language, verbal judo response, and why it bugs them.
What is the body language for the Opening Check-In?
Sit back, arms loose in lap, relaxed face. Blink slow. Hold stillness like smoke.
What is the verbal judo response for the Opening Check-In?
“I’m here.”
Why does the Opening Check-In response bug them?
You’re technically answering, but revealing zero. No thoughts, no feelings, no engagement—just presence they can’t read.
What is the body language for Emotional Exploration?
Shrug lightly. Soft smile. Minimal eye contact, not hostile—just… vague.
What is the verbal judo response for Emotional Exploration?
“I don’t tend to label things like that. I just experience them.”
Why does the Emotional Exploration response bug them?
ACT wants emotional identification to deepen mindfulness. You won’t give them a hook—just mist.
What is the body language for Values Work?
Tilt head slightly like you’re thinking. Stay still. Keep energy low, voice smooth.
What is the verbal judo response for Values Work?
“That kind of depends on the day.”
