Imagine that you are an ACT counselor working with a new client, 65-year-old Aubrey. Aubrey has come

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Question:

Imagine that you are an ACT counselor working with a new client, 65-year-old Aubrey. Aubrey has come to counseling at the urging of her husband, Stephen. Aubrey retired six months ago and is struggling with the transition. Aubrey had been working full-time as an executive assistant and, for the most part, loved her job. She had been looking forward to retirement to spend more time with her grandkids but, after her son got a new job in a different state and moved with his family, Aubrey has had not been able to fill her days caring for them. This has resulted in her feeling aimless and lost. Stephen is still working as a business consultant and often travels for work, leaving Aubrey alone for days at a time. During these times Aubrey rarely leaves the house and instead fills her days sitting and aimlessly watching television. Stephen has grown concerned about these changes in his wife. When he asks her why she doesn't go out with her friends she says that she doesn't have "anything to offer them". Aubrey had always thought of herself as a "useful" person but now she is plagued by thoughts of being "worthless". When she thinks of socialising with her friends that still work she feels as though she they will judge her for not doing more with her retirement and when she thinks of socialising with her friends who spend time with her grandkids she feels as though they will pity her so she avoids socializing altogether.

A) Consider what you have learned about ACT throughout the Study Guide and Readings. What benefits do you think ACT will have for Aubrey?

B) Briefly outline either one (1) technique or one (1) metaphor that you would use in your work with Aubrey to help establish psychological acceptance and defusion skills and explain why you would use this particular technique/metaphor (i.e., what you hope to achieve by using this particular technique/metaphor in your work with Aubrey).