Lesson Plan

Anxiety Unhooked Plan

Participants will learn and practice ACT-based defusion and acceptance strategies to observe anxious thoughts without struggle, then clarify values-aligned actions to reduce anxiety’s impact.

Unhooking from anxious thoughts enhances psychological flexibility, empowering adults to engage in valued life activities despite anxiety and improving emotional well-being.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare and Review Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up & Check-In

5 minutes

Step 2

Experiential Defusion Exercise

10 minutes

Step 3

Mindful Acceptance Practice

5 minutes

Step 4

Values Exploration

5 minutes

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Reflection

5 minutes

Lesson Plan

ACT Anxiety Session Plan

Participants will practice ACT defusion and acceptance exercises to observe anxious thoughts without struggle and identify values-guided actions to manage anxiety.

This session equips adults with mindfulness and cognitive defusion skills to reduce anxiety’s undue influence, fostering psychological flexibility and committed action aligned with personal values.

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

5 minutes

Step 1

Warm-Up & Check-In

5 minutes

Step 2

Experiential Defusion Exercise

10 minutes

Step 3

Mindful Acceptance Practice

5 minutes

Step 4

Values Exploration

5 minutes

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Reflection

5 minutes

Slide Deck

Embrace Anxiety: ACT Skills

Welcome participants. Introduce yourself and the purpose of today’s session: learning ACT skills to manage anxiety. Prompt any initial questions.

Session Agenda

Briefly orient the participant to the flow and timing of the session. Emphasize a supportive, non-judgmental space.

What Is Cognitive Defusion?

Explain defusion: noticing thoughts as events, not literal truths. Use an example like “I’m having the thought that I’ll fail this task.”

Experiential Defusion Exercise

Guide them through labeling their thoughts. Pause after each prompt. Keep tone calm, curious, and encouraging.

Mindful Acceptance Practice

Lead a simple breathing practice. Encourage noticing sensations and gentle acceptance without pushing thoughts away.

Values Exploration

Explain why values clarify direction. Encourage them to pick authentic, motivating values.

Wrap-Up & Reflection

Review insights and reinforce practice commitment. Ask about confidence and barriers to practice.

Next Steps & Resources

Thank the participant and ask if they have any final questions. Remind them of resources or follow-up options.

Lesson Plan

Anxiety Unhooked Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare and Review Materials

Step 1

Warm-Up & Check-In

Step 2

Experiential Defusion Exercise

Step 3

Mindful Acceptance Practice

Step 4

Values Exploration

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Reflection

Lesson Plan

ACT Anxiety Session Plan

Audience

Time

Approach

Materials

Prep

Prepare Materials

Step 1

Warm-Up & Check-In

Step 2

Experiential Defusion Exercise

Step 3

Mindful Acceptance Practice

Step 4

Values Exploration

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Reflection

Slide Deck

Embrace Anxiety: ACT Skills

Session Agenda

What Is Cognitive Defusion?

Experiential Defusion Exercise

Mindful Acceptance Practice

Values Exploration

Wrap-Up & Reflection

Next Steps & Resources

Worksheet

Worksheet

Worksheet

Worksheet

Embrace Anxiety: ACT Skills

Mikaela Secore