Muni's PlayExperiential Avoidance is the attempt to avoid, suppress, or get rid of unwanted internal experiences (thoughts, feelings, sensations, or memories), even when doing so causes long-term harm.
Why Experiential Avoidance Doesn’t Work: A.V.O.I.D.
- A — Absents the Present: You miss what is happening right now because of limited focus on the internal struggle.
- V — Voids Values: It gets in the way of the important things you want to do in life; you choose avoidance over your values.
- O — Only Temporary: The relief is short-lived; the distress or unwanted internal experience always comes back.
- I — Impossible to Sustain: Sustaining avoidance often requires significant effort and energy, leading to exhaustion.
- D — Deepens Dread: It reinforces the idea that the feeling is dangerous and to be feared, making you more hyper-vigilant.
See also: Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Behavioral Activation