To calm down a very strong feeling, an expert might use a trick that helps them see their own thoughts and feelings as just passing clouds, not real problems right now. What is this smart trick called?

The smart trick an expert might use to help calm down a very strong feeling by seeing thoughts and feelings as just passing clouds, not real problems right now, is called Cognitive Defusion. Cognitive Defusion is a technique that teaches individuals to observe their thoughts and feelings as separate, external events rather than identifying with them or believing them to be absolute truths. The core idea is to change one's relationship with thoughts and feelings, recognizing them as transient mental processes rather than facts or commands that demand immediate action. When an expert uses this trick, they guide a person to mentally step back and observe their internal experiences, such as a strong feeling of anxiety or a critical thought, without judgment or getting entangled in them. For example, instead of thinking "I am a failure," cognitive defusion encourages one to notice "I am having the thought that I am a failure," or "I observe the feeling of self-doubt passing through me." This creates a psychological distance from the strong feeling or thought, much like watching clouds drift across the sky without them becoming the sky itself. This detachment reduces the impact and intensity of the internal experience, preventing it from overwhelming the individual and allowing for a more intentional response rather than an automatic, emotion-driven reaction. This technique is a key component in therapeutic approaches like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).