The Application of Mindfulness in Coping With Intrusive Thoughts

• Intrusive thoughts are defined and described across several clinical presentations
• The utility of short mindfulness exercises to manage these thoughts is discussed
• Three experiential exercises to manage intrusive thoughts are presented
• The benefits and challenges of using these skills are discussed

Across a variety of disorders, clients present with clinically significant intrusive thoughts. These thoughts can be problematic in their own right, with many clients reporting difficulty focusing on other therapeutic interventions due to problems with attention and increased distress that often accompany the experience of intrusive thoughts. Thus, cognitive-behavioral therapists can find value in learning thought management strategies that can be used with a variety of clients. Despite the increase in attention within the scientific literature and popular media on mindfulness-based interventions, many clinicians are unaware that it is possible to bring these skills into therapy as an adjunct to ongoing cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Thus, we provide an overview of how to teach brief mindfulness skills (5–10 minute trainings). Video segments will teach how to introduce these skills to clients, as well as highlight three skills that have been found to be particularly useful for coping with intrusive thoughts: observation of thoughts; nonjudgment of thoughts; and being larger than your thoughts. The benefits and challenges of using these skills will also be discussed.