It's a truism that clients often become entangled in circular thought processes that make their problems worse. But this is also an occupational hazard for therapists, which undermines the ability to connect compassionately with clients. In this workshop, we'll explore strategies based on extensive research into language and cognition that help clients and therapists more mindfully focus on the process of thinking itself, and learn how to stand back from their own runaway thought processes. Through the use of methods drawn from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), you'll learn some simple but highly effective skills for becoming more conscious of the language practices and metaphors that shape the course of therapy, and how to help clients transcend the limitations of their thoughts and beliefs, while learning to rely instead on their deepest experiences and values. (This session will continue with Workshop 519.)