Distraction is a commonly used CBT therapeutic technique. It is based on the concept that we can only attend to one thing at a time, so it might as well be something pleasant or present. This displacement of negative thoughts, feelings and urges from centre stage provides respite from distress and also helps clients to start viewing negative cognitions as ‘just thoughts’ rather than factual truths.
Mindfulness is a concept much in vogue these days. Everyone seems to have a mindfulness app or book on the go and the term is increasingly bandied around fairly mindlessly. This makes it all the more important to be able to explain it succinctly and clearly to clients so they understand what I mean when using the term.