Leaves On A Stream

Cope with uncomfortable thoughts and feelings

The following audio files are provided as a compliment to the leaves on a stream handout sent by your therapist. 

As a reminder, the purpose of these exercises are to help you find new ways of responding to your difficult thoughts and feelings – so that when they are present, you are able to engage fully in life, and instead of investing your energy and attention in trying to avoid or get rid of unwanted thoughts and feelings, you can invest in what you are doing.

Leaves On A Stream uses guided imagery alongside the principal of mindfulness to assist you in learning to allow unworkable thoughts to exist without allowing them to control your life. 

During the leaves on a stream exercise, you will visualize yourself resting near a stream. Whenever thoughts enter your mind, you will imagine yourself placing those thoughts on passing leaves, and watching those thoughts float downstream. This presents an opportunity for your thoughts to be just that, thoughts.

Audio files created and recorded by Dr. Russ Harris and Dr. Jenna LeJeune