Leaves on a Stream
The classic cognitive defusion exercise from Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, made interactive. Each thought goes on a leaf and drifts downstream while you practice watching it go.
How it works
Picture yourself sitting beside a slow, gentle stream. Leaves float past on the water.
When a thought shows up, put it on a leaf and watch it drift away. Type it, or just tap “A thought came.”
Any thought counts: a worry, a plan, a memory, even “this is silly.” You don’t have to push the leaves along or make your thoughts stop.
If your mind wanders off, notice that, and come back to the water.
How long?
What you type is never saved, on this device or anywhere else. Each thought floats away and it’s gone.
If a thought feels too heavy to watch, you can stop at any time. If you’re having thoughts of hurting yourself, reach out now: the crisis lines are at the bottom of this page.
A practice and psychoeducation exercise, not a substitute for professional clinical care. If you are in crisis, contact 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline or call 911.