Force field analysis. Positive thinking attitude ladder. Number Grid Exercise. Bop it. Mindfulness. Attentional control. Thought Stopping: Why it doesn't work, and what works better. If you're bothered by worry, you might have heard about "thought stopping", and hoped it would help you clear your mind of these unwelcome thoughts. It probably hasn't. That's not your fault. Opposing your worry in this manner doesn't really work very well for most people. In fact, it often makes the problem worse. The Problem with Thought Stopping Take a look around you and select a small item in your area. Put it someplace else in your home. You were able to do that, right? Think of the object you removed. Now do some thought stopping. Not so easy, right? Don't treat Thoughts like Objects It's pretty easy to get rid of an object, especially a small one.
But thoughts don't respond like objects. Thought stopping is an example of treating thoughts like objects. Treat Worry like a Heckler, not a Mugger If I face someone trying to hurt me, a mugger or some kind of assailant, I have to try to protect myself, probably by fighting, running away, or shouting for help. Better Ways to Respond to Worry.