Passengers On A Bus - an Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) Metaphor

This is a video I helped to create based on the Acceptance & Commitment Therapy metaphor: Passengers on the Buss. It sets out how you can relate differently to unwanted or difficult thoughts, feelings and emotions so that they are less impactful and you can continue with your chosen life direction.
You can download the full animation from here: actforpsychosis.com/videos/pas...
or from here:
tinyurl.com/passengersonthebu...

[@juliawhitmore3991]

Everyone say thank you to your therapist who brought you here 😂

[@ArtbyCimaAzimi]

How did you know!? 😂

[@missfrizzle582]

Bitch. 😂😂😂😂 Thanks E! 🤣

[@yourfavgayicon]

Omg for real

[@amyvatore8147]

This made me laugh so loud 🥴😂

[@abigaillll._]

LMFAOOO 😭😭😭💀💀💀

[@jasperinooo]

who's part of the "watching this cause ur therapist sent it to you" gang?

[@redlady935]

Felt a bit tearful too watching this. If only they taught us this stuff in school...imagine how different the world would be

[@JoeOliverContextualConsulting]

Ah, thanks for your comment. Yes, just imagine... It's great that this stuff is now actually being taught to kids!

[@pauljordan4452]

My former psychotherapist - a retired psychology professor who died at 90 - taught me ACT and it saved my life.

[@JLaskles]

@@pauljordan4452 wonderful to hear - how has it been now? Almost a year since your comment. Do you have any links or resources that you can share that has helped or you used when starting.

[@cstratford7339]

It's a shame that mental health and dealing with mental health issues is not part of the curriculum

[@2BAlive100]

This set me on the verge of tears. Simple, basic, elementary even.... yet exactly where I am right now: Same old road, trying to learn how to take 'the others' with me on a different route.

[@addhy8008]

You are not your thoughts, they have no power to steer the bus only you do, you simply take them along for the ride with you, you can drown them out with diffussion and positivity while they will be their somewhat, they will be quieter and less likely to distract you from where you want to go in life

[@JoeOliverContextualConsulting]

That's a nice summary of what the metaphor is about

[@11219tt]

How? Any tangible exercises to do? When a voice pops up, what do I do?

[@genghiskengmail]

@@11219tt Acknowledge them by writing down 'My thoughts are saying... Now I am feeling... I am experiencing physical sensations such as...' Do one task which needs doing in the next hour or so without suppressing these feelings.

[@11219tt]

The Genghis Ken thanks!

[@previouslyachimp]

@@11219tt - The book 'The Happiness Trap' by Russ Harris is an exploration of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy which gives practical solutions to these issues. It's very useful. Good luck.

[@HousingDan]

I was shown this in my PTSD Group Therapy Session, It really opened my eyes to ACT. Thank you creator this was important in my recovery.

[@JoeOliverContextualConsulting]

+Daniel Harris Thanks Daniel! Glad to hear it was useful.

[@jennoymartin]

This moооviе is now аvailablееee tо watсh heеerе => twitter.com/693bf58a51923b832/status/808869249833844740 PРPаssеngеrs On A Bus аn Acceрtааanсе Cоmmitment Тheеrapy ACТ Мetaphor

[@TheVideoSlick]

Your acting alright ,cause we all know the real shit that's going on this world and to act like you don't is absurd! Watch a Peter Joseph video at the very least and be mindful of the real world we live in. We can't go on blindly, like your therapist want's you to believe who has job because your mentally ill and rightly so ,who's really helping who? It's not your fault though it's the sick system we live in.

[@xKassieFizzyx]

Great message in this video! Life isn't about pleasing others, but opening yourself up to new possibilities whenever possible. Being pleased with your choices, words, and actions is what truly matters!

[@JoeOliverContextualConsulting]

Thanks for the feedback Kassie! Joe

[@xKassieFizzyx]

Joe Oliver You're welcome, Joe.

[@SneakySteevy]

This video should have 500 millions views Our own values, needs and desires guide our bus

[@JoeOliverContextualConsulting]

That's a great way to describe it. Imagine if we were to shift our lives so that our values acted more as guides, rather than just whatever thought or feeling happens to show up in the moment 😀

[@Nyromen]

My therapist actually recommended this to me.

[@kurtisjruth]

Lol mine too

[@11219tt]

Mine too lol. Maybe we all see the same person?

[@peersupportcounselor1904]

mine too

[@kurtisjruth]

@@11219tt oh shiit Dr. Murphy? That'd be cool

[@11219tt]

Kurt Rutherford lol nope dr, Shilof

[@winnieng6904]

It's an easy presentation to demonstrate the core idea of ACT. I first watched this video in 2014 when I was struggling hard with a few types of psychological problems. I had a feeling that ACT could be a suitable & applicable method to help me out of the dark hole. Time flies and under God's grace, I have slowly become a person who is not entangled and harmed by the past wounds. So, I'm here to say "thank you" and encourage the viewers who are seeking a more manageable life to practice ACT techniques in real life.

[@JoeOliverContextualConsulting]

Thanks very much for sharing your story. I really appreciate it. Stories like this give others hope that recovery is possible - which can be very hard to hold on to when in the dark hole.

[@cajequartz1646]

Did he become a racecar driver though? I need closure.

[@evaviklund885]

I think he did. Just had to start small.

[@letmepilottheevapls]

i was bawling my eyes out because i was describing all my negative thougths and my therapist showed me this and I LAUGHED MY ASS OFF at the thougths being so mean to the bus driver 😂😂😂😂😂. They really are just rude passengers in my head, i dont gotta listen to these people 😂😂😂

[@JoeOliverContextualConsulting]

It is kind of funny when you actually hear what our “passengers” say to the “driver”. They definitely can be very rude sometimes

[@jdncoke2]

sometimes seeing it visually kind of helps you with perspective, thanks for upload

[@dmeachy]

Quite enlightening. It made me think of the final stanza in a song I wrote called Losin' which states: Never knew what freedom was It was just another cause Slipping away What a strange awesome journey All I needed was a little courage Living day by day Try not to read too much into it. It means pretty much exactly what it says and I believe it applies in many ways to this excellent bus metaphor.

[@kerenludski6426]

Loved this! So simple...yet so powerful

[@davidsteare]

Thank you Joe, looks very useful for us oldies too!

[@getresultsclub9010]

I think I'll give my own thoughts cool accents (And heck, they could each use a sense of humor while I'm at it!). 🥳

[@kristinahamilton1505]

I love this video and recommend it to most clients. This video is great! I wish the full download/sharable wasn't labeled as "ACT for psychosis" This video is well related to so many. Thank for making this.

[@JoeOliverContextualConsulting]

I've added an alternative link: tinyurl.com/passengersonthebusanimation Joe : )

[@innerstrengthcheck]

I love ACT stuff. This was a great way of reframing the 'demons on a boat/demons on the bus' metaphor. Thank you!

[@aussietrue612]

Theoretical Psychology + LSD + Animation & Recording Software = This Video Clip

[@martyes9563]

Actually, ACT is not theoretical, it is empirically-based. You might more accurately call it "metaphorical psychology" :)

[@TacoMighty]

Now I get it! Thanks for the metaphor

[@iroosu5542]

can we get a part two to this but in the same art style, love how simple but important the messages are hidden throughout metaphors in the video

[@f3mcellectual]

this is so true iroosu spitting fax

[@jordandouglass3813]

I’m sorry but this animation cracks me up

[@anarchowombat5309]

I really appreciate that very british accent. Reminds me of these really cool old punk bands. Warm regards from Germoney

[@longmayshereign7880]

we're gonna make it guys

[@deadquinn9060]

Idk why started crying when i herd the bad comments,. But every happy enddeding

[@ClaytonBatesShopifyExpert]

I needed this today. Thanks

[@anthonyaird]

Nicely done!

[@JolantaBurzynska]

Terrific! Thanks

[@ToreSG705]

Thanks!

[@LidiaBudziszewska]

Thanks a lot!

[@BarbsKhan]

This is great!!!! Thank you!!

[@aquamarine0023]

Absolutely fantastic!!! Well done

[@TronRider]

very nice job

[@Kathysworld79]

My therapist showed me this

[@JoeOliverContextualConsulting]

I'm pleased to hear that. I hope it was useful in some way

[@Kathysworld79]

@JoeOliverContextualConsulting it's me all over x

[@TamarSWalker7]

BRILLIANT!!

[@devanshigala]

So good!

[@gaojizhong]

hahahah awesome these videos are legit!!! im new to this ACT concept.... keep up the good work

[@mrwil97]

Great video

[@transitbusgirl8274]

I use internet and tv as excuse too because I don't like go out because too many bad dramas around me. I has sinus issues but I got used to it so. I lay in bed all time but I do ride the bus too for the reasons.

[@nechtojA]

Thank you Sleep school!

[@NickSheridanVids]

Probably different for everyone, but the passenger I recognise as the most destructive is the "make a deal" coping mechanism lady

[@HariKrishnan-pf1ec]

Pls give the background music name

[@autibert1790]

Prachtig hoor, zo'n open deur. Maar waarom die dan nog intrappen? Ik weet wel wat er mis is. Wat ik graag te weten wil komen, is hoe bij de oplossing te komen.

[@erinhoneybunnharding8983]

I couldn't tell if I was getting taught something or watching a Radiohead music video.

[@thisisbob1001]

What a great video. I love it!

[@toshi9742]

Hate to be that person but I don’t think buses are the best analogy. I get the message but when the metaphor you’re trying to use is something that’s literally meant to stick to its route etc it doesn’t really work out. I mean the peeps just wanna get to their destination but mr driver goes ‘you’re coming with me’ and kidnaps them out of the city (no wonder they’re complaining lmao). Had to watch this in a group session and it just made me chuckle. Maybe it’s time to make a more updated version? There’s been a lot of discoveries etc in 9 years and I’m sure we can make a better representation than this x

[@Catinkontti]

Story of my life...

[@robertbaur3145]

Get Busy living or Get busy dying That is goddamned right. For the second time in my life I am guilty of committing a crime parole violation though I doubt they will put up any road blocks for that not for an old crook like me. I find that I am so excited I can hardly sit still to hold a thought it my head I feel like I am a free man I think its the excitement only a free man CAN feel a free man at the start of a long journey whose conclusion is uncertain I hope I can make it across the border I hope to see my friend and shake his hand I hope the pacific is as blue as it has been in my dreams... I hope. Red The Shawshank Redemption

[@ethanSADTP]

so are the other passengers on the bus the other people around you or are they your negative thoughts, or are they both?

[@deseraewhicker3381]

They are your own thoughts. Because our mind is telling us “stories” about who we are or aren’t then we get stuck and believe those negative stories. Thing is...minds are tricky so by allowing all those pieces to go along for your ride is accepting that those thoughts will be there, just popping up whenev. Just say to your mind, “thank you for your input I’ll do my own thing though”.

[@11219tt]

This is my brain exactly but with hip hop instead of heavy metal on the radio lol.... How do I ignore the voices without completely falling apart from knots in my stomach and constant stress?

[@jenniferdelgado2834]

Trick is not to ignore them. Make room for them. Acknowledge then turn attention elsewhere

[@BobZima]

Is this guy having psychosis? If I am not thinking like a clinician who works with psychosis and see this as every day bad thoughts then this therapy reminds me to Reality Therapy + Used with Motivational Interviewing dove tailing in ACT for Action Phase clients may be a nice treatment combination.

[@chaitanyadeshmane8243]

Who else relates it to OCD ?

[@racy7072]

My therapist told me to watch this

[@emilranfors4540]

my riders wanna kill me all the time.

[@emilranfors4540]

update for anyone thats intrested. i started meditating. and that realy helps alot. just saying.

[@Tamarahope77]

@@emilranfors4540 Makes sense. Meditation involves mindfulness, and ACT recommends mindfulness as a way of being aware of our troublesome thoughts and feelings, and to make space for them, instead of being dictated by them.

[@ZombyMammoth]

do you have social anxiety like me? i think i use internet addiction as an excuse to not attempt anything.

[@rania4548w]

I did not understand how that related to cognitive decision skills can anyone help me, please Iam suffering from trichotillomania and trying my best to find therapy by myself because no one is around to support

[@JoeOliverContextualConsulting]

The metaphor of the comfort zone illustrates how our decisions can be influenced by old habits and the desire to stay safe. While there's nothing inherently wrong with this, it can hinder us from living the life we truly desire. It's important to remember this at crucial decision points. I strongly encourage you to seek help for your trichotillomania. It can be challenging and painful, but there is definitely hope, and effective therapies like ACT or CBT can make a real difference. These therapies are structured and evidence-based, with a proven track record of helping individuals. Best of luck on your journey.

[@ClaireRyanMamboCat]

Big Krentz and the Hand of Shame energy

[@clor4973]

I would like to know what program did you use to create this cartoon…

[@JoeOliverContextualConsulting]

I'm not actually sure - it was commissioned by exposure.org.uk

[@clor4973]

@@JoeOliverContextualConsulting thanks

[@shubhamnimje419]

Can anyone please explain me what just happened here? My poor soul is unable to understand this video. PLEASE HELP ME!!!

[@sagekulpinski]

hahahahahahahahahahahahaha i love the facial expressions so funny

[@christopherpage7184]

Link to the download is broken.

[@JoeOliverContextualConsulting]

Thanks Christoper. I've updated the link and it's now working.

[@christopherpage7184]

@@JoeOliverContextualConsulting Great Video BTW

[@skellingtonmeteoryballoon]

4:21

[@sachinmistry1]

I don't like the animation, but now I do need to try to find other paths. I'm just wondering which path will take me towards love and acceptance? My life has gotten a lot better after I started realizing my own needs.

[@sachinmistry1]

@o. t. I would like more love in my life. I tend to do many things alone

[@swappingparts]

Ari Aster is on notice.

[@permacoach8953]

I don't understand how this is an ACT metaphor. Perhaps if he stopped the bus and listened to all the passengers for a bit, then thanked them for all of their well-meant advice and explained that he needed to act in accordance with his own values.

[@deseraewhicker3381]

Joy King actually that would, I think, kind of be like meditation. Because part of ACT is being present not stuck in the past or worried about tomorrow. So stopping like you mentioned is being aware of all the thoughts. I’m not good at doing that. Stopping, noticing and moving on.

[@robertbaur3145]

that's exactly what he does He has the hidden deal with the one and tries to stop them avoidance strategies He is at first listening to them all the while secretly unhappy he has to follow what they say "you're not allowed to go that we we;ve got rules!" Then decides to ride with them This is the demons on the boat metaphor right out of the happiness trap You don't find your thoughts or emotions because that takes you OUT of the bus especially if the demons or in this case passengers are stronger than your will to fight them This is about taking control over the bus and driving it inspite of their ongoing presence in meditation the passengers gradually become quieter as things improve in real life which is also depicted in the video they become quieter and the bus moved on...

[@somayehabedi4829]

somaye abedi

[@cloudstrife7349]

So cheesy but great message.

[@toddboothbee1361]

Ha! I wonder if the voices people with schizophrenia hear are these "Passengers On A Bus"? A friend who has schizophrenia mentions that the voices are often critical and sabotaging. He said that the secret to living with schizophrenia (he has three advanced degrees from reputable programs) is the medication (the voices remain in any case), but in not believing them. Perhaps that's the best any of us can do.

[@jm2trash]

Yeah, if I'm on a bus and the driver decides to be a racecar driver and follow other buses to see where they're going I'd complain, too...

[@TheMrNightrain]

All of us are our own bus. The "passengers" are our thoughts. We don't pick & choose which passengers we pick up, just like how we don't necessarily pick & choose which thoughts pop in to our mind. The point is that we accept thoughts as just being thoughts and commit to making choices consistent with our values. In this context, if you still view yourself as a passenger on someone else's bus, might I suggest re-establishing your own values so that you can become your own bus driver!

[@cajequartz1646]

Daniel Pfost I thought the goal was to be a racecar driver?

[@bennisayoub4890]

i am a bus driver 😆

[@bachristus]

Ever considered racing?

[@jamescameron8064]

I get the metaphor, but you DON'T have to get stuck with negativity like the passengers on this metaphoric bus. If my mind is like this bus, all my passengers give me compliments, are supportive, are friendly. I very very very rarely get any type of negative thoughts. "The Mood Cure" by Julia Ross is the book that fought me to completely eliminate pretty much all mental negativity. The ida that you're stuck with negative thoughts is yet another limiting belief.

[@MegaWheeler11]

James Cameron self criticism is useful to an extent otherwise we would never realise we had made a mistake. Unless of course your soo positive as to believe you've never made a mistake?

[@martyes9563]

This is not easy for many clients and the fight is much more difficult than just letting it go or 'dropping the rope'. It doesn't have to fit for everyone either and if something else has worked for you, ACT is also accepting of that route so long as you are living the life you desire.

[@robertbaur3145]

no it isn't because you are only human and you WILL have negative thoughts against life changes and so too does the information and challenges in provides us What people continue to miss is that the thoughts are not important they cannot CONTROL you and sometimes BAD things WILL happen and when they DO you will have negative thoughts about these experiences so long as there is a gap between where you are and where you want to be Negative thoughts are not always self critical sometimes they are this "I don;t know what will happen, I don't know if I can do this, others will like me" "This is hard" This is not fair" Why does life have to be this way and so on Even hopelessness "I will never succeed because X" doesn't matter in ACT which suggests thoughts are only thoughts once you liberate yourself to thoughts are not reality you can choose how you want to act in spite of thoughts even when they happen to be true or partially true because it IS hard to do some things which truly matter to us life CAN be unfair and people are NOT always trust worthy etc That is just reality ACT allows you to keep going even if it feels you cannot. And to me that is more positive than any amount of moment by moment positive thinking that is fed to people that everything will just work out because you want it to

[@amalksuresh2538]

It only work for biological cause of depression.But 90% or more depression and anxiety are not biological

[@brookeharris6353]

"loosah"

[@datapeter]

This film is a surreal nightmare and I want whatever drugs the animators had when they made this. Whats the production value on this? A hot dog for everone on the team?

[@Slappingplastic]

Wut

[@mooseing22]

I can't understand why the same people who travel on the same bus the same time every day never speak to each other. No wonder the world is lonely.

[@joolianlee]

lol

[@brigetthurley3703]

Negative = Negative. How about picking up positive passengers?

[@Tigerbear1981]

brigett hurley actually you have no choice who you gonna pick up, and who you leave ...

[@robertbaur3145]

the point is your passengers don't control you whether they are positive or negative What if one of the negative passengers seems stronger and beats up on the positive one then as the driver you will be more convinced to do what it says even more precisely because the negative passenger seems so much stronger and "convincing" The point is a positive value system is independent of the passengers and you keep going even if what the passengers say sound convincing maybe especially if they sound convincing This is the advantage of ACT over CBT in my view When disputing fails ACT allows you to keep going anyway you are the driver not your thoughts

[@supressedmayhem5306]

Hardest video ever

[@SevasCisum93]

Cute

[@LewisBeckman]

What the hell was that?

[@guiguig5999]

Anyone else from insight? (Get me the fuck outta here)

[@Soggydog33]

Wtf did I just watch?!?

[@farisalraisi1070]

What the hell did i just watch...

[@FreePalestine3974]

How is this supposed to be helpful?😂