My thought is that if the behavior is “speeding” or “traffic violations,” a Wave 1 CBT approach might hone in on some basic behavioral interventions, say “listen to some calming music.” A Wave 2 approach may target the thoughts and or feelings associated with speeding (e.g. next time you want to speed, think to yourself that you will get there on time). Although these techniques could be effective for some people, many of us will speed regardless of how calm we are, or we simply make the choice to risk a ticket.
Yet, bringing one’s speed painstakingly into the awareness was enough to get all the drivers, including myself, to slow down. In other words, we had to change our behavior in order to pursue our value (being a law-abiding citizen, getting to work on time without getting a ticket, etc). This also seems like Person-Centered, yet the way the sign glares at you and draws your attention for a prolonged moment seems more like the way an ACT therapist would have you “notice” it for a while.
What do you think? Is the “your speed” sign a good metaphor for the way ACT works in therapy?