Psychology professor Steven C. Hayes and Sharon Salzberg discuss the impactful Relational Frame Theory, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), the power of saying words out loud, the influence of Western science on meditation, and the concept of psychological flexibility. They also lead a visualization exercise for connecting with a guide and integrating wisdom.
ACT combines acceptance, mindfulness, and behavior change processes to cultivate psychological flexibility.
Psychological flexibility, rooted in ACT, helps individuals navigate modern challenges and build a more open, mindful, and compassionate world.
Deep dives
Relational Frame Theory and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Relational Frame Theory (RFT) is a theory of language and cognition that provides a foundation for Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). RFT explores why the human mind acts the way it does and plays a vital role in areas such as language development, raising IQ levels in children, and fostering empathy and compassion. ACT, on the other hand, combines acceptance and mindfulness processes with commitment and behavior change processes to cultivate psychological flexibility. This integrative approach aims to produce positive outcomes by helping individuals develop new ways of relating to their thoughts, emotions, and experiences.
The Three Pillars of Psychological Flexibility
Psychological flexibility, a central concept in ACT, consists of three pillars: openness, awareness, and active engagement. Openness refers to being cognitively and emotionally open, allowing thoughts and feelings to arise and pass without getting entangled or fused with them. Awareness involves being present in the moment, consciously observing one's thoughts, emotions, and bodily sensations. Active engagement entails aligning one's behavior with their values, making choices that are meaningful and purposeful, and developing habits that support value-driven action.
Applying ACT in Various Contexts
ACT has been successfully applied in a wide range of contexts, including mental health, sports, workplace effectiveness, and even programs for refugees and displaced populations. By incorporating ACT methods into diverse settings, such as therapy, coaching, and education, its principles of psychological flexibility can be integrated into different aspects of people's lives. ACT offers practical tools and techniques, some as short as 30 seconds, that can help individuals navigate challenges, build resilience, and live in accordance with their values.
Addressing the Modern Psychological Challenges
ACT recognizes the unique psychological challenges faced in the modern world, such as increased rates of mental health issues and a sense of disconnection or loneliness. The toxic triad of pain, comparison, and judgment, coupled with the commercialization of avoidance and pretense, exacerbates these challenges. Psychological flexibility, rooted in the principles of ACT, provides a framework for individuals to face these challenges. By cultivating acceptance, being present, and aligning behavior with values, individuals can find meaning and purpose, navigate adversity, and build a more open, mindful, and compassionate world.
For Episode 113 of the Metta Hour Podcast, Sharon is in conversation with Dr. Steven C. Hayes, PhD.
Steven C. Hayes is a professor of psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. He is the author of over 40 books and hundreds of scientific articles and has served as president of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. Dr. Hayes initiated the development of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and of Relational Frame Theory and his latest book, A Liberated Mind was released in the summer of 2019 from Avery Books. In this episode, Sharon and Steven discuss the ACT method, and how this related to mindfulness practice. Steven closes the conversation with a ten minute guided practice. To learn more about Steven’s work, you can visit his website at stevenchayes.com