Dr. Steven Hayes, founder of ACT, joins the host to discuss psychological flexibility in supporting mindful drinking. They explore overcoming struggles, values alignment, and integrating ACT with recovery traditions. The conversation includes skateboarding parallels to life and insights on psychological flexibility for personal growth.
Emphasis on social engagement over the drink itself in mindful drinking practices.
Mindful drinking as a tool for developing decision-making skills aligned with personal values and goals.
Deep dives
The Importance of Being Present and Connecting with Others
Being present and connecting with others is emphasized as a valuable aspect of interactions rather than just focusing on the drink itself in a social setting like a bar. The podcast highlights the significance of social context and the human connection experienced during these moments, stressing the value of engagement and interactions over the drink itself.
Practice of Mindful Drinking
The concept of mindful drinking is introduced as a way to approach drinking in a conscious and balanced manner. It includes making choices around drinking that align with personal values and goals, promoting moderation and healthy behaviors related to alcohol consumption. Mindful drinking is likened to a form of mental gym exercise to develop skills for balanced decision-making in various life contexts.
Utilizing Metaphors and Exercises for Mental Coaching
Metaphors and exercises, such as the practice of standing on one foot with eyes closed, are highlighted as tools for enhancing mental coaching and developing psychological flexibility. These exercises serve as metaphors for navigating life challenges, honing balance and self-awareness, and improving decision-making skills by focusing on present experiences and cultivating a deeper understanding of oneself.
Embracing Challenges and Skill Development
The conversation emphasizes embracing challenges and learning new skills through experiences like skateboarding and mental exercises to foster growth and self-awareness. This approach encourages individuals to confront difficulties, seek balance, and engage in practices that align with personal values. By actively engaging with challenges and honing skills, individuals can cultivate resilience, self-acceptance, and a deeper understanding of themselves.
There is a line between mindful drinking and recovery from alcohol use, but it is also true that some of the psychological modalities that aid one can aid the other. What can we draw from therapies like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) that are successful in supporting recovery and its focus on psychological flexibility, including defusing thoughts, values work, and acceptance.
In this episode “Mindful Drinking & ACT,” host Derek Brown is joined by the founder of ACT, Dr. Steven Hayes, author of 48 books and over 700 scientific articles and one of the top cited psychologists, to discuss how psychological flexibility can help support drinking mindfully.
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