The Weekend University

Professor Steven Hayes and Professor Matthew Johnson. Although they work in widely different fields, with Matt being a leading researcher in psychedelics at John Hopkins, and Steve being the co-developer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, both have reached similar conclusions about the psychological processes underneath mental health and wellbeing - so I thought it might be interesting to bring them together for this conversation. You’ll learn: — How a behaviourist perspective has been advantageous for Matt and Steve in their research — How and why psychedelics may promote “psychological flexibility” — Steve and Matt’s thoughts on the origins of spirituality — Their views on consciousness and the “hard problem”. And more. You can follow Matt on X @Drug_Researcher and learn more about Steven’s work by going to https://stevenchayes.com. You can also check out the PsychFlex App by visiting: https://psychflex.com/signup. --- Steven C. Hayes, PhD, is a professor of psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. The author of forty-three books and more than six hundred scientific articles, he has served as president of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science and is one of the most cited psychologists in the world. Dr. Hayes initiated the development of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and of Relational Frame Theory (RFT), the approach to cognition on which ACT is based. Most recently, he has been focused on developing Process Based Therapy along with Prof Stefan Hofmann. Dr. Matthew W. Johnson, PhD, is a distinguished Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Johns Hopkins University. He is internationally renowned for his prolific research on the human effects of psychedelics and his groundbreaking work in the behavioral economics of drug use, addiction, and risk behavior. In 2008, Dr. Johnson published psychedelic safety guidelines, contributing to the resurgence of psychedelic research. He led groundbreaking studies on the psychedelic treatment of tobacco addiction and cancer distress, as well as investigating psilocybin for opioid dependence and PTSD. Dr. Johnson’s research extends beyond psychedelics, with influential studies on various psychoactive substances. As President of the International Society for Research on Psychedelics and a respected NIH-funded Principal Investigator, he continues to be a leading figure in the field. Learn more at www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/details/matthew-johnson. --- Interview Links: — Dr Hayes' website - https://stevenchayes.com/ — Dr Hayes' books - https://amzn.to/3MQlJbV — Dr Johnson's Profile - http://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/profiles/details/matthew-johnson — Dr Johnson's Twitter - https://twitter.com/drug_researcher?lang=en

Dr Andrew Newberg is a neuroscientist and one of the world’s leading researchers exploring the relationship between neuroscience and spirituality. His research includes taking brain scans of people in prayer, meditation, rituals, and trance states, in an attempt to better understand the nature of religious and spiritual experiences. He has published over 250 peer reviewed articles and 14 books. His work has been featured in Time, The Washington Post, and The New York Times, and he was listed as one of the 30 most influential neuroscientists alive today by the Online Psychology Degree Guide. In this conversation, we explore: — Studies exploring the relationship between mass meditations and crime rate — Near death experiences — Dr Newberg’s views on consciousness — The extent to which we can say that religious and spiritual experiences cause physical changes in the brain — The link between spirituality and mental health. And more. You can learn more about Dr Newberg’s research and books by visiting: http://www.andrewnewberg.com. --- Dr Andrew Nerberg is a neuroscientist, author, Professor, and the Research Director in the Marcus Institute of Integrative Health at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He studies how brain function is associated with various mental states, and is a pioneer in the neurological study of religious and spiritual experiences – a field known as “neurotheology.” Dr Newberg’s research has included brain scans of people in prayer, meditation, rituals, and trance states, as well as surveys of people’s spiritual experiences and attitudes. He has also evaluated the relationship between religious or spiritual phenomena and health, and the effect of meditation on memory. He believes that it is important to keep science rigorous, and religion religious. You can learn more about Dr Newberg’s work at: http://www.andrewnewberg.com -- Links: - Dr Andrew’s website: http://www.andrewnewberg.com - Dr Andrew’s books: https://amzn.to/3uIAC4F

Dr Scott Kellogg and Amanda Garcia Torres are co-directors of the Chairwork Psychotherapy Initiative - an innovative therapy training organisation which empowers mental health professionals to integrate chairwork with their therapeutic approach. I attended one of their trainings in September 2023 and it was incredibly powerful, turning over many of the assumptions I held about how therapy should be done. In this conversation, we explore: — The therapeutic benefits of viewing human beings as containing multiple different parts — The two origins of the inner critic and why it may be behind the vast majority of mental health problems — How chairwork can be applied to heal addiction, trauma, and a wide range of issues. — How this approach helps to create space and distance internally from maladaptive coping parts that may be having a negative effect in our lives. And more. You can learn more about Scott and Amanda’s work by going to https://www.chairworkpsychotherapy.com/. --- Amanda Garcia Torres, LMHC is a certified Chairwork Psychotherapist and Co-Director of Training at the Transformational Chairwork Psychotherapy Project. Ms. Garcia Torres received her Master’s Degree in Counseling for Mental Health and Wellness from New York University and has also completed training in Voice Dialogue. She began her journey with TCPP in 2013 and has trained clinicians in NYC and internationally. Her presentations and writings have addressed such topics as chairwork, trauma, social justice, oppression, and identity issues. Ms. Garcia Torres is in private practice at Chairwork Therapy NYC. Scott Kellogg, PhD is the author of Transformational Chairwork: Using Psychotherapeutic Dialogues in Clinical Practice (2015, Rowman & Littlefield). He is a former Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychology at New York University and a Past-President of Division of Addictions of the New York State Psychological Association. An ISST-certified Advanced Schema Therapist, he has also trained in Gestalt Therapy and Voice Dialogue. Dr. Kellogg currently runs a chairwork-centered private practice in New York City. Through the Transformational Chairwork Psychotherapy Project, he has taught this method of psychotherapeutic dialogue to practitioners in the United States and abroad. Interview Links: — Amanda’s website: https://chairworktherapynyc.com — Dr Kellogg’s website: http://transformationalchairwork.com/about/about-scott-kellogg — Amanda’s latest article: https://bit.ly/transformational-chair — Dr Kellogg’s latest article: https://bit.ly/APA-Psychnet

Dr. Bernardo Kastrup discusses free will, differences between Eastern and Western mindsets, religious paths to transcendence, impact of psychedelics, and Jung's synchronicity theory. He explores the complexity of determinism and free will, the significance of synchronicity and archetypal events, and the commonalities in altered states of consciousness. Additionally, he talks about the growth of Essentia Foundation's YouTube channel and the importance of supporting authors.

Simon Alexander Ong, a life coach and author, talks about energy management, visualization, finding mentors, and the philosophy of Bruce Lee. He shares his insights on changing your life by changing your energy, becoming a world-class public speaker, and the importance of having a definite aim in life. Simon also discusses his unique approach to building relationships with mentors and how journaling can increase clarity.

Tami Simon is the Founder of SoundsTrue - a multimedia publishing company with more than 110 employees, and a library of more than 3,000 titles featuring some of the leading teachers and visionaries of our time, including Eckharte Tolle, Pema Chodron, Gabor Mate, and Michael Singer. This conversation explores: — The role that synchronicity and prayer have played in Tami’s journey — Tami’s unique approach to business, including why it’s important to realise that the “how” of what you do is more important than the “what” — The importance of creating space in your life and how best to do this — How Tami changed her relationship and beliefs around money And more. You can learn more about Tami’s work by going to https://soundstrue.com. --- Tami Simon started Sounds True at the age of 22 with a dream and a tape recorder. Though she had no experience running a business and only a vague idea of what she wanted the company to be, Tami had her guiding principle strongly in place: to disseminate spiritual wisdom. Over its 36-year history, Sounds True has grown into a multimedia publisher that has produced over 6,000 titles, has been included twice in the Inc. 500 list of the fastest-growing companies, and is North America’s leading publisher of spoken-word spiritual teachings. One of the world’s very first organizations to focus on multiple bottom lines as part of its founding mandate, Sounds True has expanded steadily over the years while staying true to its original mission. Partnering with the leading spiritual teachers of our time, Sounds True now has a successful book publishing program (distributed by Macmillan) and has grown to produce events, certification programs, and transformational online learning experiences. Tami hosts the popular Sounds True podcast, Insights at the Edge, which has now been downloaded more than 20 million times. She is also the founder of the Sounds True Foundation, which is dedicated to bringing spiritual education to people who would otherwise not have access. She lives in Boulder, Colorado, and in British Columbia with her wife, Julie Kramer, and their two spoodles, Raspberry and Bula. Interview Links: — Tami’s website: https://www.soundstrue.com/blogs/authors/tami-simon — Tami’s books: https://amzn.to/3R5UYS8

In this conversation with Steven Hayes, a leading psychologist and the co-developer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, listeners delve into Process-Based Therapy (PBT). Hayes discusses the importance of viewing psychological issues as interconnected 'nodes' and critiques the traditional 10,000 hour rule in therapy. He advocates for a personalized approach that emphasizes understanding emotional processes. The talk also highlights innovative ways to tackle loneliness and the need for systemic changes in mental health diagnostics. Expect insights that will transform therapeutic practices!

Dr Emily Balcetis is a social psychologist and Professor of Psychology at New York University, whose research focuses on how our visual perception influences motivation, and how we can leverage the cognitive biases inherent in the human mind in a way that makes us more effective at achieving long term goals. She has written 74 scientific publications, given two TED talks, and is the author of the 2020 book: Clearer, Closer, Better. This conversation provides an introduction into some of the key insights from Dr Balcetis’ research, including: — How our everyday perceptions can be thought of as illusions of the mind — Why positive visualisation and vision boards can actually be counterproductive when pursuing goals — How to use “framing”, a narrow focus, “widening the bracket”, and materialisation to achieve goals — How Michael Phelps uses “foreshadowing failure” to succeed and how you can too. — The crucial link between systolic blood pressure and motivation And more. You can learn more about Dr Balcetis pioneering research by going to: https://www.spamlabresearch.com. --- Over the last 20 years, Dr Emily Balcetis has become one of the most sought-after voices on motivation science, researching the factors that contribute to differences in judgments and behaviors among individuals. She delivers lectures, offers training and keynoting hundreds of programs and events at secondary schools, colleges, universities, community organizations, and corporations on the social, cognitive, and motivational mechanisms that lead impact obstacles and successes as people pursue their goals. She is also a frequent commentator on media, blogs, and podcasts, delivering a voice filled with knowledge and respect for the varied challenges people face. --- Interview Links: — Dr Balcetis’ website: https://www.spamlabresearch.com — Dr Balcetis’ books: https://amzn.to/3SfrUtO

Professor Paul Gilbert, a renowned clinical psychologist, discusses the science of compassion and its application in alleviating suffering. Topics include core foundations of Compassion Focused Therapy, working with difficult clients, evolutionary origins of shame and guilt, managing depression, trauma memories, understanding evolution in health professions, and resources offered by the Compassionate Mind Foundation and Compassion-Focused Therapy.

The latest research on autism and the brain is indicating that it affects the brain in much the same way as complex trauma. What does this mean for the delivery of behavioral and social services? If the brain is affected in the same ways as trauma what does this mean for educational, vocational, and developmental goals in the individual's life? How do we progress with treatment based on the research of the last six years? In this session, Robert will introduce the latest research, outline how the brain reacts to both trauma and autism in the same way, and what this means in the real world for treatment services. Using case examples and his own observation, Robert will lay out a method and direction for treatment that is making a profound difference in the lives of the individuals he supports every day. From families to schools to employment and individual struggles, you’ll discover the methods that can bring lasting change to lives, and often reduce or remove the necessity for expensive behavioral services. --- Robert Cox is a Licensed Professional Counselor and a Nationally Certified Counselor. He has been providing services for individuals on the autism spectrum for more than 20 years. He is the creator of the nonprofit The Tristn Jevon Center for Recovery a trauma treatment center in Richmond, Missouri specializing in the treatment of trauma, addictions, and autism. He trains and uses mindfulness practice in the control of anxiety and mental health issues resulting from trauma in his practice and produces the podcast “Mindful Recovery” to bring these topics to all podcast listeners. Links: - Get our latest psychology lectures emailed to your inbox: http://bit.ly/new-talks5 - Check out our next event: http://theweekenduniversity.com/events - Robert Cox’s profile: https://liferecoveryconsulting.org/staff/meet-robert/ - Robert Cox’s book: https://amzn.to/3Bp5KN8