#6 Steve Hayes on using metaphors in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Metaphors for Life

In this episode of 'Metaphors for Life', I had the opportunity to interview Professor Steve Hayes, and ask him about the use of metaphors in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Along with an explanation of how and why metaphors can work in the context of psychological therapy, he unpacks some examples, including 'anxiety is like quicksand', 'climbing anxiety mountain', and 'embodying your relationship towards life' - can you guess which is his favourite? Steve is best known for his work on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), but also Relational Frame Theory (RFT), and Contextual Behavioural Science (CBS). This work is exploring the nature of human language and cognition, and its application to the understanding and alleviation of human suffering. I would encourage you to watch Steve Hayes' TEDx Talk, "Dealing with difficult thoughts: Mental Brakes to Avoid Mental Breaks" - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GnSHpBRLJrQ Find out more on his website: www.stevenchayes.com