Steven Hayes: Master Your Mind, Rewire Anxiety with ACT & Acceptance

Описание: Join Dr. Steven C. Hayes, PhD, a genuine pioneer in psychotherapy and a Nevada Foundation professor of psychology. Dr. Hayes is the originator and co-developer of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Relational Frame Theory, Contextual Behavioral Science, and Process-Based Therapy.
In this session, Dr. Hayes shares his profound insights, drawn not only from his extensive research and over 700 scientific articles and 48 books, but also from his personal battle with anxiety and panic disorder. He recounts a pivotal moment during a department meeting when he experienced his first panic attack, leading to a three-year "downturn" where his entire life became focused on managing panic. He realized that the "logical reasonable sensible things" one does to avoid panic actually lead to more panic, creating a downward spiral.
Discover:
• The Paradox of Control: Learn why our human capacity for thought, while amazing, can be "too smart for our own good," allowing us to carry danger everywhere and paradoxically amplify anxiety when we try to control it. Our minds can create more possible thoughts than there are molecules in the universe, leading to "a recipe for disaster" when combined with our natural fight-or-flight response.
• The 180-Degree Spin: Dr. Hayes reveals the transformative insight that changed his life: a commitment to never again "run from me". This involves turning towards experience rather than away from it, a concept found in ancient wisdom traditions, art, and the "hero's journey" – like learning to "jump into the mouth of the anaconda".
• Psychological Flexibility: Understand the core skills of ACT, which emphasize mindfulness, acceptance, and values. Dr. Hayes summarizes the entire world's literature on how change happens in psychotherapy with one powerful sentence: "Life is asking you to learn how to be more open, aware, and actively engaged in life, extending that to your relationships and taking care of your body".
• Beyond Avoiding Avoidance: While "the only thing we have to avoid is avoidance" is a key principle, Dr. Hayes expands on this, stating we must also "avoid clinging" to any emotion, even positive ones, to achieve emotional flexibility. Emotions are meant to flow and serve their "core function" of helping us make wiser choices.
• The "Observe and Describe" Exercise: Learn a practical, multi-dimensional approach to anxiety. Instead of trying to stop it, slow down and notice where you feel it in your body, what urges arise, and what thoughts appear. This practice, like the "tin can monster" metaphor, helps you recognize that internal experiences are not bigger than you and that you can choose to "respectfully decline the invitation to struggle".
• Values as a Compass: Dr. Hayes explains that underneath your anxiety is often a "purpose that you have" or something "important that's being threatened". By connecting with your values, you open up to the "wisdom of your own history and the current situation".
• A Path Forward: Dr. Hayes offers a powerful message of hope: "You're not broken. This is not a disease. This is a process. Life's asking you to learn something".
Discover how to apply these science-backed principles to cultivate presence, emotional flexibility, and a life truly worth living.
Find more about Dr. Steven C. Hayes's work at stevenchayes.com.

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