Steven C. Hayes is Nevada Foundation Professor in the Behavior Analysis program at the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada. An author of 44 books and nearly 600 scientific articles, his career has focused on an analysis of the nature of human language and cognition and the application of this to the understanding and alleviation of human suffering. He is the developer of Relational Frame Theory, an account of human higher cognition, and has guided its extension to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a popular evidence-based form of psychotherapy that uses mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based methods.
Watch Steven's fabulous TED talk.
Listen to the song I wrote after being inspired by my conversation with Steven - 'ACT' and all the other Podsongs
Lyrics to the song that was inspired by the interview:
ACT
BPM 113
VERSE
F
Most of us live in a state of constant confusion
F
As automatic thoughts cause circuitous delusions
Bf
We don't want these feelings
F
So choose distractions
But with simple exercises, your mind can be taught
To watch the act of thinking without entangling in thoughts
Welcome emotions
Hold them to the light
Bf C
Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react
Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react
VERSE
For a minute let your mind go wherever it wants
Then write down the thoughts you had, every little point
When you've let the fish run
Reel him in
Now disobey on purpose the dictator within
Write down the phrase "I cannot walk around this room"
Then read it outloud
While you walk around
Or give your mind a name, and listen to it speak
Politely as you would to any stranger you meet
And agree or disagree
Respectfully
Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react
Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react
MIDDLE (whispering and downbeat)
Bf
For sticky thoughts
C
Sing them away
Dm
To the tune of
F
Happy Birthday
Or write them down
And carry them with you
Wherever you go
Through your day
Bf
Accept every memory, every faction
C
Override rigid reactions
WHISTLING VERSE
VERSE
So you've noticed now that there's more than one voice
An argument begins whenever you're faced with a choice
Does this to-and-fro
Feel familiar?
Write down what the voices are repeating at you
Don't think which are appropriate or even true
See them as quarrelling children
Watch in amusement
Now your mind's a bus, thoughts are passengers
But they're distracting your driving and causing a fuss
Keep your destination sign
Always in mind
Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react
Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react
Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react