It's often difficult to 'put into words' the experiences that we have in life. We resort to describing abstract or unfamiliar concepts in terms of things that are concrete or we think will be familiar to the listener. Analogies and metaphors help us to develop and expand our understanding of a subject or situation, for example, the challenges that we face in life. They may offer an alternative perspective that we might not otherwise have considered.

Each episode of the 'Metaphors for Life' podcast is a 'thought bubble' - a format designed to work as a 'Thought for the Day' or 'Pause for Thought'. It's aim is to encourage psychological flexibility, promote good mental health, and introduce ideas inspired by evidence based psychological therapies, such as Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT).

#5 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

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

Metaphors for Life - an invitation to consider your own experience of relating to thoughts, feelings and actions from a different perspective. Encouraging psychological flexibility with content inspired by the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). 

A collection of ideas, short stories, fables or parables designed to pose questions and help you navigate life using similes and metaphors. Using a bite-sized, 'Pause for thought' or 'Thought for the day' style format, rooted in the principles of psychological therapy and self help for improving mental health and wellbeing.

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

Metaphors for Life

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