A long time ago, I almost lost my life at work. My dad sold aluminium to aircraft manufacturers in San Diego, and I was working in the factory to put myself through college. Among other things, they produced aluminium foil, which required house-sized machines to squeeze thick aluminium sheets on gigantic multi-ton spools as they …
What I Learned About Pain From Almost Being Killed Read More »
When you ask high achievers why they succeed where others fail, they often reply with what psychologists call “self-efficacy” – a belief in their ability to achieve their goals. Therapists are not much different. When you ask them what enables some clients to make lasting changes, they too will focus on the client’s belief in …
There are few things in life more important to your overall happiness than the quality of your relationships. And among all the relationships you build and foster throughout your lifetime, few stand out as the one with your significant other. Your partner gets to experience you in ways only few people ever do. They share …
In today’s world, apps and websites are how people get a great deal of their mental and behavioral health information. That’s a good thing, in principle. Technology can reduce barriers and help address that fact that there will never be enough specialists or professionals to go around. Take smoking. If you smoke, there is no better …
Why Science Matters: The Uncommon Sense of ACT and Psychological Flexibility Read More »
The Corona pandemic is a mental challenge. Here’s how to come out on top!
The following is an interview between Steve Hayes and Jonathan Bricker on the occasion of Jonathan’s TEDx talk passing the 1 million view mark STEVE: A million views. That’s by far the most exposure of any video presenting Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). How does it feel to be reaching that benchmark? JONATHAN: Exhilarating. It’s …
Just because you’re not sick, doesn’t mean you’re healthy. We are used to that idea in physical health. Being cancer free is not the same as being fit—you have to take the steps needed to develop your physical strength, endurance, and flexibility. Not having the flu is great, but vigor depends on eating well, exercising, …
Thriving: What Kind of Psychotherapy Naturally Produces It? Read More »
Is it important to love yourself? It seems that depends on how you do it. Few concepts in popular psychology have gotten more attention over the last few decades than self-esteem and its importance in life success and long-term mental health. Of course, much of this discussion has focused on young people, and how families, …
Is Self-Compassion More Important Than Self-Esteem? Read More »
In the wake of the NFL domestic violence scandal the media has exploded with questions about what we need to do governmentally, institutionally, and politically to better manage partner abuse. Some have called the current rash of stories a “national teaching moment”—an opportunity for us to wake up to the prevalence and horror of domestic …
Why Our National Conversation is Wrong and What to Do about It Read More »
The West African Ebola crisis is holding up a mirror to the world, and what it is reflecting back is worrisome. I was listening to the news reporting yesterday with a mixture of interest and horror. The horror was not just about what is going on in these West African countries. It was the horror …
Behavioral Science and Local Empowerment Are Needed to Help Solve the Ebola Crisis Read More »
