Why Psychedelic Therapy Needs to Be Relational - Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D.
About this episode
The episode features a discussion on the relational aspects of psychedelic therapy with Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D.
In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin welcomes Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, creator of Relational Frame Theory, and one of the most cited psychologists in the world. Full Show Notes: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episode-363/?ref=278 Hayes reflects on his early experiences in the Summer of Love, why psychedelics were never meant to be treated as a party, and how those formative explorations helped shape his lifelong work on psychological flexibility. Paul and Steven explore what psychedelics can reveal about the nature of self, the role of preparation and context in safe outcomes, and why psychedelic therapy must not be reduced to a patented, "script and go" biomedical model. Their conversation also examines ACT, trauma, attachment, group experience, spiritual community, and the importance of honoring each person's unique path rather than forcing transformation into averages, labels, or protocols. Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., is a Nevada Foundation Professor of Psychology Emeritus at the University of Nevada, Reno and President of the Institute for Better Health, a 45-year-old charitable organization that promotes…
People in this episode
Host: Paul F. Austin
Guest: Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D.
Topics covered
- psychedelic therapy
- psychological flexibility
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
- Relational Frame Theory
- trauma
- spiritual community
Mentioned in this episode
Organizations: Institute for Better Health, University of Nevada, Reno
More episodes of The Psychedelic Podcast
- Posting About Psychedelics in the Age of AI - Victoria J. Cvitanovic
- Psychedelic Preparation: Why Safety Starts in the Body - Dave M. Rabin, M.D., Ph.D.
- Be the Work: From Human Doing to Human Being - Stefanie Kleine, Ph.D.
- Psilocybin Mushrooms: Strains, Potency, and Experience - Paul F. Austin
- Choosing the Right Microdose: Psilocybin, LSD, Huachuma & More - Paul F. Austin
- Amazonian Tobacco Medicine: Dieta, Ceremony, and Lineage - Jason Grechanik
Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the The Psychedelic Podcast podcast page.