Metaphors for Life

Episodes

1. 14

   #14 Dropping anchor with Russ Harris

   Thanks to Russ Harris for his willingness to share this exercise, called "Dropping Anchor", in this guest post on the 'Metaphors for Life' podcast. In his most recent book, this exercise was described as "the single most useful and versatile technique in the whole of ACT" (that is, Acceptance and...

   Nov 27, 2018

   8m
2. 13

   #13 Illustrating your mind with Louise Gardner

   In this guest post from professional Illustrator, Louise Gardner AKA @ACTAuntie on Twitter, and "Your ACT Auntie" on Youtube, we learn about her drawing of a human mind as a 'Safety Observing Sponge'. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aLi8-Mi6eqA If you'd like to see more of Louise's work, check…

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   Oct 16, 2018

   3m
3. 12

   #12 Mental Traffic

   In episode #12 of the 'Metaphors for Life' podcast, we're reflecting on the idea that "thoughts in your mind are like vehicles on a road". To bring this to life I recorded this on location, near to where I live. I have posted a video to accompany this episode on YouTube - check it out!...

   Aug 29, 2018

   10m
4. 11

   #11 Bottling Emotions

   Opening up after having been shaken up can be painful and messy. If you did choose to lift the lid, for some reason, what's your mind telling you about what could happen? From my perspective, I can see that problems arise, both within ourselves, and, in my view, within society, if we keep…

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   Jun 9, 2018

   4m
5. 10

   #10 Introducing Yourself

   Have you ever thought about the kind of relationship that you have with your own self? Relationships need work and attention, kindness, respect, compassion and tolerance, whether it’s with a partner, a child or a friend. Becoming frustrated, having unrealistic expectations and speaking down to a...

   Apr 25, 2018

   3m
6. 9

   #9 Digging holes

   Your supposed to avoid and escape from uncomfortable feelings and circumstances, right? In my experience, this is not always possible. When you're trying to cope with a difficult situation it's worth checking in with your sense of how well a strategy is working for you. You might find that while...

   Mar 26, 2018

   4m
7. 8

   #8 Sailing boats with David Gillanders

   For this episode of 'Metaphors for Life', I met up with David Gillanders from Edinburgh University to talk about the use of metaphors in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and in particular his invention of the sailing boat metaphor. Whilst often helpful in the delivery of psychological...

   Jan 31, 2018

   26m
8. 7

   #7 Snow globe

   What is the purpose of a snow globe? If you were to make your self one, what would it contain? Something meaningful or important to you perhaps; a collection of figures or a landmark of sorts. Most so called 'snow globes' contain snow, settled or suspended within it, depending on how 'shaken up'…

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   Dec 1, 2017

   3m
9. 6

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

   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…

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   Aug 8, 2017

   17m
10. 5

    #5 Metaphors for life

    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...

    Aug 1, 2017

    4m
11. 4

    #4 Measuring up

    "How long is a piece of string?" Whilst we may need to agree upon standard criteria in order to make and communicate measurements, in some cases it may not make sense to measure, compare or judge things at all. Considering the ways in which our minds are prone to jumping to the conclusion "I'm…

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    Jun 13, 2017

    3m
12. 3

    #3 Coping tool box

    Imagine if you only had one tool or strategy to deal with problems that you came across in life. You might be tempted to use it for everything! It may be useful to experiment with other ways of approaching things, and some situations just can't be controlled or fixed. You wouldn't keep trying to...

    May 24, 2017

    4m
13. 2

    #2 Navigating life

    There is a a difference between having a goal, and knowing what your values are. Where you are just now and where you would like to be may be two quite different places. Expectations of an ideal target destination and contrast with present circumstances can be frustrating and unhelpfully distract...

    Apr 24, 2017

    4m
14. 1

    #1 Reaching out

    When we reach out, we take a risk; it costs us something. There are obstacles that can get in the way when we engage with those things that are most important to us. In accepting this discomfort perhaps we have an opportunity to be present, open up and do what matters?

    Apr 1, 2017

    3m