Steven C. Hayes discusses psychedelics and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for psychological flexibility and post-psychedelic challenges

Psychedelics can enhance psychological flexibility, and Steven C. Hayes argues that Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) provides a process-focused, evidence-based framework for integrating those effects. The seminar frames ACT as part of the “third wave” of cognitive therapies, centered on changing how people relate to thoughts and emotions through processes like cognitive defusion, acceptance, self-as-context, and values-based commitment. Hayes links psychedelic experiences to these mechanisms, such as reduced fusion with rigid beliefs and increased willingness to observe difficult experiences. Hayes also emphasizes therapeutic flexibility: practices like mindfulness or acceptance can help some people but worsen symptoms in others. He highlights potential iatrogenic risks and how ACT processes can be used when psychedelics go awry, including severe post-psychedelic difficulties. The page notes examples such as psilocybin-related “letting go of resistance” reports and ibogaine-related “life review” motivation, while repeatedly warning against guru-led, low-data psychedelic approaches.