The Relational Approach Psychedelic Medicine Is Missing - Steven C. Hayes

Psychedelic therapy is not just about the medicine. The relationship, preparation, safety of the container, and context around the experience can shape whether a journey becomes healing, destabilizing, or difficult to integrate. In this episode of The Psychedelic Podcast, Paul F. Austin sits down with Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D., originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, to explore why psychedelics must be understood as more than chemicals with therapeutic potential. Together, they discuss the Summer of Love, self as context, psychological flexibility, group healing, commercialization, regulation, spirituality, and the relational conditions that help transformation last. Explore extended show notes and resources here: https://thethirdwave.co/podcast/episo... What you’ll learn in this episode: • Why psychedelic therapy needs relational context • What the Summer of Love can teach today’s psychedelic movement • How self as context relates to psychedelic experiences • Why psychological flexibility matters for healing and integration • The risks of commercializing psychedelic therapy too quickly • How community, spirituality, and relationship shape lasting change CHAPTERS 00:00 Introduction 07:13 The Summer of Love 13:28 Self as Context 20:37 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 28:11 Commercializing Psychedelic Therapy 36:53 Psychedelic Regulation 39:21 Why Context Matters 44:02 The Uniqueness of Each Journey 49:16 Supportive Psychedelic Environments 54:41 Spirituality and Community 1:00:04 Bridging Generational Gaps 1:03:55 Spirituality and Science GUEST BIO 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. He is the originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, creator of Relational Frame Theory, and a co-developer of Process-Based Therapy. Steven has authored nearly 750 scientific articles and 48 books, including Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life and A Liberated Mind. EPISODE LINKS Steven C. Hayes Website: https://www.stevenchayes.com ACT Online Courses: https://www.act.courses ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Join our weekly newsletter for new podcast episodes, upcoming events, exclusive discounts, and curated spotlights on retreats and providers, all in one place: 👉 https://thethirdwave.co/newsletter/?r... Our flagship Certification Program at The Psychedelic Coaching Institute: https://edu.psychedeliccoaching.insti... ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Disclaimer: The content shared by Third Wave is intended for educational, informational, and entertainment purposes only. We aim to provide evidence-based, harm-reduction-oriented content to support informed public discourse. We do not provide medical advice, legal advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and content here is not an endorsement of or an encouragement to use any substance. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before making decisions regarding your mental or physical health. Third Wave’s content may discuss functional mushrooms, entheogens, or other emerging therapies, however, nothing posted on this account is intended as an attempt to buy, sell, trade, donate, gift, or ask for entheogens or any other substance. This account does not advocate for illegal activity.