62. Language, Suffering, and Meaning with Matthieu Villatte

Published: Oct. 23, 2018, 3:33 p.m.

Join us for an interview with Dr. Matthieu Villatte to explore: Why language may be getting you get stuck in worrying, comparing, and rigid behavior patterns How to flexibly respond to problems and live according to your values Language-based strategies that can help you stop struggling and build motivation and meaning in your life So take a listen to this thought provoking interview on Relational Frame Theory! Photo by Manasvita S on Unsplash Humans are the only animals that can use language processes to create abstract, symbolic thoughts. This is both a blessing and a curse. Although symbolic processes have many benefits to humans, they can also lead us to great suffering. We worry about the future, fret over the past, get stuck in rigid rules, and create problems for ourselves that exist only in our minds. In this episode, Debbie talks to Dr. Matthieu Villatte, an expert on Relational Frame Theory (RFT), about how language processes can contribute to human suffering. Dr. Villatte describes how awareness of these processes can help us to build motivation find meaning in our lives. About Dr. Matthieu Villatte Dr. Matthieu Villatte, PhD is an Assistant Professor at Bastyr University in Seattle, Washington. He is the author of numerous books and chapters on mindfulness, acceptance, experiential therapies, and contextual behavioral science, including Mastering the Clinical Conversation: Language as Intervention, co-authored by Jennifer Villatte and Steven Hayes. As a peer-reviewed trainer in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy recognized by the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS), he has facilitated over one hundred clinical trainings around the world as well as dozens of online trainings. Resources: Mastering the Clinical Conversation: Language as Intervention Learn more about Relational Frame Theory Contact Dr. Matthieu Villatte _________________________ Thank you for joining us on this episode of Psychologists Off The Clock. We appreciate your feedback. Please take a moment to leave a quick rating and review of the show on Apple Podcasts. It helps us spread the word to more folks like you! Click Here to Subscribe via Apple Podcasts Click Here to Subscribe via Stitcher Click here to Subscribe via Google Play Please note that the information in the podcast and on this site is intended for informational purposes only. It should not be used as a substitute for psychological or medical care. If you are looking professional help, visit our resources page for guidance on how to find a therapist. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency, call 9-1-1.