Steven C. Hayes is one of the godfathers of modern American psychology - and Nevada Foundation Professor in the Behavior Analysis program at the Department of Psychology at the University of Nevada. An author of 44 books and nearly 600 scientific articles, his career has focused on an analysis of the nature of human language and cognition and the application of this to the understanding and alleviation of human suffering. He is the developer of Relational Frame Theory, an account of human higher cognition, and has guided its extension to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a popular evidence-based form of psychotherapy that uses mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based methods.

Chords/lyrics to the song:

VERSE

F

Most of us live in a state of constant confusion

F

As automatic thoughts cause circuitous delusions

Bf

We don't want these feelings

F

So choose distractions

But with simple exercises, your mind can be taught

To watch the act of thinking without entangling in thoughts

Welcome emotions

Hold them to the light

Bf C

Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react

Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react

VERSE

For a minute let your mind go wherever it wants

Then write down the thoughts you had, every little point

When you've let the fish run

Reel him in

Now disobey on purpose the dictator within

Write down the phrase "I cannot walk around this room"

Then read it outloud

While you walk around

Or give your mind a name, and listen to it speak

Politely as you would to any stranger you meet

And agree or disagree

Respectfully

Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react

Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react

MIDDLE (whispering and downbeat)

Bf

For sticky thoughts

C

Sing them away

Dm

To the tune of

F

Happy Birthday

Or write them down

And carry them with you

Wherever you go

Through your day

Bf

Accept every memory, every faction

C

Override rigid reactions

WHISTLING VERSE

VERSE

So you've noticed now that there's more than one voice

An argument begins whenever you're faced with a choice

Does this to-and-fro

Feel familiar?

Write down what the voices are repeating at you

Don't think which are appropriate or even true

See them as quarrelling children

Watch in amusement

Now your mind's a bus, thoughts are passengers

But they're distracting your driving and causing a fuss

Keep your destination sign

Always in mind

Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react

Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react

Defuse your thoughts, choose how to react

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