In our fast-paced lives, it’s easy to get caught up in the myriad of self-descriptions that our minds conjure up. These labels, whether comforting or harsh, can often define and limit us.

In this episode, you dive into the concept of “Self as Context,” a central process in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). You explore how often we allow self-descriptions, such as “I’m not a good … ” to dictate who we think we are and how we act. These labels, whether they’re positive or negative, can become traps that limit our potential and influence our life choices. By distinguishing the difference between the descriptions you create about yourself and your true self, you can begin to untangle yourself from the confines of these labels and explore a path to a more authentic self.

Show notes with time-stamps

00:00 Hooked by a Thought
01:01 ACT Process Self as Context
02:03 Self as Content Labels
04:03 Chessboard Metaphor
05:01 Room and Observer Self
07:10 Why Stories Feel Safer
10:12 Practice Noticing Exercise
11:30 Three Ages Reflection
12:46 Personal Guest Story
13:50 Wrap Up and Next Steps
 

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Resources mentioned

ACT online courses 

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About Dr. Z.

I’m originally from Bolivia, South America, and am a psychologist by training. I’m formally trained in empirically supported treatments, and when I say “formally,” I mean that since 2004 I have received intensive training in them, particularly in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT). 

Over the past 18 years, I have created resources for and worked with overthinkers and overachievers dealing with all types of anxiety-related struggles: perfectionism, procrastination, productivity anxiety, uncertainty intolerance, indecision, impostor phenomenon, overthinking, phobias, rumination, panic, worry and obsessive-compulsive disorder. I absolutely love my job!

In 2019, I was nominated as a fellow by the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science because of my contributions related to the applications of ACT for anxiety-based struggles. I’m the author of seven books and the co-author of three (see the section on previously written books).

I’m the founder and director of the East Bay Behavior Therapy Center, a boutique private center in the San Francisco Bay Area that offers therapy and coaching for anyone experiencing anxiety-based struggles.

In 2023, I gave a TEDx talk, “Stop playing-it-safe and start living” that has more than 264K downloads.

While I’m a psychologist by training and science-based by passion, my style is jargon-free, accessible, caring, and lighthearted; teaching ACT skills doesn’t have to be boring or inaccessible, so I do my best to make every skill I teach—in any format—as engaging as possible. 

I believe that learning to navigate anxiety-based reactions is one of the key skills of the 21st century, and I’m passionate about it.

I'm passionate about disseminating ACT skills for anxiety-based struggles.

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