ACT Made Simple: An Easy-to-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

by Russ Harris, Steven C. Hayes (Foreword)

Why is it so hard to be happy? Why is life so difficult? Why do humans suffer so much? And what can we realistically do about it? No matter how rewarding your job, as a mental health professional, you may sometimes feel helpless in the face of these questions. You are also well-aware of the challenges and frustrations that can present during therapy.

If you are looking for ways to optimize your client sessions, consider joining the many thousands of therapists and life coaches worldwide who are learning acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). ACT is not just a proven effective treatment for depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, eating disorders, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and myriad other psychological issues that focuses on mindfulness, client values, and a commitment to change. It's also a revolutionary new way to view the human condition, packed full of exciting new tools, techniques, and strategies for promoting profound behavioral change.

A practical and entertaining primer, ideal for ACT newcomers and experienced ACT professionals alike, ACT Made Simple offers clear explanations of the six ACT processes and a set of real-world tips and solutions for rapidly and effectively implementing them in your practice. This book gives you everything you need to start using ACT with your clients for impressive results. Inside, you'll find: scripts, exercises, metaphors, and worksheets to use with your clients; a session-by-session guide to implementing ACT; transcripts from therapy sessions; guidance for creating your own therapeutic techniques and exercises; and practical tips to overcome 'therapy roadblocks.'

This book aims to take the complex theory and practice of ACT and make it accessible and enjoyable for both you, the therapist, and your clients.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Counselling, Social Work, Self Help, Mental Health, Reference

263 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2009

About the author

Dr Russ Harris is a medically-qualified doctor, stress consultant, executive coach, trainer, author, and a leading authority in the powerful new paradigm of Psychological Flexibility. (This is a revolutionary new development in human psychology that enhances performance, reduces stress, and improves health and wellbeing.) Dr Russ regularly presents workshops on Psychological Flexibility at both national and international psychology conferences, and has a thriving business traveling around Australia running training seminars for psychologists, coaches and a variety of health professionals.

Dr Russ's first book, 'The Happiness Trap', was published in Australia in March 2007, and is already well on the way to becoming a bestseller. (The title reflects a key theme in the book - that popular ideas about happiness are misleading, inaccurate, and actually make us miserable in the long term.) He is currently completing his second book 'From Fear To Fulfilment' - which is also the title of his most popular talk.

Back in the early nineties, when Russ was a GP in Melbourne, he moonlighted as a stand-up comedian, and as well as appearing regularly on the Melbourne comedy circuit, he featured on TV shows such as Tonight Live with Steve Vizard, and The Mid-Day Show with Ray Martin. As a result of this experience, his talks are fast-paced, engaging and humorous - as well as being action-packed with information, tools, and techniques for reducing stress, enhancing performance, and increasing vitality.

Reviews

[Alan · Rating 5 out of 5]

The ACT pillar book – basically flawless.

[Courtney · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am not a professional therapist. However, several very smart people I know have recommended ACT, so I read Russ Harris' book "The Happiness Trap" (intended for the general population). Although I am a strong proponent of mindfulness and I liked a lot of what Harris was saying, I also found "The Happiness Trap" to be glib, invalidating of the experiences of people who may be struggling with more serious conditions, and at points generally infuriating to the point of unreadable. Because I liked some of Harris' ideas, and his methodology came with such a strong recommendation from people that I respect, I decided to try again with this primer intended for practicing clinicians, and I am glad I did because it ended up being a much more thoughtful, thorough, and nuanced discussion of his key principles.

"ACT Made Simple" lays out an easy, understandable approach for putting the methodology into practice including sample dialogues, exercises and worksheets. It's approachable without being condescending, and coaches the reader (aka the practicing clinician interested in using an ACT approach with clients) along with hints, tips, and notes for how to approach times when things aren't going as planned. The methodology itself is essentially a mash-up of greatest hits: Buddhism with a dash of New Age vision boarding and classic business project management. But what's old is new, and Harris weaves together the techniques into a cohesive approach and walks the reader through with clarity and precision in "ACT Made Simple." And, unlike in the "The Happiness Trap," he thankfully notes in "ACT Made Simple" that it is NOT appropriate to sing about the inner thoughts and feelings of terminal cancer to the tune of happy birthday as a diffusion technique.

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quotes:

Clients have a hard time shifting from a problem-solving mode into a mindful appreciation mode.

ACT assumes that (a) quality of life is primarily dependent upon mindful, values-guided action, and (b) this is possible regardless of how many symptoms you have - provided that you respond to your symptoms with mindfulness.

ACT regards the mind as a double-edged sword. It's very useful for all sorts of purposes, but if we don't learn how to handle it effectively, it will hurt us.

The aim of ACT, in lay terms, is to create a rich, full, and meaningful life while accepting the pain that inevitably goes with it.

Mindfulness is an awareness process, not a thinking process.

Even if your experience in this moment is difficult, painful, or unpleasant, you can be open to it and curious about it instead of running from it or fighting with it.

The outcome we aim for in ACT is mindful, valued living.

We won't have much of a journey if we simply stare at the compass; our journey only happens when we move our arms and legs in our chosen direction.

Committed action means “doing what it takes” to live by our values even if that brings up pain and discomfort.

A = Accept your thoughts and feelings, and be present
C = Choose a valued direction
T = Take action

We teach mindfulness skills not as some spiritual pathway to enlightenment but in order to facilitate effective action.

ACT speculates that there are two core psychological processes - “cognitive fusion” and “experiential avoidance” - that are responsible for most psychological suffering.

Our clients are not broken, they are just stuck.

Cognitive fusion basically means that our thoughts dominate our behavior.

Fusion means we're stuck in the world of language: we're so caught up in all those words and pictures running through our head that we lose contact with the world of direct experience. Mindfulness is like a shuttle between these two worlds: it transports us from the world of language into the world of direct experience.

We're not trying to reduce or eliminate our symptoms. We're trying to fundamentally transform our relationship with painful thoughts and feelings so we no longer perceive them as “symptoms.”

“In this room, we're never going to have a debate about what's true and what's false. What we’re interested in here is what's helpful or what's useful or what helps you to live a better life. With this approach, what we're interested in is not whether a thought is true or false, but whether it's helpful.”

We never need to judge a client's behavior as “good” or “bad,” “right” or “wrong”; instead we can ask, nonjudgmentally and compassionately, “Is this working to give you the life you want?”

Anxiety is a normal human emotion that we all experience. At the core of any anxiety disorder lies excessive experiential avoidance.

If I truly accept my feelings, then even though they may be very unpleasant and uncomfortable, I'm not distressed by them.

If control is possible and assists valued living, then go for it.

Our aim in ACT is to bring behavior increasingly under the influence of values rather than fusion or avoidance.

ACT is now like the top floor of a three-story mansion. On the next floor down, you'll find Relational Frame Theory (RFT). On the ground floor you'll find Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA). And the ground on which the entire mansion rests is a philosophy called Functional Contextualism (FC).

The moment we label a thought or feeling as a “symptom,” that implies that it's “bad,” “harmful,” “abnormal,” and therefore something we need to get rid of in order to be normal and healthy. This attitude readily sets us up to struggle with our own thoughts and feelings - a struggle that often has disastrous consequences.

Even if he was mandated by a court of law under threat of going to prison, he still didn't have to come: he came because he valued being free.

“You're climbing your mountain over there, and I'm climbing my mountain over here. And from where I am on my mountain, I can see things on your mountain that you can't see - like there's an avalanche about to happen, or there's an alternative pathway you can take, or you're not using your pickaxe effectively. But I'd hate for you to think that I've reached the top of my mountain, and I'm sitting back, taking it easy. Fact is, I'm still climbing, still making mistakes, and still learning from them. And basically, we're all the same. We're all climbing our mountain until the day we die. But here's the thing: you can get better and better at climbing, and better and better at learning to appreciate the journey.”

The three main barriers to mindful, valued living: fusion, avoidance, and unworkable action.

“What do you want to stand for in the face of this? If at some point in the future you were to look back at the way you handled this situation now, then what would you like to say about the way you handled it?”

“So what does your mind say this problem means about you?”

“ACT helps you develop psychological skills to deal with your painful thoughts and feelings more effectively, in such a way that they have much less impact and influence over you.”

ACT is not about trying to reduce, avoid, eliminate, or control these thoughts and feelings - it's about reducing their impact and influence over behavior in order to facilitate valued living.

“We don't just talk in these sessions; we actually practice psychological skills so you can learn how to handle all those difficult thoughts and feelings more effectively.

Our thoughts and feelings are not the main problem; it's getting caught up in them (fusion) and struggling with them (avoidance) that creates our problems. Our thoughts and feelings do not control our actions.

Many people don't like the sound of “homework.” It carries all sorts of negative connotations. I prefer the term “practice” or “experiment.”

Traditional ACT protocols follow a particular sequence:
0. Creative hopelessness (if necessary)
1. Defusion and acceptance
2. Contacting the present moment
3. Self-as-context
4. Values and committed action

One that I recommend for coaching, couples work, high-functioning clients, mandated clients, or clients lacking in motivation is this:
1. Values and committed action
2. Defusion and acceptance
3. Contacting the present moment
4. Self-as-context

Be present, open up, and do what matters.

“It’s not about feeling good; it’s about feeling what you feel without a struggle. It’s not about feeling good; it’s about feeling alive.”

We watch for fusion in six key areas: rules, reasons, judgments, past, future, and self.

The more we enter into the world of direct experience, the more we leave behind the world of language.

“Our aim is not to try and make it go away; our aim is to stop getting caught up in it, make some room for it, allow it to be there without struggling - so that if and when it does hang around for a while, it doesn’t stop you from doing what matters and engaging fully in your life.”

“If you feel better, by all means enjoy it. But please, consider it a bonus, not the main intention.”

“See if you can get into the psychological space of your observing self and, from that space, notice what your thoughts are doing.”

“Let’s make this a win-win proposition. I hope you follow through because, as I said earlier, practice is important. However, if you don’t do it, I’d like you to notice what stopped you. What thoughts did you get caught up in, what feelings did you get into a struggle with, or what kind of things did you do that got in the way?”

We’re not mindfulness fascists in ACT. We don’t advocate acceptance of every single thought and feeling. We advocate acceptance if and when it enables us to act on our values.

“This feeling tells you some valuable information. It tells you that you’re a normal human being with a heart. It tells you that you care. That there are things in life that matter to you. And this is what humans feel when there’s a gap between what we want and what we’ve got. The bigger the gap, the bigger the feeling.”

“When we accept our feelings, they may or may not reduce in intensity. We can’t predict it. But we can predict this: when we try to control or avoid our feelings, it’s very likely that they’ll increase in intensity and cause us more distress.”

“What we’re aiming for is to let go of the struggle with our feelings so we can put our energy into doing the things that make life meaningful.”

“I know you don’t like this feeling, but see if you can just let it sit there for a moment. You don’t have to like it - just allow it to be there.”

“The only way you’ll get to climb that mountain is to wade through the swamp. So that’s what you do. You wade through the swamp. You don’t wallow in it, just for the sake of it. You wade through the swamp because climbing that mountain matters.”

The past and future only exist as thoughts occurring in the present.

Mindfulness basically boils down to:
1. Notice X
2. Let go of your thoughts
3. Let your feelings be

“There’s a part of your mind that talks - the thinking self - and a part of your mind that listens - the observing self.”

Fusion with a positive self can easily lead to arrogance, narcissism, intolerance of others, and refusal to acknowledge negative feedback; fusion with a negative self can lead to depression, anxiety, feelings of worthlessness, and so on.

“There are many different sense of self. In our society, we tend to focus on two main senses of self: the physical self - our body - and the thinking self, more commonly known as ‘the mind.’ What we’re aiming to do here is recognize a third sense of self. The ‘observing self’ can observe both our thinking self and our physical self, but it is distinct from them. You are comprised of all three of these selves, but whereas the thinking self and the physical self change continuously, the observing self doesn’t. It’s like a safe place inside you that’s always there - a place from where you can observe what’s happening in the mind or the body without being harmed.”

Our thoughts and feelings are transient events that don’t define who we are or control our actions.

Values are desired/chosen global qualities of ongoing action.

Goals are about what you want to get or have or complete. Thus, if it’s not something you can do on an ongoing basis, then it’s not a value.

By global quality we mean a quality that “unites” many different patterns of action.

“Values are like a compass. A compass gives you direction and keeps you on track when you’re traveling. And our values do the same for the journey of life.”

While we do have a lot of control over how we act, we don’t have any control over what we get. So it makes sense to focus on what is most within our control. The most empowering response to unmet needs and unfulfilled desires is to accept the pain, connect with our values, and take action.

If our clients start talking about right, wrong, good, or bad, we know they have shifted from values into the realm of morals, ethics, or codes of conduct.

You aren’t obliged to work with any client if doing so compromises your own ethical standards.

We can’t control others; we can merely influence them. And the more we take control of our own actions, the more effectively we’ll be able to influence others.

“If you let those thoughts tell you what to do, will that take you closer to the life you want to live - or further away?”

When a goal is impossible or a long way off:
1. Validate the pain arising from the reality gap
2. Respond to the pain with acceptance and defusion
3. Find the values underlying the goal
4. Set new goals based on those underlying values

F = Fusion
E = Excessive goals
A = Avoidance of discomfort
R = Remoteness from values

D = Defusion
A = Acceptance of discomfort
R = Realistic goals
E = Embracing values

“When we do go offtrack, what helps is being kind and accepting toward ourselves: we accept the painful thoughts and feelings, then reconnect with our values, and get moving again. What doesn’t help is beating ourselves up. I mean, if beating yourself up was a good way to change your behavior, wouldn’t you be perfect by now?”

“Is what you’re doing working in the long run to make your life richer and fuller? Is this taking you closer to the life you really want? Is this helping you to be the person you want to be?” [And if not, are you willing to try something else?]

“So when you do that, what effect does it have on your life in the long run? It’s completely natural that you would do this, given your past life experience. Lots of people would do the very same thing under similar circumstances. The question is, if you keep on doing it, will it make your life richer and fuller - or will it do the opposite?”

“Can we let your mind say whatever it wants and give this a go anyway?”

“On a scale from 0 to 10, how well is your life working? If 10 means that the way you’re spending each day gives you a real sense of vitality and fulfillment and 0 means that the way you’re spending each day makes life seem pointless, meaningless, and not worth living at all, where are you on that scale?”

Resistance in therapy generally boils down to a few key factors: treatment mismatch, secondary gains, the therapeutic relationship, and FEAR.

Fusion and avoidance tend to “wither and fade” when we’re fully in the present moment.

“Can you accept yourself as a human being even though you are temporarily stuck?”

When we rely on workability for motivation, we never have to coerce, persuade, or convince our clients to change; we simply open their eyes to the consequences of their actions and allow them to choose their own direction. And sometimes, despite our best efforts to help them get moving, our clients will stay stuck - in which case, we can at least provide them with a safe, compassionate space in which they can rest.

“I’m committed to helping you create the best life you can possibly have. And if I sit here and say nothing, then I’ll be neglecting those values.” Then with an attitude of openness and curiosity, defused from any judgments or criticisms, we describe the behavior we’re noticing and point to the fact that it’s preventing useful work in the session. From there, we may explore the function of the behavior - “Can I ask what you’re hoping to achieve by doing X?”

We help clients develop the ability to step out of problem-solving mode altogether and into the psychological space of mindfulness and acceptance. This is useful whenever (a) problems cannot be solved, or (b) when problem-solving attempts create even bigger problems.

“Success is the ability to go from failure to failure without loss of enthusiasm.” Sir Winston Churchill

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

**Jump on in.**

I’m a fan of ACT.

I jumped on the ACT bandwagon after being introduced to it during a clinical training, and I’ve been riding it ever since. To me, the core philosophy of ACT just makes sense: be present, open up, and do what matters.

I’ve read several books on ACT, and this one stands out as the most concise and usable one. In addition to distilling ACT down to its essential components, it provides clinical transcripts and worksheets galore to help you jump right in to the ACTion.

If you’re new to ACT, this book is the place to start. The author does a great job in showing how the aim of ACT—“to help you create a rich, full, and meaningful life while effectively handling the pain and stress that goes with it," (p. 61)—is achieved through its six core therapeutic processes: (pp. 9-11)
1. Contacting the present moment—Be here now
2. Defusion—Watch your thoughts
3. Acceptance—Open up
4. Self-as-context—Pure awareness
5. Values—Know what matters
6. Committed action—Do what it takes

Not sure if ACT is for you? Here’s how the author responds to that question:
“Who wouldn’t benefit from being more psychologically present; more in touch with their values; more able to make room for the inevitable pain of life; more able to defuse from unhelpful thoughts, beliefs, and memories; more able to take effective action in the face of emotional discomfort; more able to engage fully in what they’re doing; and more able to appreciate each moment of their life, no matter how they’re feeling? Psychological flexibility brings all of these benefits, and more. ACT therefore seems relevant to just about everyone.” (pp. 30-31)

So, if you’re ready to take a ride on the ACT bandwagon, I’d recommend jumping on right here.

[Justyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read a brief version of ACT during internship, but my grad program never covered ACT, despite the salience of other evidence-based approaches like CBT and DBT. Given I lean towards existential therapy and often incorporate CBT, ACT is the sweet spot blending those two approaches. The key piece I like about ACT is the incorporation of values and assessing thoughts, emotions, and behavior in terms of workability (aka do they bring you towards or away from your values). Unlike CBT, ACT isn't about creating alternative thoughts or assessing the evidence, rather it's about relating to your thoughts in a different way. Although some CBT can incorporate mindfulness, mindfulness is essential to ACT. In order to defuse from your thoughts, people learn to take not only a nonjudgmental, but warm and self-compassionate approach to those thoughts. Given that, ACT uses plenty of metaphors to illustrate the concept, making it accessible to client understanding. For instance, thoughts can be seen as the weather and we are the sky (the part that observes). So we aren't trying to get rid of thoughts and feelings, rather accept them as part of our experience (because fusing with thoughts isn't always an unworkable thing). The goal of ACT is to develop greater psychological flexibility. Overall, I enjoyed the author's conversational, no BS style in explaining how to use these concepts, especially when clients may not buy into them. ACT Made Simple covers a lot of ground on the approach and is an essential read for anyone looking to become a practitioner.

[Mahdiye · Rating 5 out of 5]

اگه قصد دارید با رویکرد act آشنا بشین، این کتاب برای شروع عالیه به نظرم. نویسنده خیلی روشن و کاربردی مفاهیم رو توضیح داده و کتاب جوری طراحی شده که روان درمانگر یا خواننده در طول کتاب با این رویکرد بتونه تمرین بکنه که این به نظرم میتونه برای روان درمانگر هایی که تازه میخوان کارشون رو شروع کنن مفید باشه

[Susie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This approach is right up my alley. I’m using it every day in my work and am continuing my ACT studies with trauma focused ACT. The book is practical and user friendly. If you have any interest in ACT you won’t be sorry to come across any of Russ Harris’ work.

[Aylin · Rating 5 out of 5]

ACT'ı Kolay Öğrenmek; Kabul ve Kararlılık Terapisi müdahale yaklaşımını detayları ile işleyen yalın ve sade anlatımı, zengin görüşme örnekleri, metaforları ve danışanlara uygulanan yaşantısal egzersizler içeren uygulamaları,zorlayıcı bir yanıtı etkin bir tutum ile karşılama konusunda ele alınan temel becerileri ile ruh sağlığı uzmanları ve terapistlerin keyifle okuyacağı ve faydalanabileceği çok etkili bir rehber kitap . Kabul ve Kararlılık Terapisi(ACT) 'nin altı temel süreci; Şimdiki Anla Temas, Kabul, Ayrışma, Değerler, Kararlı Eylemler ve Bağlamsal Benlik konuları;aşama aşama tüm detayları ile işlenerek, yaşantısal örnekler ile pekiştiriliyor.

Bireyin yaşantısı boyunca neyin temsilcisi olmak istediği, kendisine,çevresine ve dünyaya nasıl davranmak istediği, zengin bir hayata yaklaşmak için belirlediği yaklaşma adımları ve zorlayıcı yaşantı ile birlikte gelen acı verici duyguları etkin bir şekilde ele alma yöntemleri; zihnin evrimsel yapısı da dikkate alınarak çarpıcı örnekler ile açıklanıyor.

İçsel yaşantılara ve dış dünyaya açık olmak, kişinin kendinde olarak, değerler doğrultusunda eylemde bulunma becerisini arttırmak, zorlayıcı bir his ve yaşantı sürecinde çevreye gösterebildiğimiz şefkati kendimize yöneltebilmek ve bir düşünceyi işlerlik açısından değerlendirmek temel konular arasında. Zihnimizden geçen yargılar, kurallar, fikir ve eleştiriler; bizi istediğimiz hayata ulaştırma konusunda uzun vadede etkiliyse işlevsel olarak kodlanırken,bu durumun tam karşıtı söz konusu ise düşünceden ayrışma ve değerler doğrultusunda eyleme geçmek için yeni beceriler edinmek önem kazanıyor.

Vaka örnekleri ve bir konuyu özümsemeyi sağlayan zengin metaforları ile sürekli tehdit arayan, yargıları ve kuralları ile çözüm sunmaktan asla vazgeçmeyen Zihnimiz, aktif bir eylem olan Kabul süreci ve duygularımız üzerine etkisi, zorlayıcı bir yaşantı sırasında ilerlemek istediğimiz yönü tekrar keşfetmemizi sağlayan içsel pusulamız Değerler, düşünce ve duygularımızı gözlemlemeyi sağlayan Bağlamsal Benlik gibi konuları çarpıcı bir netlikle işleyen bu kitabı çok beğenerek okudum. Benim için tekrar tekrar okuyabileceğim ve yeni keşif süreçleri içeren, etkili bir okuma oldu. Yazarın aynı zamanda psikolojiye ilgi duyan ve rehber kitap arayanlar için yazdığı Mutluluk Tuzağı, Gerçeğin Tokadı ve Özgüven Boşluğu da kesinlikle önerilerimdir.

[MDL · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this is made for therapists but I’m neither a psychologist nor a psychiatrist and I think everyone should read this book! I’ve read a ton of book on mindfulness and Buddhist teachings and this by far has exceeded my expectations because it is more than a mindfulness book. It has very PRACTICAL advice and lays you down the CONCRETE STEPS you need to do to practice it and live the best life you can!

It is not only practical but it is EVIDENCE BASED!! I am highly spiritual and I delve into Buddhist teachings which a lot of it are in this book and I love how I can see the spiritual translations of the esoteric Buddhist concepts I’ve learned into science and a language everyone can easily understand. It’s very simple, and direct to the point. I love how a lot of these psychological techniques are based on Buddhist teachings. It really tells you how much of wisdom we have proven now were actually already available in ancient times.

This is brilliant!! It gave me something very concrete to follow for my life. And it’s applicable to every aspect in life, career, relationships, health, finance.. It pretty much covered everything. If you want to improve the way you live and have meaning in your life, I recommend this book a lot! This is the therapy that I needed!

[Ola · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bardzo dobrze napisana i praktyczna! Duuzo wiedzy zarówno dla terapeutów (przede wszystkim), jak i laików takich jak ja haha❤️👌

[Cali Bakker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this approach to counseling and the way this book was organized. I can't wait to incorporate ACT as I work with clients!

[Jeremy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly amazing, I re-read sections every week. Very practical, easy to understand.

[Katherine Archibald · Rating 4 out of 5]

ACT is not my personal cup of tea, but this is a very clear and digestible primer on the approach for any therapists who are interested!

[Rachel Hansen]

my good reads challenge is struggling so i’m counting therapy books now too but tbh really enjoyed this one & will be using interventions 👍🏻

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good basic primer on ACT therapy- a resource to come back to

[Liam · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very thorough introduction to ACT. As someone who knew nothing about ACT prior to reading this book I feel I have a good understanding of the basics and how to apply them.

The authors light and conversational writing style make this a much more engaging read than the average text book.

[Bia Holmes · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book and therapy process. The writing is very relatable, friendly, and encouraging. I’m looking forward to using these techniques as a therapist!

[Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great for learning the foundations of ACT. Very helpful although I probably have a more subtle clinical style

[Iona Carys · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving ACT and align so much with Russ Harris’ playful, empathetic, flexible and authentic approach as a practitioner. Have never chuckled to myself reading a text book before!

[Molly Riordan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Previous ACT books left me confused and not fully understanding how to implement it into sessions but this was super helpful and made me actually want to use more ACT and practice those skills!

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

Wordy, casual intro book. I like the premises and detail of this second wave cbt method which seems more humanistic

[Emma Waage · Rating 5 out of 5]

Anbefales!!!! Full av hjelpemidler, hjemmelekser, osv. Føler meg ivaretatt av forfatteren også, snålt men sant :)

[Benjamin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It's a decent introduction to the principals of ACT, but it lacks serious steps for practicability.

[l · Rating 3 out of 5]

I find CBT offensive. This seems a little hokey, but I find it more helpful.

[Khalil · Rating 5 out of 5]

Je viens de finir lecture de la seconde édition de ce livre sorti en 2019. dès le début de lecture on est Happé par la clarté de l’écriture et par la pédagogie que fait preuve l’auteur.

Ce livre est un accompagnement pas à pas de ce model. Toute la démarche est simplifiée afin de satisfaire le cycle d’apprentissage du lecteur, et en ce sens le livre constitue en lui-même une prouesse Pédagogique.

Je le recommande, et en premier, pour quiconque souhaitant s’initier à cette thérapie. Dont il constituera à mon sens le livre de référence. Ceci balisera le terrain pour d’autres lectures, comme les ouvrages de S. Hayes ou aussi ceux portant sur la théorie des cadres relationnels (ou RFT) dont la compréhension aidera, selon l’avis de nombreux thérapeutes, à mieux maîtriser le modèle.

[Ian Felton · Rating 4 out of 5]

I learned about ACT during my Counseling Theories graduate level course. I felt that it was something special--at least special in how it resonated with me.

Now I've read my first book on ACT and I'm more convinced that this is the theoretical orientation I will take in my career. Dr. Harris walks the novice through the basic concepts of ACT (not RFT, functional contextualism, or other philosophical concepts) using diagrams, worksheets, and sample dialogues with clients. This is a very practical guide. I already imagine that I will return to it often in my practice to rehearse metaphors and exercises to do with clients.

It is what it says it is, an easy-to-read primer on Acceptance & Commitment Therapy. And I loved it.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great explanation of a very complicated concept!

[Garnet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a book for a therapist or counselor as it focuses on putting ACT into a practice for others. Excellent directions.

[Sylwia · Rating 5 out of 5]

life-changing

[Paul Burkhart · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a therapy modality, I love ACT. Though it's a cohesive theory in it's own right, I find it really brings together the best parts of a multitude of therapy modalities. It takes from some therapy techniques I love (motivational interviewing, mindfulness, and even a sort of pastoral approach to values) and even takes the good and disregards the bad of therapies I don't resonate with as much (here's looking at you, CBT and Narrative Therapy). So as a way to grow and treat others, I really like ACT.

However, some of the same caveats to most talk therapies apply here. It's not good with severe mental health disorders, nor with people on the autism spectrum. is very complicated and very big. There's a process based therapy and not a technique. So it's not linear.

But this is a review of the book, not the treatment. And this is maybe the best therapy modality textbook I've ever read. It is clear, winsome, comprehensive, realistic, and even funny. This is surprising, as ACT is a process based therapy modality, and not a technique based one. So it is not linear at all. That makes the task all the more difficult to write a textbook about it, and this is done with amazing clarity and succinctness in this book.

It's a fun read, but it's a lot. Some chapters are only a page or two, as it touches on one topic before changing gears into the next. This shotgun approach, while necessary with such a modality and done very well here, makes information retention near-impossible. The author says as much, saying these things really need to be practiced as you learn it, otherwise it'll never sink in.

The book, therefore, seems to straddle between being a treatment manual, reference work, and general audience nonfiction how-to. It's best to read this once all the way through, accept that you won't remember much, and then use the book as a reference tool moving forward. I also appreciate the copious amount of free online resources available that accompany the content of this book. This is all very, very well done. I encourage every therapist and therapist-to-be to at least check out ACT, and this textbook is the best way I know to do it.