ACT Made Simple: An Easy-To-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - Harris, Dr Russ Review & Synopsis

 Synopsis

Now fully-revised and updated, this second edition of ACT Made Simple includes new information and chapters on self-compassion, flexible perspective taking, working with trauma, and more. 

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're 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). With a focus on mindfulness, client values, and a commitment to change, ACT is proven-effective in treating depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, eating disorders, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder (BPD), and myriad other psychological issues. 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 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 therapists and clients.

Review

Russ Harris is an internationally acclaimed acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) trainer and author of the best-selling ACT-based self-help book The Happiness Trap, which has sold over 600,000 copies and been published in thirty languages. He is widely renowned for his ability to teach ACT in a way that is simple, clear, and fun-yet extremely practical.

Steven C. Hayes, PhD, is Nevada Foundation Professor in the department of psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno. An author of forty-one books and more than 575 scientific articles, he has shown in his research how language and thought leads to human suffering, and has developed acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)-a powerful therapy method that is useful in a wide variety of areas."When I first wanted to learn about acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), I started with the excellent first edition of this book, and this second edition is even better. The second edition of ACT Made Simple is a perfect introduction to ACT-easy to read, well organized, and filled with examples, strategies, and demonstrations that make the therapy come alive in the mind of the reader. Essential reading for all therapists."

 -Russell Kolts, PhD, professor in the department of psychology at Eastern Washington University, and author of CFT Made Simple and The Compassionate-Mind Guide to Managing Your Anger -- Russell Kolts, PhD,

"Russ Harris has completely reworked the new edition of ACT Made Simple. This book is essential reading for all trainees and qualified practitioners who want to use the wisdom of ACT ideas in their work. The book has cleverly integrated all the latest advances in the field in an accessible and immediately useable format. It has a lot to offer a newcomer to the area of ACT, but also provides an up-to-date account of the cutting-edge technologies in the area, as well as some innovative new ideas. The examples are easy to identify with, and the exercises well timed. An excellent contribution from arguably the most accessible author in the field."

 -Louise McHugh, associate professor in the department of psychology at University College Dublin; peer-reviewed ACT trainer; fellow of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science; and coauthor of The Self and Perspective Taking -- Louise McHugh

"How do you improve a classic? You distill another ten years of clinical experience and research and write a tour de force. Every page shines with Russ's hallmark humor, compassion, and wonder. Expanded, without being more complicated, the second edition of ACT Made Simple is a vital clinician's resource, and an exciting road map for anyone who wants to live life fully."

 -Chris McCurry, PhD, clinical child psychologist, and author of Parenting Your Anxious Child with Mindfulness and Acceptance -- Chris McCurry, PhD

"Russ Harris, a premier leader in ACT, has updated his watershed book ACT Made Simple with new and vibrant content. His colloquial style makes it a pleasure to read. More importantly, he focuses on fresh content, so that even if you've already read the first edition, this is worth your attention. One of the remarkable new topics in this edition is the way he helps you set up sessions for success with your client. I've supervised hundreds of ACT clinicians, and I reliably recommend Russ's publications, and that will continue to be true for this updated version!"

 -DJ Moran, PhD, BCBA-D, Pickslyde consulting; coauthor of ACT in Practice and Committed Action in Practice -- DJ Moran, PhD, BCBA-D

"The first edition quickly became an absolute "must-read' book for anyone learning about ACT. This second edition goes from strength to strength-packed full of innovative techniques, strategies, and in-depth, practical guides. You won't find a more accessible and clearly written manual on how to actually deliver ACT therapy."

 -Joe Oliver, PhD, coauthor of ACTivate Your Life -- Joe Oliver, PhD

"Simple doesn't mean simplistic. Through his relentless efforts to make ACT more accessible, Russ Harris has over the years also often contributed to make ACT more precise and more effective. This new edition reflects the unique ability of its author to always look for ways to improve the model and integrate new ideas."

 -Matthieu Villatte, PhD, assistant professor at Bastyr University, Seattle; and coauthor of Mastering the Clinical Conversation -- Matthieu Villatte, PhD

"The first edition of this book was a tremendous success and has helped many, many clinicians all over the world to start using ACT. If anyone thought it could not be done even better, in this second edition, Russ Harris disproves that. The book is simple, practical, theoretically sound, and actually improved. I especially love the introduction of what is called "the choice point,' an excellent tool for talking both acceptance and change. A truly innovative way of making functional talk even clearer in ACT."

 -Niklas T�rneke, MD, author of Learning RFT and Metaphor in Practice -- Niklas T�rneke, MD

"This eagerly anticipated second edition of ACT Made Simple is the perfect introduction, and essential reading for developing and honing your skills as an ACT practitioner. Russ, as ever, is warm and lighthearted, sharing his invaluable knowledge and expertise to skillfully simplify the ins and outs of this effective model for meaningful behavioral change. With fresh, brand-new material, this book is at the cutting edge of how to directly apply ACT in your work with clients. By following the practical guidance offered in these pages, you can be assured that you'll be doing ACT well, in no time at all!"

 -Mike Sinclair, chartered psychologist, clinical director of City Psychology Group, and coauthor of Mindfulness for Busy People and The Little ACT Workbook -- Mike Sinclair

"For clinicians who are trying to learn the "how to' of ACT, Russ's humor, clarity, wisdom, and experience makes this one of the most accessible books you will ever read. Weaving the "choice point' throughout this edition provides structure to the clinical work, and is an effective tool for therapists at every level of experience. Each chapter includes an assortment of scripts, debriefing suggestions, tips, worksheets, and new "skilling up' exercises to take your learning beyond the pages and into active, experiential practice. If the first edition is already on your bookshelf, don't hesitate to add this to your collection-the fresh new examples and topics make this a worthwhile investment. This book is, quite simply, indispensable for both novice and seasoned ACT clinicians."

 -Sheri Turrell, PhD, clinical psychologist working with teens and adults in Toronto, ON, Canada; Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) peer-reviewed ACT trainer; and coauthor of ACT for Adolescents and The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Teen Anxiety -- Sheri Turrell, PhD

"The word "simple' can sometimes be equated to words like "basic,' "unsophisticated,' or even "elementary.' Although the second edition of ACT Made Simple can definitely be equated with the words "easily understood,' make no mistake about it: this book is a thoughtful, entertaining, and comprehensive introduction to the ACT model."

 -Nic Hooper, PhD, senior lecturer at the University of the West of England, and coauthor of The Research Journey of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy -- Nic Hooper, PhD

ACT Made Simple

A practical and easy-to-use primer, ideal for newcomers and experienced professionals alike, ACT Made Simple offers clear explanations of the six core processes of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and a set of real-world tips and solutions for rapidly and effectively implementing this powerful therapy into practice. This fully revised and updated second edition includes new information and chapters on self-compassion, flexible perspective taking, working with trauma, and more.

        A practical and easy-to-use primer, ideal for newcomers and experienced professionals alike, ACT Made Simple offers clear explanations of the six core processes of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and a set of real-world tips and ..."

The Reality Slap

Sometimes, it can feel like life holds endless setbacks and challenges; like reality is continually slapping you in the face and causing pain that you aren’t equipped to handle. This ‘reality slap’ can take many forms, from the death of a loved one to the loss of a job, loneliness to rejection. And whatever form it takes, it hurts! With constructive methods based on real-world research, this guide gives you the tools to rebuild your life and thrive after serious setbacks. Ten years after the success of its first edition, this fully updated and rewritten edition of The Reality Slap contains a new wealth of advanced expertise on coping effectively when life hurts. Dr Russ Harris shows you how to apply the scientifically proven methods of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in your daily life and reconnect with yourself and others. Written in a kind, supportive voice with lots of examples and exercises, this timely self-help book contains mindfulness wisdom, hands-on advice and case-studies. Every aspect of the book is designed to be accessible, simple to implement, and to comprehensively tackle emotions arising from setbacks. If you are facing difficulty and don’t know where to turn, The Reality Slap is the essential guide to finding happiness and fulfilment. Learn how to heal from your pain and come out stronger than before with this powerful book that might just change your life.

        How to Survive and Thrive When Life Hits Hard Dr Russ Harris . ACT with Love This inspiring and ... ACT Made Simple : An easy -to- read primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (2nd ed.) This practical and entertaining textbook for ..."

Listening, Learning, Caring and Counselling

At the centre of any caring role is listening attentively to the concerns, narratives and needs of others. But to develop the skills of listening, learning, caring and counselling (LLCC) you need support and training. Written by an experienced and awarded therapist, Listening, Learning, Caring and Counselling is an authoritative, comprehensive guide full of ideas and techniques designed to fill that role. The main emphasis of this highly accessible reference work is on how health and related professionals can assist clients as they work through the issues they commonly present with — such as depression, relationship issues, addiction and grief. Numerous therapies and their related techniques are described and synthesized into the LLCC approach, while case studies, skills and tips for everyday practice make it a practical and user-friendly resource. Listening, Learning, Caring and Counselling is essential reading for counsellors, support workers, case workers, medical practitioners, health professionals — from physiotherapists, pharmacists, doctors, dentists and their assistants to nutritionists and naturopaths — serious life coaches and emergency workers, as well as those in the fields of human resources.

        The full script is available in ACT Made Simple : An easy - toread primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy by Dr Russ Harris . LLCC TIP Discuss with the client the Serenity prayer by Reinhold Niebuhr, which focuses on acceptance ."

Find Good Habits

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With wise advice and helpful exercises from psychologist Dr. Jaime Zuckerman, this beautifully designed, interactive workbook will help you find a path toward a calmer, happier daily life. Changing your habits, or creating new ones, is both incredibly rewarding and incredibly challenging. This straightforward, insightful workbook will guide you through four key steps to making a permanent change to your habits: Identify the change you want to make Set yourself up to succeed Get through the first four weeks Maintain a habit for the long haul With a total of 50 exercises, you'll find all the tools you need to successfully change your habits, including visualizations to help with goal setting, steps to set up accountability systems, and simple trackers to help you visualize your progress. The workbook's engaging, colorful art and motivational messages make it a fun, accessible tool for self-improvement. The Wellness Workbooks series from Wellfleet Press offers guidance on a wide range of self-help and mental health topics. Each book presents a thoughtful, evidence-based collection of straightforward exercises in an accessible, enjoyable format that will keep you engaged and inspired. With a distinctive design and full-color illustrations throughout, these workbooks deliver a practical path to personal growth in a beautiful package.

        “Anxiety.” American Psychological Association, https://www.apa.org/topics/ anxiety Harris , Russ . ACT Made Simple : An Easy -to- Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy , 2nd Edition. Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, 2019."

SuperBetter

An innovative guide to living gamefully, based on the program that has already helped nearly half a million people achieve remarkable personal growth In 2009, internationally renowned game designer Jane McGonigal suffered a severe concussion. Unable to think clearly or work or even get out of bed, she became anxious and depressed, even suicidal. But rather than let herself sink further, she decided to get better by doing what she does best: she turned her recovery process into a resilience-building game. What started as a simple motivational exercise quickly became a set of rules for “post-traumatic growth” that she shared on her blog. These rules led to a digital game and a major research study with the National Institutes of Health. Today nearly half a million people have played SuperBetter to get stronger, happier, and healthier. But the life-changing ideas behind SuperBetter are much bigger than just one game. In this book, McGonigal reveals a decade’s worth of scientific research into the ways all games—including videogames, sports, and puzzles—change how we respond to stress, challenge, and pain. She explains how we can cultivate new powers of recovery and resilience in everyday life simply by adopting a more “gameful” mind-set. Being gameful means bringing the same psychological strengths we naturally display when we play games—such as optimism, creativity, courage, and determination—to real-world goals. Drawing on hundreds of studies, McGonigal shows that getting superbetter is as simple as tapping into the three core psychological strengths that games help you build: • Your ability to control your attention, and therefore your thoughts and feelings • Your power to turn anyone into a potential ally, and to strengthen your existing relationships • Your natural capacity to motivate yourself and super-charge your heroic qualities, like willpower, compassion, and determination SuperBetter contains nearly 100 playful challenges anyone can undertake in order to build these gameful strengths. It includes stories and data from people who have used the SuperBetter method to get stronger in the face of illness, injury, and other major setbacks, as well as to achieve goals like losing weight, running a marathon, and finding a new job. As inspiring as it is down to earth, and grounded in rigorous research, SuperBetter is a proven game plan for a better life. You’ll never say that something is “just a game” again.

         Russ Harris , ACT Made Simple : An EasytoRead Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (Oakland, CA: New Harbinger Publications, 2009). If you're interested in trying more exercises to explore your values, you can also check out Dr ."