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.
Reviews (24)
Written beneath its audience
This book had some good basic information about ACT, but it was written beneath its target audience. For a book aimed at clinicians who presumably have earned a master's degree at the very least, the author seemingly takes the position that his readers are unable read clinical literature and instead need to be entertained by banter, informal language, and dumbed-down explanations. In the one chapter where he touches on the underlying science, he apologizes for doing so. At other points, it seemed as though he were instructing me on the basics of being a therapist, such as the importance of building rapport. In short, it was written more like a self-help book or a manual for paraprofessionals than a guide for clinicians.
Helpful guide to understanding ACT
Engaging read. Kept my interest going for someone with adhd.
Excellent purchase
Excellent book.!!! This and all the author’s books are amazing! This is the best to learn ACT
Great resource
Easy to read/follow - great resource for clinicians
Easy way to learn this technique
I read this, then watch a seminar video where a ACT developer and instructor talks about how to use the ACT techniques with clients. Nice to have both.
Useful applications
I'm a mental health clinicians and love ACT therapy. This book has a lot of practical applications for ACT
Love the book and use it regularly!
This book is a wonderful resource for both people new to ACT and people who have used it for years!
ACT therapy is cool
Liked
Great read
Phenomenal book. Really easy to read, but amazingly comprehensive
ACT is interesting and a good skill in supporting any treatment plan
It is a simple easy to read book and I think will be a great asset for my practice
Written beneath its audience
This book had some good basic information about ACT, but it was written beneath its target audience. For a book aimed at clinicians who presumably have earned a master's degree at the very least, the author seemingly takes the position that his readers are unable read clinical literature and instead need to be entertained by banter, informal language, and dumbed-down explanations. In the one chapter where he touches on the underlying science, he apologizes for doing so. At other points, it seemed as though he were instructing me on the basics of being a therapist, such as the importance of building rapport. In short, it was written more like a self-help book or a manual for paraprofessionals than a guide for clinicians.
Helpful guide to understanding ACT
Engaging read. Kept my interest going for someone with adhd.
Excellent purchase
Excellent book.!!! This and all the author’s books are amazing! This is the best to learn ACT
Great resource
Easy to read/follow - great resource for clinicians
Easy way to learn this technique
I read this, then watch a seminar video where a ACT developer and instructor talks about how to use the ACT techniques with clients. Nice to have both.
Useful applications
I'm a mental health clinicians and love ACT therapy. This book has a lot of practical applications for ACT
Love the book and use it regularly!
This book is a wonderful resource for both people new to ACT and people who have used it for years!
ACT therapy is cool
Liked
Great read
Phenomenal book. Really easy to read, but amazingly comprehensive
ACT is interesting and a good skill in supporting any treatment plan
It is a simple easy to read book and I think will be a great asset for my practice
Returned
Found it very difficult to read and comprehend. Returned
There are much better books written on ACT
Complicated reading Not well written. Non comprehensive
Super Easy to Use if you Apply principles
super easy to use and effective if you utilize skills
Excellent
Another relevant,helpful book by Russ Harris
