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

Helped me take charge of my own mental growth. It's what I've always imagined psychologists read: a "manual to humankind." I know so much more, now, about the way humans work. About the way I function. And I can use that knowledge to help my counselor help me - and also simply to help myself.It's both technical and approachable - in ways that it's hard to imagine making it more effective, more easy to read. Probably the best introductory textbook on ACT out there. And probably worth reading even if you're familiar with ACT - because he organizes the information and practical lessons so well.

If you have had some training in ACT therapy, and want to further your understanding for clinical applications, this book is essential.

If you are into psychotherapy or any kind of consulting work where you want to help others to feel better and live a more fulfilling life, this is a brilliant start! ACT is a great new approach, scientifically based and built on firm foundations of Cognitive and Behavioral therapies, and widely applicable, not just to the patients or people with psychological problems. I studied CBT many years ago and found it logical, helpful but limited. ACT feels as a more complete approach where the aim of therapy is not to avoid the symptoms but to lead a more meaningful and fulfilled life. Now I am a coming back to practicing individual psychotherapy (from the world of business consulting) and can't wait for the opportunity to apply what I learned and help my first client.Also, this book by Russ Harris, unlike some older books I've read is far more understandable and easier to go through and get the gist. That doesn't mean it is any less profound or correct, at least as far I understand ACT. Although my English is advanced for a non-native speaker, other books made it so difficult to go through the wording and concepts. That struggle made me almost give up when I realized that I don't get it at the end of the chapter or even paragraph. Not with this book! Many examples, routines you just need to adapt and use. Also many downloadable materials on the web site.For me, this is a great place to start with ACT, now I feel able to use it and to explore some more about it through some more demanding writing. Highly recommended!

If you are a therapist intrigued by the new Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and want to get a clear straightforward feel for what it's all about, look no further than this book.Russ Harris explains in layman's language how and why mindfulness, Acceptance and Values underlie the ACT approach and illustrates how you can start applying it in your clinical practice today.This is ACT made simple and engaging - but not simplistic.ACT was invented by scientists and eggheads, with an unflinching devotion to getting the conceptual and scientific underpinnings right. This they largely did, but at times at the cost of intelligibility for the lay clinician. Don't get me wrong, I love the rigorous science and elegant theory behind ACT. But it may not be everyone's cup of tea on first contact with the work.The genius of Russ Harris is to have written a Therapist Manual which, while remaining faithful to the underlying model and seamlessly grounded in theory, makes the approach luminous and common sense, a makes it relevant to your clincal practice. Not a mean feat when one considers the revolutionary approach that acceptance promotes : stop trying to get rid of unwanted feelings and thoughts, concentrate on moving in the direction of your values.ACT made simple covers all the bases, promotes clinical flexibility and also carefully explores pitfalls and possible snags in applying ACT in your practice.This is both therapist manual and workbook.The best introduction to ACT as a clinical tool yet written.

This was a great introduction to ACT for me. I like the author's writing and therapeutic style and felt I could relate to the case examples. I found it a concise introduction aimed at the therapist who is exploring ACT for the first time. I also appreciated the homework given at the end of each chapter.This review is also designed to give some information about how the book works on the kindle. As a reader of non-fiction books on an e-ink Kindle (Kindle Touch) I'm always wondering how diagrams and some formatted text will make the transition. If you are buying this for a Kindle, know that there are some diagrams that will be difficult to read. I have good eyesight and could make almost everything out. Someone who has trouble with small print would probably be frustrated. And there were a few unreadable diagrams that were only marginally better (but readable) on cloud reader. Luckily the author has published most of the difficult to read text on his personal website. The bottom line: This is readable and useful on Kindle, but there are some frustrations.

I enjoy this book very much as a professional therapist.

Great book for professionals starting out. This book was informative and kept my attention.

The title of this post says it all. This book speaks to the reader in a very human way. It simplifies complex topics and makes everything easy to learn. I loved the style of how it was written because the author seems humble and isn't trying to sound overly smart with technical jargon. There is also a fun aspect of humor sprinkled throughout to keep things light hearted. I enjoyed the entire experience and learned a lot!