Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

"This book presents, in a clear and concise way, key concepts and techniques that make ACT what it is — a humane and effective way of changing human behaviour to relieve distress and suffering, and to re-orient individuals towards a future they want to have. The book is simple and honest in its aims to present a picture of what ACT looks like, of how it describes itself in its terminology, and of the science it connects most closely with. This combination is hugely workable and simply refreshing. The book grapples with the complexities of clinical problems, but manages to inspire the clinician not to be too daunted by this challenge, by offering a range of helpful, well-described tools that are usable, understandable and creative. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in learning ACT or for clinicians wanting to explore ACT techniques."

- Dr Yvonne Barnes-Holmes, Associate Professor in Behaviour Analysis, Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, and leading researcher in Relational Frame Theory

"In my opinion, this book deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the classic ACT texts. I say this because I haven't read a Contextual Behavioural Science book quite like this, where the depth of the science and practice is covered in such accessible language. It will be the first resource that I recommend to students who are interested in learning about this topic."

- Dr Nic Hooper, Senior Lecturer at the University of the West of England, co-author of The Research Journey of ACT and co-creator of The Annual Diary for Valued Action.

"This book will be essential reading for all trainee and qualified practitioners who want to use the wisdom of ACT ideas in their work. The book provides an accessible reference to the key theoretical concepts and practical issues for practitioners across all settings, such as individual or group psychotherapy, counselling, coaching, community or organisational interventions. The authors have cleverly kept the three important areas of learning the ACT approach central to the writing, that is, the Head (knowledge of theory and concepts), Hands (practical skills and techniques) and Heart (ways of relating to one’s own experiences and the experiences of others). An excellent contribution from innovative authors in the field."

- Dr Louise McHugh, Associate Professor, University College Dublin, and co-editor of The Self and Perspective Taking: Contributions and Applications from Modern Behaviora- l Science.

"A stand-out book: thorough, knowledgeable, clear and practical. It gives just the right balance of the necessary theoretical foundations, practical skills, and guidance on how to use them in context. The newcomer can work through it to learn what they need to do ACT well, rather than simply 'know about' ACT. The veteran can open it at any page and find a new insight, technique, or idea to ponder. To be read cover-to-cover, or dipped into at random, this book is a valuable addition to the shelf of anyone interested in ACT."

- Dr Ray Owen, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Health Psychologist, and Peer Reviewed ACT Trainer, author of "Facing the Storm" and "Living with the Enemy"

"This book presents, in a clear and concise way, key concepts and techniques that make ACT what it is — a humane and effective way of changing human behaviour to relieve distress and suffering, and to re-orient individuals towards a future they want to have. The book is simple and honest in its aims to present a picture of what ACT looks like, of how it describes itself in its terminology, and of the science it connects most closely with. This combination is hugely workable and simply refreshing. The book grapples with the complexities of clinical problems, but manages to inspire the clinician not to be too daunted by this challenge, by offering a range of helpful, well-described tools that are usable, understandable and creative. I would definitely recommend this book for anyone interested in learning ACT or for clinicians wanting to explore ACT techniques."

- Dr Yvonne Barnes-Holmes, Associate Professor in Behaviour Analysis, Department of Experimental-Clinical and Health Psychology, Ghent University, and leading researcher in Relational Frame Theory

"In my opinion, this book deserves to be mentioned in the same breath as the classic ACT texts. I say this because I haven't read a Contextual Behavioural Science book quite like this, where the depth of the science and practice is covered in such accessible language. It will be the first resource that I recommend to students who are interested in learning about this topic."

- Dr Nic Hooper, Senior Lecturer at the University of the West of England, co-author of The Research Journey of ACT and co-creator of The Annual Diary for Valued Action.

"This book will be essential reading for all trainee and qualified practitioners who want to use the wisdom of ACT ideas in their work. The book provides an accessible reference to the key theoretical concepts and practical issues for practitioners across all settings, such as individual or group psychotherapy, counselling, coaching, community or organisational interventions. The authors have cleverly kept the three important areas of learning the ACT approach central to the writing, that is, the Head (knowledge of theory and concepts), Hands (practical skills and techniques) and Heart (ways of relating to one’s own experiences and the experiences of others). An excellent contribution from innovative authors in the field."

- Dr Louise McHugh, Associate Professor, University College Dublin, and co-editor of The Self and Perspective Taking: Contributions and Applications from Modern Behaviora- l Science.

"A stand-out book: thorough, knowledgeable, clear and practical. It gives just the right balance of the necessary theoretical foundations, practical skills, and guidance on how to use them in context. The newcomer can work through it to learn what they need to do ACT well, rather than simply 'know about' ACT. The veteran can open it at any page and find a new insight, technique, or idea to ponder. To be read cover-to-cover, or dipped into at random, this book is a valuable addition to the shelf of anyone interested in ACT."

- Dr Ray Owen, Consultant Clinical Psychologist, Health Psychologist, and Peer Reviewed ACT Trainer, author of "Facing the Storm" and "Living with the Enemy"

"I've read a lot of beginning ACT books ... and I've even written one (after I realized the first one was just too darned complex for many to start with) but in my opinion this is the best. It's simple and yet comprehensive. It rings true on every page - you will never be told a simple, clear thing that will later need to be taken back. Even experienced ACT people will find it a great refresher. I did! I highly recommend that you do what I did - buy it and read it."

- Steven C. Hayes, Originater and co-developer of ACT and RFT