A CBT Practitioner’s Guide to ACT: How to Bridge the Gap Between Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

The core premise of the book is that CBT and ACT can be beneficially integrated, provided both are approached from a similar philosophical and theoretical framework. The authors acknowledge that practitioners often have little interest in extended discussions of philosophy and theory. It will be grounded in current research and will make clear to the reader what is known and what has yet to be tested.

The core theme of a cbt-practitioner's guide to act is that ACT and CBT can be unified if they share the same philosophical underpinnings functional contextualism and theoretical orientation relational frame theory, or RFT. They describe how rFT can help the practitioner to understand the barriers to effective client action.

Interest in acceptance and commitment therapy ACT is expanding rapidly. The book will highlight where ACT and MCBT differ in their predictions, and will suggest directions for future research. Utilizing both act and mcbt together can be difficult, because the approaches make different philosophical assumptions and have different theoretical models.

Many of those who are interested in ACT are trained using a mechanistic cognitive behavioral therapy model or MCBT. Thus, the mechanistic philosophical core of mcbt can be dropped, from a CBT practitioner's perspective, and the mechanistic information processing theory of CBT can be held lightly and ignored in contexts where it is not useful.

The core purpose of the book is to help provide a bridge between ACT and MCBT. The emphasis of this book will be applied psychology, but it will also have important theoretical implications.


Learning ACT: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Skills Training Manual for Therapists

You’ll also find up-to-the-minute information on process coaching, an increased focus on functional analysis, new experiential exercises, and downloadable extras that include role-played examples of the core ACT processes in action. This second edition of the pioneering ACT skills-training manual for clinicians provides a comprehensive update—essential for both experienced practitioners and those new to using ACT and its applications.

Act is a proven-effective treatment for numerous mental health issues, anxiety, including depression, addictions, borderline personality disorder, stress, eating disorders, schizophrenia, and more. Acceptance and commitment therapy ACT is among the most remarkable developments in contemporary psychotherapy.

With important revisions based on new developments in contextual behavioral science, Second Edition includes up-to-date exercises and references, Learning ACT, as well as material on traditional, evidence-based behavioral techniques for use within the ACT framework. In this fully revised and updated edition of learning act, you’ll find workbook-format exercises to help you understand and take advantage of ACT’s unique six process model—both as a tool for diagnosis and case conceptualization, and as a basis for structuring treatments for clients.

By practicing the exercises in this workbook, you’ll learn how this powerful modality can improve clients’ psychological flexibility and help them to live better lives. Whether you’re a clinician looking for in-depth training and better treatment outcomes for individual clients, or anyone interested in contextual behavioral science, a student seeking a better understanding of this powerful modality, this second edition provides a comprehensive revision to an important ACT resource.

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The Big Book of ACT Metaphors: A Practitioner's Guide to Experiential Exercises and Metaphors in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

These powerful tools go far in helping clients connect with their values and give them the motivation needed to make a real, conscious commitment to change. However, no one resource exists where you can find an exhaustive list of metaphors and experiential exercises geared toward the six core elements of ACT.

Whether you are treating a client with anxiety, or an eating disorder, this book will provide you with the skills needed to improve lives, trauma, depression, one exercise at a time. With a special foreword by ACT cofounder Steven C. Hayes, phd, this book is a must-have for any ACT Practitioner. Unfortunately, many of the metaphors that clinicians use have become stale and ineffective.

The book also includes scripts tailored to different client populations, and special metaphors and exercises that address unique problems that may sometimes arise in your therapy sessions. Several act texts and workbooks have been published for the treatment of a variety of psychological problems. That’s why you need fresh, new resources for your professional library.

In this breakthrough book, defusion from troubling thoughts, two ACT researchers provide an essential A-Z resource guide that includes tons of new metaphors and experiential exercises to help promote client acceptance, and values-based action. Metaphors and exercises play an incredibly important part in the successful delivery of acceptance and commitment therapy ACT.

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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Second Edition: The Process and Practice of Mindful Change

Psychological flexibility is now the central organizing focus. Sample therapeutic exercises and patient-therapist dialogues are integrated throughout. Act is based on the idea that psychological rigidity is a root cause of a wide range of clinical problems. Expanded coverage of mindfulness, relational learning, the therapeutic relationship, and case formulation.

. New to this edition *reflects tremendous advances in ACT clinical applications, theory building, and research. The authors describe effective, innovative ways to cultivate psychological flexibility by detecting and targeting six key processes: defusion, values, acceptance, self-awareness, attention to the present moment, and committed action.

Since the original publication of this seminal work, acceptance and commitment therapy ACT has come into its own as a widely practiced approach to helping people change. This book provides the definitive statement of ACT--from conceptual and empirical foundations to clinical techniques--written by its originators.

Restructured to be more clinician friendly and accessible; focuses on the moment-by-moment process of therapy.


ACT Made Simple: An Easy-To-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy The New Harbinger Made Simple Series

Inside, exercises, you’ll find: scripts, 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.

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

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. With a focus on mindfulness, and a commitment to change, borderline personality disorder BPD, client values, eating disorders, ACT is proven-effective in treating depression, stress, addictions, anxiety, schizophrenia, 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.

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Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life: The New Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

What if pain were a normal, unavoidable part of the human condition, but avoiding or trying to control painful experience were the cause of suffering and long-term problems that can devastate your quality of life? The ACT process hinges on this distinction between pain and suffering. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or problem anger, this book can help—clinical trials suggest that ACT is very effective for a whole range of psychological problems.

Acceptance and commitment therapy ACT is a new, scientifically based psychotherapy that takes a fresh look at why we suffer and even what it means to be mentally healthy. It’s not about resisting your emotions; it’s about feeling them completely and yet not turning your choices over to them. Act offers you a path out of suffering by helping you choose to live your life based on what matters to you most.

Used alone or in conjunction with therapy, our books offer powerful tools readers can use to jump-start changes in their lives. As you work through this book, you’ll learn to let go of your struggle against pain, assess your values, and then commit to acting in ways that further those values. Act is not about fighting your pain; it’s about developing a willingness to embrace every experience life has to offer.

Get ready to take a different perspective on your problems and your life—and the way you live it. But this is more than a self-help book for a specific complaint—it is a revolutionary approach to living a richer and more rewarding life. Learn why the very nature of human language can cause sufferingescape the trap of avoidancefoster willingness to accept painful experiencePractice mindfulness skills to achieve presence in the momentDiscover the things you really value mostCommit to living a vital, meaningful lifeThis book has been awarded The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies Self-Help Seal of Merit — an award bestowed on outstanding self-help books that are consistent with cognitive behavioral therapy CBT principles and that incorporate scientifically tested strategies for overcoming mental health difficulties.




Process-Based CBT: The Science and Core Clinical Competencies of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Hofmann, practically applicable way, and based on the new training standards developed by the Inter-Organizational Task Force on Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology Doctoral Education, this groundbreaking textbook presents the core competencies of cognitive behavioral therapy CBT in an innovative, with contributions from some of the luminaries in the field of behavioral science.

Cbt is one of the most proven-effective and widely used forms of psychotherapy today. But while there are plenty of books that provide an overview of cbt, this is the first to present the newest recommendations set forth by a special task force of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies—and that focuses on the application of these interventions based on a variety of approaches for doctoral-level education and training.

Hayes and Stefan G. Edited by Steven C. Most importantly, in addition to gaining an up-to-date understanding of the core processes, with this premiere text you’ll learn exactly how to put them into practice for maximum efficacy. For practitioners, researchers, this breakthrough textbook—poised to set the standard in coursework and training—provides the guidance you need to fully comprehend and utilize the core competencies of CBT in a way that honors the behavioral, and other professionals working with CBT, instructors, students, cognitive, and acceptance and mindfulness wings of the tradition.

Starting with an exploration of the science and theoretical foundations of CBT, then moving into a thorough presentation of the clinical processes, this book constitutes an accessible, comprehensive guide to grasping and using even the most difficult competencies. Each chapter of process-based cbt is written by a leading authority in that field, and their combined expertise presents the best of behavior therapy and analysis, cognitive therapy, and the acceptance and mindfulness therapies.

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ACT Questions and Answers: A Practitioner's Guide to 150 Common Sticking Points in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Renowned act expert russ harris presents easy-to-read q&a sessions to uncover the most common ways clients and practitioners get stuck when using ACT, how to get unstuck, and how to transform that “stuckness” into powerful personal growth. Acceptance and commitment therapy act is a highly effective, client values, evidence-based treatment for a number of mental health issues—from depression to addiction—that focuses on mindfulness, and a commitment to change.

You’ll find effective tips and strategies for moving past misconceptions about mindfulness and acceptance, how to deal with reluctant or unmotivated clients, and how to break down communication barriers that can stand in the way of progress. You’ll also find links to free downloadable resources. If you are new to act—or just want to improve your delivery—this easy-to-read reference guide will help you troubleshoot common in-session challenges and help your clients achieve lasting change.

However, there are several challenges and frustrations that can arise when delivering ACT in-session. In the tradition of the hugely popular professional guide ACT Made Simple, ACT Questions and Answers offers practical tools for overcoming common sticking points in-session. It also provides innovative tools, techniques, and strategies for promoting psychological flexibility and profound behavioral change.

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The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living: A Guide to ACT

Are you, driving the epidemics of stress, caught in the happiness trap? Russ Harris explains that the way most of us go about trying to find happiness ends up making us miserable, like milllions of Americans, anxiety, and depression. This empowering book presents the insights and techniques of ACT Acceptance and Commitment Therapy a revolutionary new psychotherapy based on cutting-edge research in behavioral psychology.

The techniques presented in the happiness trap will help readers to:    • reduce stress and worry    • Handle painful feelings and thoughts more effectively    • Break self-defeating habits    • Overcome insecurity and self-doubt    • Create a rich, full, and meaningful life.

By clarifying your values and developing mindfulness a technique for living fully in the present moment, ACT helps you escape the happiness trap and find true satisfaction in life.


Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anxiety Disorders: A Practitioner's Treatment Guide to Using Mindfulness, Acceptance, and Values-Based Behavior Change Strategies

The focus of therapy thereafter is making short and long term commitments to act in ways that affirm and further this set of values. Then therapists guide clients through a process of identifying a set of core values. To understand what this means, it helps to know that the first wave refers to traditional behavior therapy, which works to replace harmful behaviors with constructive ones through a learning principle called conditioning.

More importantly, therefore, these therapies represent an exciting advance in the treatment of mental illness and, a real opportunity to alleviate suffering and improve people's lives. Not surprisingly, many therapists are eager to include ACT in their practices. Act is well supported by theoretical publications and clinical research; what it has lacked, until the publication of this book, is a practical guide showing therapists exactly how to put these powerful new techniques to work for their own clients.

Acceptance and commitment therapy for Anxiety Disorders adapts the principles of ACT into practical, step-by-step clinical methods that therapists can easily integrate into their practices. Cognitive therapy, the second wave of behavior therapy, seeks to change problem behaviors by changing the thoughts that cause and perpetuate them.

In the third wave, cognitive defusion, spirituality, mindfulness, dialectics, behavior therapists have begun to explore traditionally nonclinical treatment techniques like acceptance, values, and relationship development. Instead of focusing on diagnosis and symptom etiology as a foundation for treatment-a traditional approach that implies, at least on some level, that there is something 'wrong' with the client-ACT therapists begin treatment by encouraging the client to accept without judgment the circumstances of his or her life as they are.

The book focuses on the broad class of anxiety disorders, phobias, the most common group of mental illnesses, panic disorder, which includes general anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.


ACT for Depression: A Clinician's Guide to Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in Treating Depression

But the results of recent studies suggest that two other side effects of CBT may actually have a greater impact that thought restructuring on client progress: Distancing and decentering work that helps clients stop identifying with depression and behavior activation, a technique that helps him or her to reengage with naturally pleasurable and rewarding activities.

. Psychological research suggests that cognitive behavior therapy CBT, used alone or in combination with medical therapy, is the most effective treatment for depression. The stated goal of therapeutic work in CBT is the challenging and restructuring of irrational thoughts that can lead to feelings of depression.

The research-proven program outlined in ACT for Depression introduces therapists to the ACT model on theoretical and case-conceptual levels. This book develops the techniques of ACT into a session-by-session approach that therapists can use to treat clients suffering from depression. These two components of conventional CBT are central in the treatment approach of the new acceptance and commitment therapy ACT.

Recent finding, though, suggest that CBT for depression may work through different processes than we had previously suspected. Written by one of the pioneering researchers into the effectiveness of ACT for the treatment of depression, this book is a much-needed professional resource for the tens of thousand of therapists who are becoming ever more interested in ACT.

Then it delves into the specifics of structuring interventions for clients with depression using the ACT method of acceptance and values-based behavior change.