The first genuinely introductory, UK-focused Acceptance and Commitment Therapy textbook. The guidance on ACT with common clinical problems such as depression, anxiety, and substance abuse is brought to life by numerous case studies and reflective questions to aid learning.

The ACT Matrix revolutionized contextual behavioral science. Now, the creators of this pioneering new model present the first detailed, step-by-step guide to help professionals implement the ACT Matrix in clinical practice and improve clients’ psychological flexibility. If you’re a clinician, you know that acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is extremely effective in helping clients who are “stuck” in unhealthy thought patterns by encouraging them align their values with their thoughts and actions. However, the ACT model is complex, and it's not always easy to use. Enter the ACT Matrix, a seamless fusion of the six core processes of the ACT hexaflex—cognitive defusion, acceptance, contact with the present moment, observing the self, values, and committed action—into a simplified, easy-to-apply approach. From the editors of The ACT Matrix, The Essential Guide to the ACT Matrix offers professionals a comprehensive guide to using the innovative Matrix model in-session. With this book, you’ll learn how to help your clients break free from painful psychological traps and live more meaningful lives. You’ll also learn how client actions and behavior should be viewed as workable or unworkable, rather than good or bad. Most importantly, you'll discover how this unique approach can be used to deliver ACT more effectively in a variety of settings and contexts, even when clients are resistant or unmotivated to participate. This book is essential for any ACT clinician looking to simplify their therapeutic approach in client sessions.

′The literature on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is vast but if you want to dig down to the essentials of ACT you′ve found the right volume. Nothing central is left out and nothing unnecessary is left in. Written by one of the world′s experts on ACT, this book delivers. Highly recommended.′ - Dr Steven C. Hayes, Foundation Professor, University of Nevada This practical, easy-to-use book introduces the theory and practice of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a key contextual third wave CBT approach. The book takes the reader through the therapeutic stages from start to end, showing how to use acceptance and mindfulness together with commitment and behaviour change strategies to improve mental health. This is a uniquely concise and clear introduction that does not require prior knowledge of the approach. It " puts the emphasis on practical interventions and direct applicability in real practice " avoids jargon and complex language " is full of case examples to translate the theory into practice " includes key points and questions to test readers′ comprehension of the topics covered. After reading this book, readers will be able to apply basic ACT interventions for common problems, and will know if they are interested in more in-depth training in ACT. This is a must-have overview of ACT for CBT trainees on graduate level courses in the UK and worldwide. It will also be of value to practitioners on ACT workshops and short courses, as preliminary or follow-up reading.

In this ground-breaking volume, the first of its kind written for psychiatric and nonpsychiatric clinicians, readers will learn the principles and practices of ACT as they apply to psychiatric assessment, case analysis, and treatment. The book explains how to conduct a streamlined assessment of the patient's symptoms as they are nested in the patient's life context, how to detect and intervene with the patient's unworkable emotional and behavioral avoidance strategies, and how to blend the use of pharmacotherapy and behavioral interventions.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is among the most remarkable developments in contemporary psychotherapy. 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, including depression, anxiety, stress, addictions, eating disorders, schizophrenia, borderline personality disorder, and more. With important revisions based on new developments in contextual behavioral science, Learning ACT, Second Edition includes up-to-date exercises and references, 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. You’ll also find up-to-the-minute information on process coaching, new experiential exercises, an increased focus on functional analysis, and downloadable extras that include role-played examples of the core ACT processes in action. 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, a student seeking a better understanding of this powerful modality, or anyone interested in contextual behavioral science, this second edition provides a comprehensive revision to an important ACT resource.

This practical book introduces the theory and practice of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a key third wave CBT approach. It takes the reader through the therapeutic stages from start to end, showing how to use acceptance and mindfulness together with commitment and behaviour change strategies to improve mental health.

′The literature on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is vast but if you want to dig down to the essentials of ACT you′ve found the right volume. Nothing central is left out and nothing unnecessary is left in. Written by one of the world′s experts on ACT, this book delivers. Highly recommended.′ - Dr Steven C. Hayes, Foundation Professor, University of Nevada This practical, easy-to-use book introduces the theory and practice of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), a key contextual third wave CBT approach. The book takes the reader through the therapeutic stages from start to end, showing how to use acceptance and mindfulness together with commitment and behaviour change strategies to improve mental health. This is a uniquely concise and clear introduction that does not require prior knowledge of the approach. It " puts the emphasis on practical interventions and direct applicability in real practice " avoids jargon and complex language " is full of case examples to translate the theory into practice " includes key points and questions to test readers′ comprehension of the topics covered. After reading this book, readers will be able to apply basic ACT interventions for common problems, and will know if they are interested in more in-depth training in ACT. This is a must-have overview of ACT for CBT trainees on graduate level courses in the UK and worldwide. It will also be of value to practitioners on ACT workshops and short courses, as preliminary or follow-up reading.