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.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is among the most remarkable developments in contemporary psychotherapy and proven effective in the treatment of several mental health conditions—including depression, anxiety, eating disorders, and more. With updated exercises based on new research and discoveries in contextual behavioral science, this fully revised edition of Learning ACT is an essential resource for both experienced practitioners and those new to using ACT and its applications.
| Acknowlegments |
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vii | |
| Introduction |
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1 | (12) |
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1 The Focus of ACT and Its Six Aspects |
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13 | (24) |
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2 Developing Willingness and Acceptance |
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37 | (51) |
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3 Undermining Cognitive Fusion |
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88 | (44) |
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4 Getting in Contact with the Present Moment |
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132 | (31) |
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5 Building Flexible Perspective Taking Through Self-as-Context |
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163 | (34) |
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6 Defining Valued Directions |
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197 | (41) |
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7 Building Patterns of Committed Action |
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238 | (34) |
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8 Conceptualizing Cases Using ACT |
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272 | (44) |
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9 The ACT Therapeutic Stance |
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316 | (33) |
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10 Adapting ACT to Cultural Contexts |
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349 | (22) |
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11 Bringing It All Together |
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371 | (42) |
| Appendix A The ACT Core Competency Rating Form |
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413 | (7) |
| Appendix B Resources for Further Development |
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420 | (2) |
| Appendix C Using ACT in Different Settings |
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422 | (3) |
| Glossary |
|
425 | (4) |
| References |
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429 | (14) |
| Index |
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443 | |
Jason Luoma, PhD (Author) is a grant-funded researcher with the University of Nevada, Reno, and a clinical psychologist in private practice in Portland, OR. His research focuses on the application of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to the alleviation of burnout in counselors, ACT as an intervention for the stigma of substance abuse, and the dissemination and training of evidence-based therapies. An experienced trainer in ACT, he directed the first ACT Summer Training Institute. This book is the result of this practical experience and research.
Steven C. Hayes (Author) Steven C. Hayes, PhD, is Nevada Foundation Professor and director of clinical training in the department of psychology at the University of Nevada. An author of forty-one books and nearly 600 scientific articles, his career has focused on analysis of the nature of human language and cognition, and its application to the understanding and alleviation of human suffering and promotion of human prosperity. Among other associations, Hayes has been president of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. His work has received several awards, including the Impact of Science on Application Award from the Society for the Advancement of Behavior Analysis, and the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.
Robyn D. Walser (Author) Robyn D. Walser, PhD, is associate director of the National Center for PTSD Dissemination and Training Division, and associate clinical professor in the department of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. As a licensed clinical psychologist, she maintains an international training, consulting, and therapy practice. Walser is developing innovative ways to translate science into practice, and is responsible for the dissemination of state-of-the-art knowledge and treatment interventions. Walser has coauthored three books, including Learning ACT, The Mindful Couple, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Trauma-Related Problems.
