In Getting Unstuck in ACT, psychotherapist Russ Harris, tackles common ACT obstacles faced by both therapists and their clients that can make them feel "stuck." These obstacles include sending mixed messages on the part of the therapist, a lack of motivation on the clients' part, as well as confusion regarding the theoretical basis of ACT. This book is a must-have for any ACT therapist looking to streamline their therapeutic approach.
Russ Harris is a medical practitioner, psychotherapist, and executive coach. He is the author of ACT Made Simple, ACT with Love, and The Happiness Trap. He is also a prominent figure in the mental health community, and specializes in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). He lives and practices in Melbourne, Australia.
"Eventually, all therapists get stuck. . . . In this book, Russ
Harris explores client and therapist 'stuck-ness' and provides a
series of clear and helpful lessons. Packed full of pragmatism,
experience, technique, tools, perspectives, humor, and humanity,
Getting Unstuck in ACT is an essential read for both
seasoned practitioners and those new to ACT. If you let it, this
book will deepen your practice of ACT and help you to become the
kind of therapist that you would most choose to be.
--David Gillanders, founding member of the
Association for Contextual Behavioral Science and academic director
of the doctoral program in clinical psychology at the University of
Edinburgh, Edinburgh, UK
"Getting Unstuck in ACT is a clearly written, thorough,
and timely contribution to the ACT literature. Harris addresses the
major ways in which it is possible to struggle with the ACT model,
and then highlights easy-to-understand solutions to overcoming
these struggles. From a personal perspective, the way in which the
basics of behavior analysis have been effortlessly integrated with
the ACT model will be of great use to readers. This book should be
on the shelf of any person interested in ACT."
--Nic Hooper, PhD, visiting lecturer at the
University of Newport, Wales
"Harris does a wonderful job directly tying together the six
components of the ACT model in straightforward and clear language.
Throughout the book, Harris uses examples of session content to
model stuck and unstuck responses to ACT processes. There are a
good number of sample exercises in Parts one and two of the book as
well. Further, at the end of each chapter, there are helpful
experiments to practice skills. As someone who frequently
supervises student clinicians, I see this book as a must-have!"
--Amy R. Murrell, PhD, associate professor of
psychology at the University of North Texas and coauthor of The
Joy of Parenting
"Harris expertly clears paths for greater understanding, and
illuminates the darker, less understood areas of ACT with sharp,
readable clarity. The book is organized to illustrate common
therapist sticking-points and then provide steps and strategies to
help deal with those obstacles in a very practical manner."
--D.J. Moran, PhD, BCBA-D, MidAmerican
Psychological Institute, author of ACT in Practice
"In my experience, therapists and students learning ACT often
master the model long before they master application of the model
to promote behavior change. Even the most talented therapists can
find themselves struggling to apply the ACT model in a way that
moves their work forward. In Getting Unstuck in ACT, Russ
Harris applies his extensive experience as a therapist and ACT
trainer not only to clearly identify a number of difficulties
therapists run into when doing ACT, but also to offer specific
activities to bring flexibility to these difficult moments. The
text includes a number of session excerpts demonstrating both
effective and ineffective therapist interventions, along with
specific steps to take in different kinds of stuck moments. It will
be invaluable to ACT therapists looking to do more meaningful work,
even at the most difficult points in therapy."
--Emily K. Sandoz, PhD, assistant professor of
psychology, University of Louisiana at Lafayette
"Once again, Russ Harris has delivered a perfect book on acceptance
and commitment therapy (ACT). Crystal-clear and friendly,
Getting Unstuck in ACT is a survival guide for the
fumbles, 'stuckness, ' and fear that we all experience in the
therapy room. This book is the Swiss Army Knife that will sit front
and center in my ACT library."
--Shawn T. Smith, PsyD, author of
The User's Guide to the Human Mind
"Russ Harris has a well-deserved, worldwide reputation for creating
clarity where there is confusion, and simplicity where there is
unnecessary complexity. When we are 'stuck' in clinical work,
reducing confusion and complexity helps us see a pathway forward.
There is wisdom on almost every page of this book. I learned a lot
reading it and if you do ACT work, you will too. Highly
recommended."
--Steven C. Hayes, PhD, cofounder of acceptance
and commitment therapy (ACT)
"Russ Harris has done it again--written another practical and
easy-to-follow book that should be a welcome addition to the
library of any acceptance and commitment therapist, from the novice
to the most seasoned veteran. This step-by-step troubleshooting
guide is the next best thing to a tow truck to get you and your
clients out of therapeutic ditch we all too often find ourselves
stuck in. Think of it as ACT roadside assistance. If you haven't
needed it yet, take it from one who has--you will. Buy this book
and keep it in your glove compartment."
--Robert Zettle, PhD, author of ACT for
Depression
"Russ Harris has the unique skill of taking complex ideas and
expressing them in a style that is readily accessible to almost
everyone. If you've ever felt 'stuck' with a client, felt like you
were going off track, or struggled to motivate people, this book
will help. Russ Harris steps through how we get stuck with our own
expectations, feelings, and struggles, helping readers to see how
these concerns can influence their work. . . . He walks readers
through the most common pitfalls and struggles they have with
clients as they try to move from struggling with life to living
vitally. Getting Unstuck in ACT is the perfect companion
to ACT Made Simple and an essential resource to
professionals using ACT in therapy or training."
--Louise Hayes, PhD, author of Get out of Your
Mind and Into Your Life for Teens
"Russ Harris's trademark humor shines throughout Getting
Unstuck in ACT. This text is ideal for ACT clinicians
grappling with the hellacious aspects of putting the ACT model into
practice. Harris has an uncanny ability to make the complex simple.
Getting Unstuck in ACT will leave the 'stuck' clinician
with the aha moment they are looking for. An excellent contribution
from one of the most creative and influential authors in the ACT
field."
--Louise McHugh, PhD, lecturer in the school of
psychology, University College Dublin, and author of The Self
and Perspective Taking
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