The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Skills Workbook: Cope with Emotional Pain, Connect with What Matters, and Transform Your Life

(Paperback)

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Heal the emotional and psychological pain that stands between you and the meaningful life you deserve.

Are you often confused by a whirlwind of painful emotions that feel unbearable Do you exist in a constant state of fear and anxiety-always expecting the worst when something goes wrong Do you find yourself behaving in ways that don't reflect your values and beliefs If so, you aren't alone. In our increasingly uncertain world, many people struggle to find peace of mind. If you feel like your thoughts and feelings have turned against you, this workbook can help you take charge of your emotions-and your life.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is a powerful method for healing the psychological and emotional pain standing between you and a more fulfilling life. This workbook outlines essential ACT skills-including cognitive defusion, present-moment awareness, willingness, values, committed action, and flexible perspective taking-that you can apply immediately to start feeling better now, and keep feeling better in the future. You'll also learn strategies from positive psychology and self-compassion to help enhance feelings of connection, pleasure, and gratitude-so you can embrace life with a renewed spirit and commitment to what matters.

Presented in a highly accessible, "dip in, dip out" format, this workbook allows you to jump straight to what you need, when you need it. If you're ready to transform your life and make lasting positive change, the evidence-based skills in this workbook can help you get started on the path to healing.

Reviews

"The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Skills Workbook is an insightful book offering a comprehensive approach to personal growth and emotional well-being. From mastering defusion and present-moment awareness to embracing willingness and aligning actions with values, each chapter is a stepping stone toward meaningful living. Matthew Boone and Jennifer Gregg have created an integrated process exploring perspective taking and positive psychology principles, empowering readers to cultivate resilience that supports living with greater flexibility and purpose. An essential read for anyone seeking transformation through ACT."
--Robyn D. Walser, PhD, licensed clinical psychologist, author of The Heart of ACT, and coauthor of Learning ACT, The Mindful Couple, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for the Treatment of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Trauma-Based Problems, and The ACT Workbook for Anger--Robyn D. Walser, PhD
"'It's kinda lovely here.' Join the authors as they help you embrace your humanity, face struggles, and live according to what matters to you. This book gives you the best evidence-based strategies to travel along the valued life journey. It's practical and written by folks who are the real deal. They've helped thousands of people and found their way through their own struggles to a life lived well."
--Louise Hayes, author of What Makes You Stronger and Your Life Your Way; developer of DNA-V; and clinical psychologist and adjunct senior research fellow at La Trobe University, Melbourne--Louise Hayes
"An extremely friendly and approachable introduction to the core concepts of ACT. The authors have done a spectacular job of taking complex material and making it accessible, useful, and fun. I learned a lot and will take these exercises and ideas into my daily life. I especially enjoyed the chapter on gratitude, awe, and savoring. What a wonderful addition to the ACT literature! Read this book. You'll get a lot out of it."
--Spencer Smith, coauthor of Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life--Spencer Smith
"Boone and Gregg have created a really accessible, transdiagnostic self-help workbook grounded in ACT. It offers practical guidance to address a range of emotional struggles, helping you cultivate mindfulness, embrace your values, and navigate life's challenges with greater resilience. With a gentle and compassionate approach, this book serves as a beacon for those seeking a more meaningful and authentic life."
--Kelly G. Wilson, professor emeritus at the University of Mississippi, and author of Mindfulness for Two and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy--Kelly G. Wilson
"If you were going to buy just one book to help you flourish both on the inside and the outside, The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Skills Workbook would be it! Beautifully written in a humble, straightforward way, this book is chock-full of practical ideas and personal growth exercises that will carry you through life's ups and downs. Take this gift home with you and unwrap it into your life!"
--Kirk D. Strosahl, PhD, coauthor of The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Depression--Kirk D. Strosahl, PhD
"In this excellent, very human, easily accessible, and deeply engaging book written by clinicians for all of us who struggle with feeling and thinking things we'd rather not, you will find the best of ACT distilled into clear, immediately usable, effective tools. Boone and Gregg have written a beautiful book that will be a fixture on your night table, or pulled off your shelf again and again. If I could put a book on speed dial, this would be it!"
--Lisa W. Coyne, PhD, assistant professor at Harvard Medical School, and CEO of the New England Center for OCD and Anxiety--Lisa W. Coyne, PhD
"Less than a chapter in, I already knew I'd be recommending this book to all my therapy clients. I have read a LOT of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) workbooks in my over twenty years as an ACT practitioner, and this is one of the very best. A must-have for anyone looking to practice cultivating psychological flexibility skills for a well-lived life."
--Jill Stoddard, PhD, coauthor of The Big Book of ACT Metaphors--Jill Stoddard, PhD
"This is an excellent resource for the many professionals who work in primary care and general practice clinics. So many people come to their doctors with emotional pain, and this book can help them and their behavioral health teammates recognize and address that pain. So, if you have emotional pain, read this book and tell your doctor! Thanks, Matt and Jen, for a concise and powerful book that can alleviate suffering at many levels."
--Patricia Robinson, PhD, president of Mountainview Consulting Group, and author of Behavioral Consultation and Primary Care--Patricia Robinson, PhD

Author Bio

Matthew S. Boone, LCSW, is a social worker, psychotherapist, and educator who specializes in translating mental health concepts for the general public. Boone is a nationally recognized, peer-reviewed trainer in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), author of Stop Avoiding Stuff, and editor of Mindfulness and Acceptance in Social Work. He is associate director of student mental health services at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, where he is an instructor in psychiatry. He regularly gives ACT workshops around the country.

Jennifer Gregg, PhD, is a psychologist, author, professor, and trainer. She is a full professor at San Jose State University, and has spent twenty years treating cancer patients and their families. Gregg has been studying, delivering, and evaluating ACT since 1995, and she has published dozens of research papers, book chapters, and articles on ACT. She is coauthor of Stop Avoiding Stuff and The Diabetes Workbook.