The process and practice of mindful change

Steven C. Hayes; Kirk D. Stroshal; Kelly G. Wilson

Since the original publication of this seminal work, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) has become 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.  Sample therapeutic exercises, and patient-therapist dialoques are integrated throughout.

ACT is based on the idea that psychological rigidity is a root cause of a wide range of clinical problems.  The authors describe effective, innovative ways to cultivate psychological flexibility, by detecting and targeting six key processes:

1.  Defusion
2. Acceptance
3. Attention to the present moment
4. Self-awareness
5. Values
6. Committed Action

In this second edition, the following changes have been made:

• Advances in ACT clinical applications, theory building and research are highlighted
• Psychological flexibility is now the central, organizing focus
• Mindfulness, the therapeutic relationship, rational learning and case coverage have been expanded
• More clinician friendly and accessible, focusing on the moment-by-moment process of therapy

Paperback; 402 pages