ACT Made Simple: An Easy-to-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

This book absolutely delivers—whether you’re a mental-health professional, coach, or just curious about therapy. It breaks down the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in such an accessible and engaging way that even newcomers will find it understandable and useful. 🔹 Clear and Accessible Writing The author writes with clarity and warmth, cutting through jargon and getting to the heart of what ACT is and how to use it. Every chapter is well-organized, the metaphors are spot-on, and the real-world examples make the theory come alive. 🔹 Packed with Practical Tools & Worksheets What sets this apart is how actionable it is. There are scripts, exercises, metaphors, and downloadable worksheets to use directly with clients or in everyday self-practice. You don’t just learn theory—you learn how to apply it. 🔹 Ideal for Training and Everyday Use Whether you’re leading a session, advising a client, or working on personal growth, this book fits. It covers foundational ACT processes and includes updates on trauma, values work, and self-compassion—all very timely. 🔹 Professional, Yet Engaging It strikes the rare balance of being scholarly enough to be credible and yet readable enough to keep you turning pages. It feels like a toolkit you’ll refer to again and again. ✅ Pros: Excellent clarity and readability Practical, step-by-step application Updated material including new ACT techniques Suitable for both professionals and individuals Strong value for the investment ❌ Cons: None that stood out—this book really does what it promises Overall: If you’re looking for a foundational book on ACT that is both authoritative and easy to use, this is it. High-quality, effective, and durable as a resource—it’s a clear 5-star recommendation.

Helped me take charge of my own mental growth. It's what I've always imagined psychologists read: a "manual to humankind." I know so much more, now, about the way humans work. About the way I function. And I can use that knowledge to help my counselor help me - and also simply to help myself. It's both technical and approachable - in ways that it's hard to imagine making it more effective, more easy to read. Probably the best introductory textbook on ACT out there. And probably worth reading even if you're familiar with ACT - because he organizes the information and practical lessons so well.

If you are into psychotherapy or any kind of consulting work where you want to help others to feel better and live a more fulfilling life, this is a brilliant start! ACT is a great new approach, scientifically based and built on firm foundations of Cognitive and Behavioral therapies, and widely applicable, not just to the patients or people with psychological problems. I studied CBT many years ago and found it logical, helpful but limited. ACT feels as a more complete approach where the aim of therapy is not to avoid the symptoms but to lead a more meaningful and fulfilled life. Now I am a coming back to practicing individual psychotherapy (from the world of business consulting) and can't wait for the opportunity to apply what I learned and help my first client. Also, this book by Russ Harris, unlike some older books I've read is far more understandable and easier to go through and get the gist. That doesn't mean it is any less profound or correct, at least as far I understand ACT. Although my English is advanced for a non-native speaker, other books made it so difficult to go through the wording and concepts. That struggle made me almost give up when I realized that I don't get it at the end of the chapter or even paragraph. Not with this book! Many examples, routines you just need to adapt and use. Also many downloadable materials on the web site. For me, this is a great place to start with ACT, now I feel able to use it and to explore some more about it through some more demanding writing. Highly recommended!

If you are a therapist intrigued by the new Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and want to get a clear straightforward feel for what it's all about, look no further than this book. Russ Harris explains in layman's language how and why mindfulness, Acceptance and Values underlie the ACT approach and illustrates how you can start applying it in your clinical practice today. This is ACT made simple and engaging - but not simplistic. ACT was invented by scientists and eggheads, with an unflinching devotion to getting the conceptual and scientific underpinnings right. This they largely did, but at times at the cost of intelligibility for the lay clinician. Don't get me wrong, I love the rigorous science and elegant theory behind ACT. But it may not be everyone's cup of tea on first contact with the work. The genius of Russ Harris is to have written a Therapist Manual which, while remaining faithful to the underlying model and seamlessly grounded in theory, makes the approach luminous and common sense, a makes it relevant to your clincal practice. Not a mean feat when one considers the revolutionary approach that acceptance promotes : stop trying to get rid of unwanted feelings and thoughts, concentrate on moving in the direction of your values. ACT made simple covers all the bases, promotes clinical flexibility and also carefully explores pitfalls and possible snags in applying ACT in your practice. This is both therapist manual and workbook. The best introduction to ACT as a clinical tool yet written.

less academic and theoretic, this book tells therapists how to get in there and use ACT, what are the questions, when, how, why, great metaphores etc.I am enjoying it and I can see my clients are getting benefits of how my knowledge has increased.

Russ delivers a brillant boo that covers the key areas of ACT an how it can help better manage your understanding of yourself and improve your life.

I was recently introduced to this topic and was looking for a textbook and this didn't disappoint. Written in an easy-to-understand way, without oversimpifying the topic while doing it justice. It clearly explains the various elements of the model, the tools, metaphors and how to overcome the challenges one would face applying it. The BEST part - actual dialogues that show you how the theory translates to language with another human... if that isn't a textbook, I dont know what is! Really no idea on how else could this improve; I'd come back to this again and again, and... again!

I’ve finished the first few chapters and so far this book has exceeded my expectations. I am not a therapist or a mental health professional—just someone with a strong interest in psychology. I have been in therapy for many years (mostly CBT-based), and reading this book felt both refreshing and grounding. What I really appreciate is how accessible the language is. Even without a psychology degree, the concepts are explained clearly and without unnecessary jargon. ACT is presented in a very practical, humane way that feels applicable to real life rather than abstract theory. The focus on acceptance, values, and psychological flexibility resonates deeply, especially if you’ve spent years trying to “fix” thoughts instead of learning how to relate to them differently. This book helped me understand my own therapy journey from a new angle. Highly recommended for anyone curious about ACT, especially non-therapists who want a solid, understandable introduction that still has depth.

The best one❤️