the acceptance and commitment therapy skills workbook: cope with emotional pain, connect with what matters, and transform your life

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.

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.