Get the Life You Want: Finding Meaning and Purpose through Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

by Freddy Jackson Brown

So often we find ourselves blocked in our lives, unhappy but at the same time anxious and fearful about making real and lasting change and uncertain what direction to take. In this book psychologist Dr Freddy Jackson Brown reveals that many of our difficulties are self-imposed. By following the principles of a breakthrough approach, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, he shows that we can all live a happier, less fearful and more purposeful life. The book explains the key principles of ACT - accepting rather than avoiding difficult experiences, discovering how to defuse harmful thoughts (often through changes in the way we use language), focusing on the values that give your life meaning and committing to changes in behaviour. The ground-breaking aspect of this therapy is its recognition that lasting happiness can only be found when we identify the core values that are most profoundly important to us. The book begins by explaining that values give meaning and dignity to the difficult times we may face and provide a guiding star by which we can steer a path through life, ensuring that our choices are consistent with who we truly are.The book goes on to explain how we can determine our values and understand them, and then put our values into action in practical ways throughout every aspect of our life. Dr Jackson Brown shows us how to set long-term goals based on our values and shows how exploring the issues that seem to most distress us can provide clues as to what truly matters in our lives. Rich with case studies and practical exercises, this inspiring book will lead you to the life you truly wish to lead.

297 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2012

Reviews

[Lize · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ik had al veel gehoord over ACT of Acceptatie en Commitment Therapie en wou er graag meer over te weten komen. Vandaar dat ik dit boek ben beginnen lezen. Het is een interessant boek waarin verschillende dingen eenvoudig, en dus zeker ook in gewone mensentaal, staan uitgelegd. Er staan ook regelmatig oefeningen in om zaken te verduidelijken en de lezer bijna te laten voelen wat ze bedoelen en hoe de therapie in elkaar zit. Alleen jammer dat ik het boek snel tussendoor dacht te lezen en door de oefeningen die er in staan lukt dat niet echt. Op dit moment ben ik met zoveel dingen bezig dat ik er de tijd niet voor heb genomen maar ik wil het boek graag opnieuw lezen en dan wel de tijd nemen om ook de oefeningen uit te voeren.

[Tipsy Pixy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a very interesting new therapy. As a mental health nurse, I am always looking for resources and new evidence based practices.
The concepts in this book are remarkable and well explained. After reading this, it has changed my approach in the clinical setting and has helped tremendously. I highly recommend it for both personal use and professional application.