Robyn D. Walser - The Heart of ACT: Developing a Flexible, Process-Based, and Client-Centered Practice Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Destined to become a classic in the field, this skillfully-written book on how to make fluency and mastery of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) possible is simply amazing. Get it and learn from one of the best.

Ole Taggaard Nielsen, ClinPsyD , Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) peer-reviewed ACT trainer at ACT Klinikken in Denmark

In this intriguing book, Robyn shares wisdom gained from many years of clinical practice and teaching. The result is profound guidance for clinicians, researchers, and trainers exploring the interwoven threads of fidelity, competence, and mastery in the practice of ACT.

Patti Robinson, PhD , and Kirk Strosahl, PhD , cofounders of focused ACT, and coauthors of Real Behavior Change in Primary Care and Brief Interventions for Radical Change

The Heart of ACT is exactly thata guide to the essential therapeutic process at the core of ACT. While other volumes focus on theory and technique, Walser illuminates the moment-to-moment opportunities, choices, and experiences that drive growth and change. Through her clinical scenarios, supervision dialogues, and incisive analysis of the treatment process, we are shown, in dazzling clarity, how a master clinician practices ACT.

Matthew McKay, PhD , coauthor of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Interpersonal Problems

The heart and wisdom of ACT, and the importance of creating meaning in every moment, is embodied within every chapter. Filled with insight, depth, grace, and clear steps for bridging the gap between conceptual understanding of ACT and its flexible implementation, Robyn Walser writes with compassionate urgency and expertise gleaned not only from decades of work with clients, but also from her own personal journey. Readers are routinely invited to consider their own experiences and to engage in personal reflections. This rich therapeutic volume is a must-read for anyone who wants to grow as a clinician.

Robert J. Kohlenberg, PhD, ABPP , and Mavis Tsai, PhD , cocreators of functional analytic psychotherapy (FAP)

The Heart of ACT is the book I have been waiting for: a book for professionals that speaks to the relationship between the client and therapist, written by a therapist that works with clients regularly. Robyn Walser is a master therapist, and this book allows the reader to step inside her work and learn. It not only helps the reader understand their clients better, it also helps the reader understand themselves and their own behavior in the therapy room. I highly recommend it for anyone wanting to learn to do therapy from the feet up.

Louise Hayes, PhD , clinical psychologist and senior fellow, University of Melbourne and Orygen Centre for Excellence in Youth Mental Health; and coauthor of The Thriving Adolescent and Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life for Teens

If you have been fortunate enough to be one of the many thousands of attendees at Robyns workshops, you almost certainly walked away inspired and in awe of her ability to rapidly get to the heart of the matter in therapy. In this book, Robyn shares herself and her wisdom. It feels like she is personally there guiding you on your ACT journey, grounding you in process, helping you connect with your heart, and inspiring you to mastery. If you are looking for a book to take your ACT work to the next level, this is the book.

Jenna LeJeune, PhD , and Jason Luoma, PhD , cofounders of Portland Psychotherapy; peer-reviewed ACT trainers; and coauthors of Values in Therapy ; Luoma is also coauthor of Learning ACT

The Heart of ACT is a crucial book for any and every ACT therapist. Robyn Walser goes beyond looking at ACT in terms of simple therapy tools to find the heartfelt, compassionate, and deep core of ACT processes. This book breathes life into the ACT therapy relationship, straight from the heart.

Dennis Tirch, PhD , and Laura Silberstein-Tirch, PsyD , Dennis Tirch is founder of The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy, associate clinical professor at Mount Sinai, and author of The Compassionate-Mind Guide to Overcoming Anxiety ; Laura Silberstein-Tirch is a clinical psychologist, director of The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy, adjunct assistant professor at Albert Einstein School of Medicine, and author of How to Be Nice to Yourself

I can think of no better person to examine the heart of ACT than Robyn Walser. Ive had the privilege of calling Robyn a close friend and colleague for over twenty years, and have long appreciated her formidable talents as an ACT therapist, supervisor, consultant, and trainer. She is all heartbringing a rare combination of clinical acumen, compassion, and unflinching honesty to her work. This generous book is no exception. It is accessible, on point, and extremely well written. Its unique format offers a rare window into how a master clinician approaches the therapy, and guides others through the many challenges and nuances that arise. I highly recommend it as a must-read for anyone interested in developing and refining their ACT skillsand their heart.

Darrah Westrup, PhD , is in private practice in Durango, CO; and author of Advanced Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Up your ACT game with the Therapy Whisperer herself. Robyn Walsers words of wisdom will guide you on your own journey of experiential discovery as an ACT provider, a fellow human, and ultimately, a healer. In these pages, clinicians can finally begin to transcend the gap from conceptual understanding to experientially fluid application of ACT processesfrom the inside out. As only Robyn Walser can, she will help you find therapeutic presence, with heart and wisdom.

Lara E. Fielding, PsyD, EdM , author of Mastering Adulthood , clinical psychologist, and adjunct professor at Pepperdine Graduate School of Education and Psychology

At last, a book that articulates all the richness that exists between the lines of other ACT manuals and tutorials. Robyn Walser exemplifies the seamless marriage of being and doing, and The Heart of ACT illuminates her process, complete with experiential learning activities for deepening your own clinical expertise. This is the volume that has been missing from the ACT canon.

Jennifer L. Villatte, PhD , assistant professor in the department of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at the University of Washington School of Medicine, and coauthor of Mastering the Clinical Conversation

The Heart of ACT is one of the first clinical manuals to embrace the new process-based era of CBT, in which psychological issues are no longer approached through an exclusive behavioral, cognitive, or emotional lensbut holistically, as functional contextual processes. Infused with the exceptional human qualities and clinical expertise of Robyn Walser, this book will teach you how to expand your therapist repertoire beyond ACT exercises and protocols to integrate more dynamic and fluid therapeutic interventions.

Matthieu Villatte, PhD , Bastyr University, Seattle; coauthor of Mastering the Clinical Conversation

Publishers Note

This publication is designed to provide accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the publisher is not engaged in rendering psychological, financial, legal, or other professional services. If expert assistance or counseling is needed, the services of a competent professional should be sought.