ACT Made Simple – Review
29th April 2015
ACT Made Simple: An Easy-to-Read Primer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
ACT Made Simple is just that. This easy to follow and easy to read introduction is a guided journey through understanding the underlying principles as well as the practical use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. It is recommended that those new to ACT read the book cover to cover first as a thorough but concise introduction to the model is included in the first few chapters. Whilst this may not necessarily be required for everyone the book flows logically making it an easy read. Realistically, most prefer to be able to quickly refer to different sections at a glance. This could perhaps have been made easier as, apart from the chapter index there is not an easy way to quickly locate specific exercises or worksheets, something that would be helpful in practice when planning sessions.
Navigation issues aside, the tips and advice given throughout the book are useful and reassuring, especially to inexperienced therapists or those new to ACT. The realistic scenarios that focus on dealing with resistance provide helpful hints to look back on when working with an ambivalent or even sceptical client. These are perhaps some of the most valuable parts of the book as ACT can be described as a fairly counterintuitive model. The aim of ACT is not to change or “fix” unwanted thoughts or feelings but rather to learn to accept them and allow them to be as they are without having them cause distress. ACT at its core is about living a rich, full life while accepting the pain that we all inevitable experience. This could present itself as a barrier to engagement and can appear contradictory to some (“Why on earth would I want to accept these distressing thoughts and feelings? I want to be rid of them!”). The warm, absorbing style in which it is written combined with the realistic scenarios and examples mean that ACT Made Simple equips readers with the confidence to be able to effectively engage clients and overcome any reticence.
The use of metaphors to explain theories and ideas is a theme throughout the book and of ACT itself. These are used effectively to illustrate abstract or complex concepts for the reader whilst also providing ways in which concepts can be in turn easily described to clients. This combined with the many worksheet examples also means that readers can pick and choose what works for them or their client. Refreshingly, this flexibility and spontaneity is encouraged by the author and is a welcome difference from other, behavioural therapies.
ACT made simple does what says on the tin. It is easy to read, engaging and informative without being overly simple or broad. The focus on technique as well as theory means that readers not only come away with a good grounding in the fundamental principles on ACT but are also equipped with the necessary skills to develop their clinical practice. A must read for those with a little knowledge who are interested in finding out more as well as complete beginners.