Learning ACT: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Skills Training Manual for Therapists Second Edition

Overview
Learning ACT: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Skills Training Manual for Therapists (Second Edition)(ISBN-10: 1626259496, ISBN-13: 978-1626259492) is a comprehensive training resource designed to help therapists and mental health professionals master the core principles and techniques of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Written by Jason B. Luoma, Steven C. Hayes, and Robyn D. Walser, this updated edition delivers a hands-on, evidence-based approach to building psychological flexibility through mindfulness, acceptance, and values-based interventions.

Widely used in clinical training and professional development, this manual provides structured exercises, detailed examples, and therapist worksheets that simplify the process of learning and applying ACT in real-world practice. Whether you’re new to ACT or looking to deepen your skills, this book is an essential guide for developing confidence and competence in this transformative therapeutic model.

What You’ll Learn

1. ACT Core Processes
   Gain a clear understanding of the six foundational processes—acceptance, defusion, present-moment awareness, self-as-context, values, and committed action—and how they promote psychological flexibility.

2. Step-by-Step Skill Development
   Learn how to conduct ACT interventions through structured training exercises and therapist role-plays.

3. Mindfulness and Acceptance Techniques
   Discover how mindfulness practices and acceptance-based strategies can enhance emotional regulation and reduce avoidance.

4. Values Clarification and Behavioral Activation
   Help clients identify meaningful life directions and take effective, values-driven actions.

5. Clinical Application and Case Studies
   Explore real-world clinical examples and strategies for integrating ACT across anxiety, depression, trauma, and chronic pain treatments.

Why This Book Matters

• Comprehensive Training Resource: Ideal for both self-study and formal ACT training programs.

• Evidence-Based and Practical: Developed by ACT’s founders and leading experts in behavioral science.

• Hands-On Learning: Includes experiential exercises, metaphors, and reproducible worksheets.

• Clinically Versatile: Applicable across a wide range of mental health disorders and client populations.

Who Should Read This Book

• Therapists, psychologists, and counselors learning or refining ACT practice.

• Graduate students and psychotherapy trainees studying behavioral and mindfulness-based therapies.

• Clinical supervisors and educators teaching ACT principles.

• Mental health professionals seeking an evidence-based framework for client transformation.

Key Topics Covered

• The six core processes of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

• Mindfulness, acceptance, and cognitive defusion

• Values-driven goal setting and committed action

• Psychological flexibility and emotional regulation

• Therapist skill development and training exercises

• Case examples and reproducible clinical materials

Conclusion
Learning ACT: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Skills Training Manual for Therapists (Second Edition) is the ultimate guide to mastering ACT principles through experiential learning. Combining theory with practice, it provides the essential tools therapists need to cultivate mindfulness, acceptance, and purposeful behavior change in their clients. This manual is a cornerstone for any professional dedicated to modern behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based interventions, and evidence-based clinical practice.