Books
The Happiness Trap (or The Illustrated Happiness Trap) by Russ Harris: This is the perfect book to learn the basics of ACT without needing to know any of the jargon or theoretical background. It is filled with simple and effective tips for applying values, mindfulness, acceptance, separation from unhelpful thoughts, and committed action toward change in your life in the direction you want it to move. It can change your perspectives and help lead toward a rich, meaningful life more in line with your values. The illustrated version is great to use for adults and kids, or even together as a family!
The Body Keeps the Score by Bessel van der Kolk: A must-read for any clinician interested in working with trauma and for any non-clinician who wants to learn more about the science behind how trauma affects our physiology, neurobiology, and psychology.
Quit Like a Woman: The Radical Choice to Not Drink in a Culture Obsessed with Alcohol by Holly Whitaker: This book provides a powerful and insightful look into how strong and insidious of an influence the alcohol industry has on our society and it takes a critical look at the most widely used recovery models that are based on patriarchal perspectives toward addiction. The author presents her own chosen recovery journey and explains how it is based on science and a different, more empowering way of viewing the struggle with addiction.
Values in Therapy: A Clinician’s Guide to Helping Clients Explore Values, Increase Psychological Flexibility, and Live a More Meaningful Life by Jenna LeJeune and Jason Luoma: The title of this book says it all! This book is easy to read and provides an extremely helpful look into how to cultivate a practice that is centered around helping clients and clinicians create the most meaningful lives possible centered around what really matters most in life.
Videos
Psychological flexibility: How love turns pain into purpose | Steven Hayes | TEDxUniversityofNevada
The Struggle Switch – By Dr. Russ Harris
Alfred & Shadow – A short story about emotions (education psychology health animation)
The Power of Addiction and The Addiction of Power: Gabor Maté at TEDxRio+20
Podcast
The Liturgists: A podcast co-hosted by a clinical psychologist, a scientist with Autism and a former worship leader and current composer about faith, science, spirituality, art, and difficult topics to discuss. This is an excellent podcast for anyone who has struggled with religion or spirituality, and who likes to be challenged in their thinking in ways that will have profound impacts.
Apps
PTSD Coach – a beneficial aid to anyone undergoing an Evidence-Based Treatment for PTSD
Mindfulness Coach – a useful tool for anyone hoping to develop a mindfulness practice
ACT Coach – a conjunctive tool for anyone in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, or even if you’re not, this app has great exercises to practice.
Virtual Hope Box (Apple) (Google) – a helpful reminder about what is important, to help when life seems a little too dark or not worth living anymore
DBT Coach – a conjunctive application for anyone in Dialectical Behavior Therapy
Stop, Breathe, Think – a mindfulness app that is easy to use and helpful for developing a consistent practice of formal meditation.
