The ACT Practitioner's Guide to the Science of Compassion: Tools for Fostering Psychological Flexibility

This book provided the missing piece in ACT for me - due to the diagram on page 35, to be exact. While ACT has fundamentally altered my coaching practice - and my life - there was this "other part" that I couldn't quite verbalize how to integrate. You can tell that the authors practice what they preach because this book is full of practical exercises and examples, allowing you to start integrating more focused compassion right away. They also provide a great deal of theory so you have enough knowledge to be able to adjust when necessary.I'm grateful that the authors took such a nuanced look at compassion. I'm amazed at their writing skill: they demonstrate how compassion is a powerful yet subtle force for change that will last long term. ACT inherently makes room for this but this book really fleshes out compassion and puts it in plan-language so that you know what to do from the moment you put the book down. Not that I've put it down for long lately - I've been referring to it often for clients. I'm also now seeing opportunities to use compassion where otherwise that opening would not have occurred to me.This book is unique and there is not another one like it. Order this book now so that you don't lose more opportunities to skillfully change someone's life.

I could not put this book down! Loved every section, nearly every sentence. I found myself shaking my head and having "aha!" moments throughout. It wasn't just an intellectually stimulating read. It touched something deep and changed the way I see myself and the world around me. This is for anyone, not just therapists. It is well researched, grounded in evolutionary theory, neuroscience and process based therapy, with a connection to Buddhism. It is well worth reading and taking notes along the way.

As a 30-year ACT practitioner, but new to compassion-focused work, I found this book immensely helpful in bridging these two worlds. It has contributed greatly to my clinical work. It is thoughtfully written and stuffed with clinical examples, exercises, and worksheets. Love the Charles Bukowski quote at the beginning.

My professional mentor suggested this to me. I have started reading it an love it already. I plan to implement the skills learned in my substance and drug abuse addiction groups at work. This population needs to be reminded that compassion is a HUGE part of healing and recovery.

I received the book in excellent condition.

I was looking for a book with exercises and worksheets that I could use immediately in my practice; instead I found this book to be heavy on scientific research jargon but lacking practical application

Self-compassion has become a hot topic in psychology. Researchers have discovered that attempting to improve self-esteem is inferior to helping people build their self-compassion. This is the definitive book on how to help people build their self-compassion. Here is why the book works:1. there are a ton of practical applications that can be understood and implemented. This is important as far too many books for health practitioners lack novel, useful tools.2. there are a number of case examples that show how to implement the strategies in the book.3. there is just enough theory and science to justify the practical applications4. the writing is crisp and enjoyable.The last part is central to my 5-star review. I enjoyed reading this book. I will read this book again before conducting my next workshop on self-compassion. If you work with clients, deliver workshops, or want to use this as a self-improvement guide, this is a necessary reference book.

This is a great resource - a really good book with loads of practical applications

All good :-)

Highly recommended to anyone working in the helping professions. Very readable and highly trauma informed.