The Heart of ACT

"Up your ACT game with the Therapy Whisperer herself. Robyn Walser's 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 processes--from 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--Lara E. Fielding, PsyD, EdM "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)--Robert J. Kohlenberg, PhD, ABPP, and Mavis Tsai, PhD "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--Patti Robinson, PhD, and Kirk Strosahl, PhD "If you have been fortunate enough to be one of the many thousands of attendees of Robyn's 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 of 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--Jenna LeJeune, PhD, and Jason Luoma, PhD "I can think of no better person to examine the heart of ACT than Robyn Walser. I've 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 heart--bringing 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 skills--and their heart." --Darrah Westrup, PhD, is in private practice in Durango, CO; and author of Advanced Acceptance and Commitment Therapy--Darrah Westrup, PhD "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 train

Robyn D. Walser, PhD, is codirector of the Bay Area Trauma Recovery Clinic, staff psychologist at the National Center for PTSD Dissemination and Training Division, and assistant clinical professor in the department of psychology at the University of California, Berkeley. As a licensed clinical psychologist, she maintains an international training, consulting, and therapy practice. Walser is developing innovative ways to translate science into practice, and is responsible for the dissemination of state-of-the-art knowledge and treatment interventions.