Resources on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is a highly effective, science-backed approach that helps us build "psychological flexibility." Instead of fighting our difficult thoughts and feelings, ACT teaches us how to accept them so we can focus our energy on living a meaningful, values-guided life. Below are some of the best tools, videos, and programmes to help you and your family practice ACT.

Featured Book from Our Practice

ACT for Teens: Co-authored by Dr. Juliana & Dr. Martinez: Our practice's very own book designed specifically for teenagers! This youth-friendly guide uses ACT strategies to help teens navigate the ups and downs of adolescence, manage stress, and make choices that align with whom they want to be.

Websites & Free Toolkits

My ACT Toolkit (by Dr. Steven C. Hayes) [For All Ages]: Created by the founder of ACT, this toolkit offers practical resources and daily exercises to help you build psychological flexibility and resilience.
Dr. Russ Harris’s Free ACT Resources [For All Ages]: A fantastic collection of free worksheets, MP3 audio guides, handouts, and readings created by one of the world's leading ACT trainers to help you practice mindfulness and acceptance.
Association for Contextual Behavioral Science (ACBS) [For Professionals & Curious Learners]: The official global community for ACT research. A wonderful, deep-dive resource for anyone looking to understand the science behind how ACT works.

Engaging ACT Explainer Videos
These short, highly visual animations use simple metaphors to explain how our minds work and how to handle difficult emotions:

Psychological Flexibility (TED Talk): Dr. Steven Hayes explains how learning to pivot toward our difficult emotions can set us free.
The Struggle Switch: An essential video showing what happens when we turn off our struggle with anxiety and let it just "be."
The Unwelcome Party Guest: A funny metaphor about how to make peace with uncomfortable feelings instead of trying to kick them out.
Passengers on a Bus: How to stay in the driver's seat of your life, even when your negative thoughts are shouting directions from the back.
The Sushi Train: A great visual for learning how to watch your thoughts pass by without having to grab onto every single one.
Demons on the Boat: How to keep sailing toward your goals, even when your deepest fears show up to threaten you.
The Chessboard Metaphor: Learning to be the chessboard (the observer) rather than the pieces (your thoughts and feelings).
Evolution of the Human Mind: Why our brains are naturally wired to worry, and how to handle it.
Choice Point: A simple, practical map to help you make daily choices that move you toward the life you want, rather than away from it.
Values vs. Goals: Why focusing on how we live (our values) brings more lasting happiness than just checking off achievements (our goals).
The Three Happiness Myths: Why expecting to feel happy all the time is actually a trap.
The Beach Ball Metaphor: What happens when we try to push our difficult emotions underwater, and what to do instead.

Online Courses & Apps

The Happiness Trap: 8-Week Online Programme: An interactive, evidence-based online programme created by Dr. Russ Harris. Based on his best-selling book, this course teaches you practical skills to reduce stress, overcome fear, and build genuine happiness.
ACT Companion App: A convenient, user-friendly mobile app designed to help you practice ACT mindfulness and acceptance exercises on the go.Personal, Social and Health Education (PSHE) wellbeing curriculum for primary school children. It is a fun, easy-to-use weekly programme that teaches children key skills to promote emotional wellbeing and resilience using some principles connected to ACT.

School & Classroom Resources

Connect (Well-being Curriculum) [For Primary Schools]: A fun, easy-to-use weekly curriculum for elementary-aged children. It uses the core principles of ACT to teach kids emotional well-being, resilience, and positive social relationships.