4 Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Books
Whether you’re a clinician, researcher, or looking to apply ACT in daily life, these books offer expert insights into its principles and practice. Covering foundational theory, therapy techniques, and self-help strategies, they provide a well-rounded introduction to ACT.
1. Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life – Steven Hayes & Spencer Smith
This groundbreaking book by ACT founder Steven Hayes and co-author Spencer Smith offers a hands-on introduction to the principles of acceptance and commitment therapy.
Designed for anyone struggling with painful thoughts, emotions, or experiences, the book helps readers break free from avoidance and psychological traps through mindfulness-based exercises and value-driven action.
It’s a foundational read for both therapists and anyone interested in personal growth using the ACT framework.
Find the book on Amazon.
2. ACT Made Simple – Russ Harris
Written in a warm, accessible style, ACT Made Simple demystifies the core concepts of acceptance and commitment therapy for practitioners and students alike.
Russ Harris provides step-by-step guidance for delivering ACT in clinical settings, complete with scripts, client handouts, and metaphors that bring the material to life.
Whether you’re a mental health professional or just ACT-curious, this book serves as a practical and compassionate guide to integrating ACT principles into everyday life and therapy.
Find the book on Amazon.
3. Learning ACT: An Acceptance & Commitment Therapy Skills – Training Manual for Therapists – Jason Luoma, Steven Hayes & Robyn Walser
Ideal for clinicians seeking structured, skills-based training, Learning ACT offers a deep dive into therapeutic techniques grounded in acceptance and commitment therapy.
The book combines theoretical insights with experiential exercises, role-play examples, and guidance on applying ACT across a range of clinical issues.
Authored by leading ACT experts, this manual is perfect for therapists looking to build competence and confidence in delivering ACT.
Find the book on Amazon.
4. The ACT Workbook for Depression and Shame – Matthew McKay, Michael Jason Greenberg & Patrick Fanning
This compassionate, evidence-based workbook offers practical tools for individuals experiencing depression, shame, or low self-worth.
Using core ACT strategies like mindfulness, self-compassion, and value-based goal setting, readers learn to move beyond negative self-perceptions and create lives of purpose and vitality.
The exercises are designed for both individual use and as a therapeutic supplement, making this book a versatile choice for clients and clinicians alike.
With its focus on emotional healing and empowerment, it’s especially well suited for those recovering from trauma or chronic self-criticism.
Find the book on Amazon.
ACT Resources From PositivePsychology.com
For those looking to explore ACT further, PositivePsychology.com offers a range of high-quality resources, including worksheets, exercises, and programs.
These materials are designed for practitioners and individuals seeking to integrate ACT principles into therapy, coaching, or personal growth. Below are some of the most valuable ACT resources available on the platform.
Continued ACT reading and worksheets
Whether you’re a therapist seeking structured interventions or an individual looking for self-help tools, PositivePsychology.com provides accessible, evidence-based resources to support ACT learning and application.
If you’re looking for more science-based ways to help others enjoy the benefits of mindfulness, this collection contains 17 validated mindfulness tools for practitioners. Use them to help others reduce stress and create positive shifts in their mental, physical, and emotional health.
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