Category: Downloads

  • Observer Self/Self as Context

    Observer Self/Self as Context

    Ken Wilber – I am Big Mind

    Observer self, also known as self as context in the ACT literature, is a very difficult concept for our minds to grasp. We spend most of our time caught up in what we might call our thinking self. In this short video, Ken Wilber gives us a good description of the always present observer self, which he calls the Big Mind.

  • Willingness

    Willingness

    My ACT purse

    How to carry your thoughts and feelings with you as you move towards your valued living.

    Mindfulness of Yes

    This is written from an excellent mindfulness exercise by Tara Brach on how to ’embrace’ your unpleasant feelings and say ‘yes’ to them in order to create space to move in the directions that really matter.

  • Value & Committed Action

    Value & Committed Action

    Making healthy choices with awareness

    To make choices in the present moment, with full awareness of what we want to stand for. Here is a brief handout that will introduce you to helpful concepts in making choices, now. Counselling and Psychological Services, University of New South Wales. Written by Louise Shepherd. Shared with the consent of the Director of the service.

  • Acceptance

    Acceptance

    Tin Can Monster

    A guided mindfulness exercise which lasts 14 minutes. Courtesy of Ann Bailey. This exercise is guided exposure, and it can lead to the experience of difficult thoughts and feelings, as you move in the direction of the life you want to live by.

    Swimming on a mountain lake

    A metaphor to illustrate what happens to our valued directions when we struggle with our experiences.


  • Defusion

    Defusion

    Getting unhooked from our difficult thoughts

    This brief handout, gives you an introduction to defusion and how to relate to your thoughts in a more helpful and flexible way. Counselling and Psychological Services University of New South Wales. Written by Louise Shepherd with acknowledgments to Dr. Russ Harris.

    Monster in the mirror

    Sesame Street you tube clip which helps illustrate the power of ‘defusing’ from our repetitive and unhelpful thinking.

  • Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

    Introduction to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

    ACT for Anxiety: Brief handout on ACT for Anxiety

    Kindly created by Counselling and Psychological Services University of New South Wales. Written by Louise Shepherd with acknowledgments to Steve Hayes.

    ACT for Depression: Taking charge of low mood/depression

    Again created by Counselling and Psychological Services University of New South Wales. Written by Louise Shepherd with acknowledgments to Rob Zettle and Steve Hayes.

    ACT for relationships: Improving your intimate relationships

    Counselling and Psychological Services University of New South Wales. Written by Louise Shepherd with acknowledgments to Dr. Russ Harris.

    Times Article by Hayes: Introducing the concept of ‘third wave therapies’

    Steve Hayes founder of Acceptance Commitment Therapy describes how he came to developing this model.

    Embracing Your Demons: An Overview of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy – By Dr. Russ Harris

    A very helpful, non-technical article introducing ACT.