The Big Book of ACT Metaphors

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a cutting-edge and evidence-based form of cognitive behavioral therapy. ACT concepts and principles help us heal from pain, make life affirming choices, and build happiness. ACT has been shown to help individuals with anxiety, depression, chronic pain, relationship problems, and general stress improve their happiness and general well-being. In this episode, cross-posted from the podcast Psychologists Off The Clock, Dr. Yael Schonbrun interviews ACT expert Dr. Jill Stoddard. Metaphors and exercises play an incredibly important part in the successful delivery of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). These powerful tools go far in helping clients connect with their values and give them the motivation needed to make a real, conscious commitment to change. Dr. Stoddard’s book, The Big Book of ACT Metaphors: A Practitioner’s Guide to Experiential Exercises and Metaphors in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (New Harbinger Publication, 2014), offers an essential A-Z resource guide that includes tons of new metaphors and experiential exercises to help promote client acceptance, defusion from troubling thoughts, and values-based action. The book also includes scripts tailored to different client populations, and special metaphors and exercises that address unique problems that may sometimes arise in your therapy sessions. Several ACT texts and workbooks have been published for the treatment of a variety of psychological problems. However, no one resource exists where you can find an exhaustive list of metaphors and experiential exercises geared toward the six core elements of ACT. Whether you are treating a client with anxiety, depression, trauma, or an eating disorder, this book will provide you with the skills needed to improve lives, one exercise at a time. About Dr. Jill Stoddard Jill Stoddard, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist, the director of the Center for Stress & Anxiety Management in Carlsbad. She received her Ph.D. from the renowned Boston University Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders under the mentorship of David Barlow. Jill is an award winning teacher and peer-reviewed ACT trainer who has presented at local, national and international conferences and has co-authored articles on CBT, ACT, anxiety disorders, and cardiac and chronic pain. Her newest book, Be Mighty: A Woman's Guide to Liberation from Anxiety, Worry, and Stress Using Mindfulness and Acceptance can be pre-ordered and will be released this year by New Harbinger.

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Dr. Yael Schonbrun is a clinical psychologist in private practice, an assistant professor at Brown University, and a co-host of the podcast Psychologists Off The Clock.