Practicing Acceptance Commitment Therapy with Russ Harris

Jan 23, 2020

Russ Harris is a renowned therapist and author of "The Happiness Trap," with vast experience in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). In this engaging conversation, he discusses embracing acceptance over problem-solving, the importance of self-compassion, and how ACT can transform negativity into growth. He shares insights on introducing ACT into various workplaces and its adaptability in challenging environments. Listeners will learn practical strategies for enhancing resilience through kindness and authentic connection.

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INSIGHT

Accept And Commit As A Dual Compass

ACT combines accepting what you cannot control with committing to actions that improve your life.
Focus energy on values-driven action instead of trying to control thoughts and feelings.

ADVICE

Notice, Name, And Normalize Emotions

Notice, name, and normalize difficult emotions to change your automatic response.
This practice reduces autopilot reactions like avoidance, anger, or suppression.

INSIGHT

Positive Thinking Has Limits

Positive thinking alone doesn't stop negative thoughts from arising.
Acceptance plus committed action works better than battling persistent negative thoughts.

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Russ Harris is the author of the international best-selling self help book, The Happiness Trap. He is a therapist and coach, as well as a world renowned trainer of acceptance and commitment therapy, otherwise known as ACT. He has provided ACT training to over 20,000 people all around the world.

In this conversation, you will hear Russ talk about the ACT approach. He explains how individuals and organizations can use the ACT approach to work through negativity and be comfortable with accepting rather than solving.

Connect with Russ Harris:

Website: ActMindfully.com.au

You'll Learn:

[01:28] - Russ talks about finding healthy ways to accept things that seem completely unacceptable.
[04:07] - Russ shares how those of us that are used to a CBT approach to our challenges can get comfortable with accepting rather than solving.
[07:55] - Self-compassion is an important skill to normalize being able to get comfortably uncomfortable. Russ explains how the ACT approach works through negativity.
[09:54] - Russ talks about the ideas of expansion, anchoring, pursuing the value of kindness, and connectedness with others.
[12:22] - Russ describes how to introduce these ideas into workplaces. He describes his experiences with different types of work environments.
[17:24] - When asked about work situations where ACT approach may not be a good fit, Russ shares the range of situations where these strategies have been implemented.
[19:50] - The Lightning Round with Russ Harris

Your Resources:

The Happiness Trap: How to Stop Struggling and Start Living: A Guide to ACT - Russ Harris and Steven Hayes

Creativity, Inc.: Overcoming the Unseen Forces That Stand in the Way of True Inspiration - Ed Catmull and Amy Wallace

Thanks for listening!

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Special thanks to Russ for joining me this week. Until next time, take care!