A Liberated Mind: How to Pivot Toward What Matters

I’ve just finished A Liberated Mind by Steven Hayes. I couldn’t put it down, well ok I did a number of times, including to pause as a memory popped up which I observed and noticed some dots joined together, and to do some of the exercises. It is a powerful and beautifully written book.I say I’ve finished it yet I haven’t really, what I have done is read it cover to cover and done some of the exercises along the way. I’m going to be doing the exercises I haven’t yet done and creating myself a plan of exercises to incorporate into life as I keep exploring & learning more about acceptance & commitment therapy (ACT).ACT has been part of my life a little while and I’ve used aspects in clinic with compassion focused therapy, though I’ve not used ACT daily myself. It’s companion for me is Compassionate Mind Training (CMT) (Compassion Focused Therapy in the therapy setting) which I have woven into daily life over the last few years and into clinic. Having immersed myself into the book the last three days and done some of the exercises I can see it would be helpful for me to weave ACT into my daily life too.I am a Physiotherapist & Coach who helps people with neurological conditions and those struggling with persistent pain (chronic pain) and know that what I’ve learned, and am learning, will have many benefits in clinic as well as for me personally. I live with persistent pain and usually live well despite pain, however this year I was struggling with some changes, many things in this book have helped and I’ve dropped the rope (for now!).This book has given me clarity, information and tools to use for myself and the people I work with. I know what I have learnt, and will continue to learn, will help me, my family, friends and those I work with in clinic every day. I will be sharing learning in little ways as best I can.If you like me value living the best you can, following a life aligned with your values, understanding what it is to be human, and learning to dance through life with flexibility then you will love this book.This book is packed full of wisdom, it’s beautifully written, it creates a sense of wonder and curiosity and it connects deeply. I am grateful for reading this book for many reasons.I am finding words are escaping me to sum it up effectively so here’s my main summary...WOW!

I love this book! Having read some of the authors previous books and struggled to really grasp the intricacies of ACT, I am delighted that Steve Hayes has written this book. He makes understanding complex ideas accessible to the general reader. I know I can now revisit his previous books and with the information and insights gleaned from “The Liberated Mind”, understand more fully my own thought processes and the psychological theory behind Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.If you have struggled with negative thoughts, with uncomfortable feelings and with living the kind of life you truly want to be living. Then this is a worthwhile investment. I haven’t finished this book yet but I am enjoying every page.

A Liberated Mind by Steven Hayes is not just a book about a psychotherapy its a book about how to increase the quality of your life and the life of others whether they are you clients, family, friends neighbors, colleagues or community - this book is relevant to better your relationships and communication in all situations."Becoming a Better Human" would have been my choice for subtitle for this book.I thoroughly recommend it to all that are interested in themselves becoming better humans or helping others to do so.Best regardsDov Benyaacov- Kurtzman

There are some great exercises in this book that will really benefit you if you suffer with anxiety etc.But this book is way too long. Too much focus on statistics and the history of ACT. It felt like the book was constantly trying to prove itself to the reader.Would I recommend it? Yes but prepare yourself for the information overload.

Being in anxiety recovery since childhoold i’m very happy to have found ACT and Steven Hayes’ work. Many of it’s tools can be found in other old therapies and traditions but ACT delivers them in a simple, down-to-earth and working framework, probably the best for anxiety and depression. The book also tells the story of Dr. Hayes’ own recovery from anxiety, which is trully inspiring. A very good read.

I loved reading this book. The approach has really transformed my life in terms of relations, work and ultimately doing what matters.

Wonderful inspiring book

Wonderful and accessible guide to ACT theory, history and practices.