ACT for Depression

This book is a masterful contribution to the literature on the psychological treatment of depression. In exquisite detail, and full of wonderful metaphors and moment-by-moment description of the process of therapy, it will become required reading for all therapists who seek to help people find a way through their struggles with depression.

—Prof. Mark Williams, professor of clinical psychology and Wellcome Principal Research Fellow at the University of Oxford, holding a joint appointment in the Departments of Psychiatry and Experimental Psychology

This professional book is the first to outline the conceptual roots, empirical basis, and practical application of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for unipolar depression. In a clear and accessible style, the author guides mental health professionals and students alike in the strategic application of ACT as a supplement or alternative approach to available treatments for depression. Readers learn how to integrate and use acceptance and mindfulness strategies with commitment and behavior change strategies to help depressed clients live better, not simply to feel better. The book includes several well-crafted examples, clinical dialogues, and practical exercises, and a step-by-step integration of the material into a twelve-session protocol. It is a vital clinical resource for professionals who are committed to helping restore the lives of those who are stuck and wallowing in depression and misery.

—John P. Forsyth, Ph.D., associate professor of psychology and faculty director of the Anxiety Disorders Research Program at the University at Albany, SUNY, and author of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anxiety Disorders and ACT on Life Not on Anger

This book provides more than an excellent explication of applying ACT to depression. Zettle’s presentation of the fundamental ACT principles and processes is so clear and comprehensive that readers will almost certainly see the potential application of them to many other forms of human suffering in addition to depression. I give this book my highest recommendation.

—Hank Robb, Ph.D., ABPP, past president of the American Board of Counseling Psychology and founding board member of SMART Recovery™

I enthusiastically endorse Zettle’s ACT for Depression. Well-written and comprehensive, this text is a valuable addition to the ACT literature. Addressing one of the most widespread difficulties encountered in clinical practice, this resource details a robust treatment which will be well-received by practicing clinicians with both behavioral and non-behavioral backgrounds alike.

—R. Trent Codd, III, Ed.S., LPC, LCAS, president of the Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Center of WNC, P.A., in Asheville, NC

Having been present at the birth of ACT approximately thirty years ago, Zettle articulates ACT’s basic principles with the ease and clarity that can only come from a seasoned veteran. The rationale and techniques for applying ACT to depression are sensitive, satisfying, and establish Zettle as a true expert on depression as well as a master clinician. The book succeeds at offering both a clear, concise articulation of ACT for depression in terms of core, functional processes, allowing clinicians to apply ACT flexibly and functionally as well as a session-by-session manual for clinicians to follow when the needs for structure and support are a priority. It is easy to read with out sacrificing the philosophical and theoretical complexity of the approach. I recommend it for novice and experienced ACT clinicians as well as other clinicians and clinical students wishing to add acceptance and commitment techniques to their clinical repertoires.

—Jonathan W. Kanter, Ph.D., assistant professor of psychology, director of the Depression Treatment Specialty Clinic, and coordinator of the University Psychology Clinic at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee

Depression is the number one mental health problem seen in clinical practice and any clinician interested in practicing acceptance and commitment therapy is going to want to have this book within easy reach. Zettle provides a well thought out, easy to understand approach to treating the depressed client using the ACT framework. Capitalizing on his many years of clinical experience using the ACT model, Zettle offers numerous practical insights into managing the ongoing process of therapy, and uses brief case examples to highlight key points. The session by session ACT protocol described in the second half of the book will be a fantastically useful aid to clinicians in the field.

—Kirk Strosahl Ph.D., coauthor of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: An Experiential Approach to Behavior Change and A Practical Guide to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy