Summary of Russ Harris's ACT Made Simple

Please note: This is a companion version & not the original book.

#1 The mind of every therapist I’ve ever known is full of unhelpful thoughts. And the mind of every person who struggles with anxiety, depression, or addiction. We start from the assumption that the normal psychological processes of a normal human mind readily become destructive, and that the root of this suffering is human language itself.

#2 The mind is not a thing or an object. It is a metaphor for the complex system of symbols that is human language. When we use the word mind, we are referring to human language.

#3 The mind is a double-edged sword. It’s very useful for all sorts of purposes, but if we don’t learn how to handle it effectively, it will hurt us. On the bright side, language helps us make maps and models of the world, predict and plan for the future, and share knowledge.

#4 The aim of ACT, in lay terms, is to create a rich, full, and meaningful life while accepting the pain that inevitably goes with it. Because of the sophistication of the mind, even the most privileged of human lives inevitably involves significant pain.

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Rafbók: 13 april 2022