by Russ Harris · 2008
An Australian psychiatrist's introduction to ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy).
Best for: Anyone stuck in cycles of trying to "feel better" — particularly with anxiety, depression, or rumination.
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Russ Harris is an Australian psychiatrist and the most accessible writer on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) we know. *The Happiness Trap* is his introduction to the model for general readers.
ACT's core argument is that our culture's relentless pursuit of "feeling good" actually traps us in suffering — because the strategies we use to avoid uncomfortable feelings (avoidance, distraction, control) make those feelings stronger. The alternative is something different from positive thinking: it's learning to make room for difficult experiences while still moving toward what matters.
Sushama and Samita both use ACT-informed approaches with clients. This book is what we recommend if someone wants to understand the model — or wants a self-help framework that doesn't ask them to "think positive."
A note. This is reading material, not clinical treatment. If you’re working through something difficult, books complement therapy — they don’t replace it. Book a session with our team for personalised support.
More books in anxiety, panic & ocd.
David D. Burns
CBT for anxiety and panic, written for general readers.
Jon Kabat-Zinn
The foundational MBSR text — the book that introduced mindfulness into evidence-based mental health care.
Tara Brach
Buddhist psychology and compassion-focused practice for self-criticism, shame, and emotional pain.
David D. Burns
The classic CBT self-help text for depression.
Clark & Beck
The CBT workbook from one of CBT's founders — structured, evidence-based, and widely used in individual therapy.
Barry McDonagh
Practical, non-avoidance approach to panic widely recommended by anxious clients; accessible and non-clinical in tone.
Our team sees adults, adolescents, and children in person at Bella Vista and via telehealth across NSW. Medicare rebates with a GP Mental Health Care Plan; NDIS self- and plan-managed; private health depending on fund.