“Filled with stories, metaphors, and examples that capture the texture of practice from one of the world’s leading ACT practitioners and trainers. I’ve known Gijs Jansen for decades. I’ve watched him work, train, and treat. He is one of the best....By showing the range of creative interventions possible, the book encourages practitioners to develop their own voice while staying grounded in principle.”

—from the Foreword by Steven C. Hayes, PhD, Foundation Professor of Psychology Emeritus, University of Nevada, Reno; originator and co-developer, acceptance and commitment therapy


“A fresh and new presentation of ACT. This book is a wonderful training resource for new therapists, and it offers novel insights for those of us who have been using ACT for a long time. All mental health professionals will gain something from reading this book.”

—Michael Twohig, PhD, Department of Psychology, Utah State University


“Making ACT Happen pairs real clinical know-how with a warm, clear voice. Jansen models a way of doing ACT, demonstrating creative hopelessness; playful defusion; head, body, and heart framing; values work that clarifies what matters; and session-ready steps for committed action. I recommend this book to new trainees and to experienced therapists who want more precise, effective sessions to help clients build better lives. In supervision and workshops, I will use Jansen's metaphors, exercises, and open questions that invite self-practice. This book lifts the floor for beginners and raises the ceiling for experts.”

—Joseph Ciarrochi, PhD, Institute for Positive Psychology and Education, Australian Catholic University