In this self-help book for individuals navigating relationship stress, Russ Harris does a masterful job of teaching ACT principles: to be in the moment, connect with your values, and improve your relationship. Broken into many brief topics, this book will help you in ways you didn’t even know you needed. I highly recommended it for anyone in an intimate relationship.”—Michael Twohig, PhD, professor, and coauthor of The Anxious Perfectionist
ACT with Love is jam-packed with practical and clear strategies for improving your relationship. Russ Harris is a world-renowned ACT trainer who teaches ACT in plain, simple, and easy-to-understand language, and this book truly does that—providing a much-needed resource. The many case studies are engaging, and the inclusion of self-compassion is wonderful. I highly recommend this book!”—Tamar D. Black, PhD, educational and developmental psychologist, and author of ACT for Treating Children
Having a successful relationship is hard work, especially given all the myths about finding your one true soulmate. In this updated book, Russ Harris explodes these myths and provides you with a practical handbook to navigate the complexities of relationships in a realistic, heartfelt, and meaningful way. You’ll be given all the tools and techniques you need to build your relationship and create a connection that is deep, fulfilling, and lasting.”—Joe Oliver, PhD, founder of Contextual Consulting, and coauthor of The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Self-Esteem
If you are a human being in relationships, ACT with Love has something to offer, with updated content; relatable, inclusive examples; access to audio-guided exercises and worksheets; and exercises you can try out on your own, or with a partner. This edition includes essential skills for healthy communication, negotiating with others, and improving interpersonal intimacy. Russ’s writing style and insights bring compassion and authenticity to life on every page.”—Sheri Turrell, PhD, psychologist and psychoanalyst in Toronto, ON, Canada; adjunct faculty in the department of psychiatry at the University of Toronto; peer-reviewed acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) trainer; and coauthor of ACT for Adolescents
Beautifully written and easy to understand, the second edition of this highly successful book by a master developer of ACT is even more practical and relationship-enhancing. By diving into how ACT applies to a broader range of important interpersonal skills, this book gives you the tools you need to take your relationship to another level. Highly recommended.”—Steven C. Hayes, PhD, Nevada Foundation Professor of psychology at the University of Nevada, Reno; originator and codeveloper of ACT; and author of A Liberated Mind
Russ has done an incredible job teaching you how to nourish your relationship, even when things get rocky. You’ll learn how to have deep, intimate moments with your partner; how to deal with conflict without destroying the relationship; how to handle those long-lasting differences; and how to love and be loved. This is a must-read for anyone that wants to have a caring, rich, and meaningful romantic relationship.”—Patricia E. Zurita Ona, PsyD, author of Acceptance and Commitment Skills for Perfectionism and High-Achieving Behaviors and Living Beyond OCD Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
Relationship problems are some of the trickiest challenges that we all face! Understanding the nature of the human heart—as well as the science of human behavior—is critical if you are going to live with love and allow your life to flourish. Russ Harris provides you with the perfect blend of effective scientific methods and a deeply compassionate soul in ACT with Love. Life is hard, read Russ Harris.”—Dennis Tirch, PhD, founding director of The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy, and associate clinical professor at Mt. Sinai Medical Center
A warm and life-changing read, for people at any point in their relationship. Harris’s writing style is witty and poignant, offering help on issues such as whether to continue with a relationship or end it, how to appreciate your partner, making repairs when things are off course, and developing intimacy. A must-read to enhance your connection with your loved one or to move on from a relationship that isn’t working. I cannot recommend this book enough.”—Louise McHugh, professor of psychology at University College Dublin, and coauthor of The Self and Perspective Taking
There seems to be an infinite number of books about building and maintaining solid, loving relationships with others. Few of them possess the evidence to justify their suggestions. Russ Harris offers something different—an evidence-based treatise that is simply profound. Change the way you view and approach relationships for the better. If more people read this book, the epidemic of loneliness would slowly dissipate.”—Todd B. Kashdan, author of The Art of Insubordination, and professor of psychology who leads The Well-Being Laboratory at George Mason University
The second edition of ACT with Love provides new guidance on core relationship skills—communication, negotiation, self-compassion, and more. I can imagine a world where I would be able to give this book to anyone ready to publicly commit to a loving relationship. I would offer it with this advice: ‘Read it aloud with the person you love. Love is difficult and necessary and the very best in life. These are the secrets!’”—Patti Robinson, PhD, consultant, trainer, and coauthor of The Depression Toolkit and The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Depression
We all wish to love and be loved, but this is hard to do. In this beautifully written and wise book, we learn how to cultivate deep, loving connection even when we face the inevitable challenges that any relationship brings. This book is a must-read for all couples who wish to create the conditions of deep and lasting love.”—John P. Forsyth, professor of psychology and director of the Anxiety Disorders Research Program at the University at Albany, SUNY; and coauthor of The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety and Anxiety Happens
Warm, engaging, and infinitely valuable, Dr. Harris has written the ideal book for couples who are seeking to strengthen their relationships and grow intimacy. Harris’s ACT with Love takes acceptance and commitment therapy into the realm of couplehood in a kind, thoughtful, and realistic way. Share it with couples everywhere and use it in your own relationship. I plan to!”
—Robyn D. Walser, Ph.D., author of The Mindful Couple
“Not since Masters and Johnson on Sex and Human Loving has there been such a powerful, practical, and inspiring book written about love and relationships. Russ Harris really is a genius with words as well as an expert ACT clinician. With these qualities he succeeds in weaving together a path to successful relationships. Don't miss this book!”
—JoAnne Dahl, Ph.D., associate psychology professor at the University of Uppsala in Sweden
“Reading and following this book may well be the most precious gift you ever give not only to your partner, but also to yourself. I highly recommended it to those who wish to revitalize a floundering relationship as well as those who want to make a good relationship even better.”
—Robert D. Zettle, Ph.D., associate psychology professor at Wichita State University and author of ACT for Depression
“If you want to be the best mate you can be in your relationship, this book will help. If both you and your mate want to have the best relationship you can have, this book will help that, too!”
—Hank Robb, Ph.D., ABPP
