Shambhala Publications The Happiness Trap (Second Edition): How to Stop Struggling and Start Living

This book is excellent for young and old. It really puts things into perspective. I have since bought two copies as gifts for other people I knew would benefit from it. If you’re feeling low or have low self esteem this book will teach you to look at things from a different perspective and you’ll feel better in yourself after reading just a few pages. Highly recommended

If you have kind of Anxiety, panic attack, depression etc. The book will help you to understand your thoughts, how to handle them properly.

I bought the first edition of the Happiness Trap about 5 years ago. It was a great book then, but Russ really has made a massive upgrade with this second edition. There is 50% new material inside and it reflects much of the honing and refinement that I have noticed in Russ' other work in the past few years. The book ties together core Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) practices with some of Russ' signature concepts, such as "Dropping Anchor", which is a practice you can use manage emotional storms that arise. There's a great "urge surfing" technique too, but perhaps the highlight is the application of the techniques to specific problems, such as rumination, healing of past hurts, making decisions and breaking habits. To my surprise, Russ places emphasis on self-talk as a beneficial add-on to the standard ACT approaches. I haven't seen many other instances in ACT literature of helpful self-talk as a valuable practice so it was refreshing to see it in the Happiness Trap. Note, however, that the ACT idea of self-talk is not the unrealistic, wishful thinking variety preached in positive thinking books. One thing I noticed more in this edition than the previous was the explanations of how ACT practice ties in to the bigger picture. Russ explains that by repeatedly taking charge of your inner world and behaviour, you can recondition your neurology and improve your quality of life. This longer view is sometimes missing from ACT books, partly because ACT is a very present-centered approach. Anyway, there isn't a human being alive that couldn't benefit from this book. It's instantly among my most treasured books for managing myself and improving my life. The Audible version, in which Russ narrates, I recommend as a complement to the book.

I am a Clinical Psychologist utilising ACT in my sessions. This book helped me move from theory to applicable in-session understanding. Russ Harris definately got deep hold over ACT. 💯

This book explains complex ideas in such a simple, down-to-earth way that really sticks.

This book is a life changer. I bought it about a year ago and it changed how I think about life. I bought this as a 'pay-it-forward' for a friend who is having a hard time. I could have given my copy to my friend but this is such a great book I wanted to reward Dr Russ Harris with two purchases - he is a genius. For the price of a few coffees, the benefits are way beyond expectations.

My therapist recommended this book because I've been struggling with burnout for some time. The methods described in the book, along with their scientific explanations, have been incredibly helpful in overcoming anxiety and understanding the mental processes that we all experience. Often, we feel powerless when facing trauma, anxiety, and other emotional challenges. This book aims to equip readers with tools to address these issues and achieve better mental well-being.