​​​One day whilst I was sitting by myself in a psychiatric ward.  A short, light haired, thin woman peeped her head round the door and said hello.  She knew my name and she wondered if she could come and talk to me.  In her hands she had some papers, a note pad, a black pen and a copy of 'The Happiness Trap' by Russ Harris.

12 weeks later, this lovely woman finsihed her CBT sessions with me and completed her Psychology training.  She has now moved on to become a Pychologist in a different borough of London.  I hope as one of her training patients she got as much out of working with me as I did from working with her.

One of the tools she used with me, which I have already mentioned, was Russ Harris's book.  After lending me her copy I hadn't quite finished so I went out and bought a copy for myself.  It's the kind of book I keep coming back to.  Revisiting sections.  Forgetting and remembering really useful parts.  I rushed through it the first and second time I read it.  I hoped reading it page by page would heal me and free me from the trap I was in.  The third time I paused for thought.  The fourth time I jumped around a bit and pondered over sections. 

The book uses the principles of ACT - Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - its basically a book which takes its ideas from mindfulness.  A little bit CBT and a little bit buddhist without ever mentioing either.  The book is very relatable.  It's very practical and it really helped me reflect on the way I think, how I behave and what my feelings get up to.  It encouraged me to go easy on myself.  Things definitely haven't gone to plan but this book helped me realise, well where did that plan come from?  Was it really right for me?  Can I cope with changing the plan?

I have recommended this book to lots of friends and despits having very different issues to deal with they all said it spoke to them in a way.  I think that's a testiment to the truths that lie in this book.

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Very supportive, understanding and encouraging book.