Kärlekens ACT

All people in intimate relationships wish they had the serenity to accept what they cannot change about their partners, the courage to change the things they can, and the wisdom to know the difference. But few actually have these qualities. More often, day-to-day fights and frustrations build resentment, and neither partner changes in the end. ACT with Love is an accessible guide to applying acceptance, openness to change, and wisdom--crucial relating skills--to relationships. This book shows readers how to focus on the present moment and take effective action in line with their values rather than simply reacting according to their immediate feelings. One of the first trade books to apply acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) to relationships, this guide is written in an entertaining, engaging style appealing to lay readers and experienced ACT practitioners alike. Chapter by chapter, readers learn to live by their values in a relationship, use mindfulness to accept and appreciate their partners, change their behavior to become the partners they want to be, and acknowledge but set aside unhelpful beliefs and thoughts about the relationship. ACT with Love emphasizes that it is futile for readers to control their partners, and instead, they must accept them. Because this is often difficult, the book helps readers develop compassion for themselves and for their partners and work to resolve painful conflicts and reconcile long-standing differences.

The book includes many helpful exercises couples can do together to learn to act with compassion and love toward each other. Throughout the book, the author refers readers to online free, downloadable resources, such as worksheets and MP3 recordings, designed to be used in conjunction with this guide.