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The Wisdom to Know the Difference: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Overcoming Substance Abuse (New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook) 1st Edition, Kindle Edition

by Troy DuFrene (Author), Kelly Wilson (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 129 ratings
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""God, grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference."" This healing prayer has been adopted by Alcoholics Anonymous and other twelve-step programs and, with the advent of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), has found its way into modern behavioral science. The Wisdom to Know the Difference offers readers a unique path to treating alcoholism and drug addiction through ACT, which has been proven to be clinically effective for the treatment of alcoholism and substance abuse.

This workbook unifies the most widely practiced method of substance abuse treatment, the twelve-step program, with an empirically supported psychotherapeutic model, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Each component of this ACT treatment plan has an explanation rooted in basic behavioral science, and readers will learn how these components fit into the twelve steps in Alcoholics Anonymous and similar programs. Written by Kelly Wilson, cofounder of the ACT treatment model, and Troy DuFrene, this workbook is accessible for all reading levels and can be used by those suffering from all forms of substance abuse.

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  1. ISBN-13
    978-1572249288
  2. Edition
    1st
  3. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  4. Publisher
    New Harbinger Publications
  5. Publication date
    February 2, 2012
  6. Part of series
    A New Harbinger Self-Help Workbook
  7. Language
    English
  8. File size
    841 KB
  9. See all details
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Editorial Reviews

Review

“Learning about Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) this summer, and using this workbook in particular, helped me deepen my recovery and broaden the foundation of safety and health that I am looking for in sobriety. . . .Kelly Wilson opens himself up to the reader using his own experiences as engaging illustrations of the pain of addiction, but also as opportunities for personal growth. . . .ACT and this workbook are helping me gain a much stronger sense of freedom in recovery, a sense that I can deal with my mind and have a lot of influence over my future.”
―Don Sheeley, MD, Volunteer Facilitator for SMART Recovery®

From the Publisher

In The Wisdom to Know the Difference, acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) cofounder Kelly Wilson and Troy DuFrene show readers how to use acceptance, mindfulness, and values-oriented strategies, either alone or in combination with a twelve-step program, to overcome substance abuse and permanently change their lives for the better.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B006TF1INS
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ New Harbinger Publications; 1st edition (February 2, 2012)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ February 2, 2012
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 841 KB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 186 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 4.6 out of 5 stars 129 ratings

About the authors

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  1. Kelly G. Wilson

    Kelly G. Wilson

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    Kelly G. Wilson, Ph.D., is an Associate Professor of psychology at the University at Mississippi. He is Past President of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science, Representative-at-Large of the Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology, and Winner of the University of Mississippi's prestigious Elsie M. Hood Outstanding Teacher Award. Dr. Wilson is one of the co-developers of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). He has devoted himself to the development and dissemination of ACT and its underlying theory and philosophy for the past 20 years, publishing more than 70 articles and chapters, as well as 6 books including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy: An Experiential Approach to Behavior Change and his newest books Mindfulness for Two and Things Might Go Terribly, Horribly Wrong. He has central interests in the application of behavioral principles to understanding topics such as purpose, meaning, values, therapeutic relationship, and mindfulness. Dr. Wilson is the founder of Onelife Education and Training, LLC and has presented workshops and provided consulting services in 20 countries. (above photos by Keith Henry kbaby72@ymail.com)

    See more on the author's page
  2. Troy DuFrene

    Troy DuFrene

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    Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

    Troy DuFrene is a psychotherapist and author. He is coauthor of nine books, including Coping with OCD, Mindfulness for Two, and Things Might Go Terribly, Horribly Wrong. He lives and works in Alameda, CA, in the San Francisco Bay Area. Visit him at www.sfcompassion.com.

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Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4.6 out of 5
129 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

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Grant Dewar
5.0 out of 5 stars Sharing the struggle
Reviewed in the United States on December 30, 2013
Verified Purchase
Kelly Wilson writes from the heart, from a deep well spring of having been at rock bottom and having reconciled himself with his own experience of despair and self destruction.

From this perspective he has not only found a pathway out of despair for himself but with the assistance of Steve Hayes and many others put together a simple and effective approach to managing the effect of substance dependence.

This approach is simple but not easy. It recognizes that universal happiness is a myth and that life encompasses both joy and despair and that by embracing life in its wholeness we can find a way to accept that which we have to; the willingness to change what is needed; the ability to get unstuck; to take useful perspectives on life and to live effectively in the here and now.

The wisdom to know the difference challenges it readers to define their values and then take daily action to live according to these values.

Once again this book provides simple wisdom but it does not provide easy solutions. If you are serious about making changes in your experience of substance dependence, treating those affected or are living with someone who is - this book is essential to informing your journey.
6 people found this helpful
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Chris L McClish
5.0 out of 5 stars A work of art - living the serenity prayer
Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2012
Verified Purchase
The title may lead you to believe this is a spiritual book or an AA book - it isn't, but contains spiritual wisdom and has principles based in a well researched type of therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy as part of your decision to embark on a journey of recovery (and if you are open to it, also guides the reader with some ways to about incorporate ACT with 12 step philosophy and programs - since they both share similarities).

The authors' humility and compassion comes across, with Dr. Kelly G. Wilson being the primary voice, who guides us with humility, while sharing pearls of wisdom which come from what ACT and from his own experiences. He encourages the reader to accept both the "sad and the sweet", to commit to live healthy and fully be in the present.

You may not be impressed with this book if you are a strict AA preacher - who has trouble with ideas like self-discovery (i.e. if you think you can control your use, there is no mandate in this book from the author that you must not think that way, nor is there is confrontation). Although Dr. Wilson is very supportive of AA, he doesn't mandate that it is the only way. In addition, if you believe that you must believe in God to get sober, this may not be the book for you - although the book does not impose atheism or any religion for that matter.

With Dr. Kelly G Wilson being a cofounder of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, a recovering person, and scholar, one might expect that he take a one-up and lecture us or take the high pedestal, but instead, true to his character, and like other remarkable individuals, he humbly shares some of his regrets and helps us get in touch with our own mistakes.

If you have an open mind, and are looking for something different than the standard recovery book about going to AA, or the literature which promotes the "cure yourself now" mentality, or even "just change your thinking and your like will be good" type books, this book is very different and a good roadmap for you to embark on a journey of acceptance, action, and getting closer to what truly matters in life as part of your path in recovery.

As a therapist who has many years with a background in addiction, I highly recommend that you read this impressive work of art!
19 people found this helpful
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B. Humphrey
4.0 out of 5 stars A good application of ACT
Reviewed in the United States on September 18, 2012
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I enjoy the way this book reads. The only drawback in my opinion is the way an exercise is within the text. A change in the layout would solve that. However, I will say the the principles of ACT are utilized in an accessible manner.
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Gsw
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing, Amazing Book
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2012
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Please read this workbook if you feel that recovery from addiction may not be within your reach. Between the research-based exercises, Kelly Wilson's personal experience, and the supportive, warm, honest tone, I can't imagine how it would be possible to come away from reading this book without feeling SOME sort of shift. I could go on about the research behind Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and how many of my own clients have benefited from using these skills...but suffice it to say that I have read my fair share of recovery workbooks and "The Wisdom To Know The Difference" is in a class by itself.
5 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written
Reviewed in the United States on December 1, 2012
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I am so impressed with this book. It is recommended on the SMART Recovery website, which is where I first found it. This really puts any addiction, and help with it, in crystal clear perspective. If you are struggling with addiction you need to read this. You can also incorporate it into your AA program. I personally feel that it transcends the AA approach in so many ways. Congratulations to the authors. I hope they realize just how much this will and has help others. I can also appreciate the fact that the authors speak from experience.
3 people found this helpful
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barbara kohlenberg
5.0 out of 5 stars this is my favorite. So heartfelt and meaningful
Reviewed in the United States on July 26, 2017
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Of all of Kelly's books, this is my favorite. So heartfelt and meaningful. I especially love the personal essays. I've given it to many patients and colleagues.
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heidi howe
3.0 out of 5 stars More AA than I wanted
Reviewed in the United States on September 22, 2018
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This book had a lot more AA and 12 step content than I was looking for. Also uses the word God and prayer. I got a refund. It didn't seem like it was sure if it wanted to be a textbook or a workbook. I was hoping it was more of a workbook with a secular slant. Would likely work for someone who wasn't as prickly about the 12 steps as I am. (AA veteran here) I think the author has good things to share.
5 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

Natalie Antje Ulrich
4.0 out of 5 stars Fine book for those who don't need to be taken by the hand too closely
Reviewed in Germany on August 22, 2021
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I am struggling between ratings this a 4 or a 5 star book.

Here are my thoughts on what I appreciated about this book:
I like Kelly Wilson's writing style in general. Mindful, gentle. His own history with substance abuse and addiction makes him the ideal author of this book - he knows the dark places addiction can lead you to. And he is one of those who managed to leave those dark places and choose life instead.
I have read several books on ACT so far. I appreciated that every author has a unique way of delivering the different parts of the hexaflex model. Whenever I read a new book on ACT, it's like looking at known object from a different angle. I recognize things that are familiar and sometimes I might also spot something new.
The book contains several exercises, the majority of them meditation-oriented (at least, that was my impression - I didn't count). As the title says, this is a "work" book.

Why did I rate it 4 stars?
I think that, for a self-help book, some things could have been spelled out more explicitely. The exercises could have been more "hands on" in the sense of asking you to follow your commitment and then checking back in afterwards (for example). However, I assume that for a certain type of reader this will be a 5 star book. Maybe for those who don't want or don't need to be taken by the hand but rather want to make their own connections and transfer what they have read into their own day to day lives.

A final remark:
I work as an addiction counselor and therapist and find that this group also benefits from the book. You can easily adapt the content of the book to the flow of several counseling sessions. Or you could even ask the client to read the book and discuss and practice the content together with you in session.
If you are new to ACT, I would suggest a general introductory textbook in addition (e.g. ACT made simple, by Russ Harris).
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Fairuz1
5.0 out of 5 stars Amazing Book
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 19, 2012
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This is a beautiful book. This is the 6th ACT book I've read so far (I thought all of them were excellent), and this is my favourite so far. The authors write with a rare combination of clinical expertise, compassion, humility and humour.

Whilst it's targeted at substance use, in my opinion it's relevant to anyone struggling with any form of compulsive and problematic behaviour. I've recommended this to countless clinicians, clients and friends so far. It's incredibly easy to read and unbelievably helpful
3 people found this helpful
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Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Very welcome addition to addiction self help
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on December 17, 2013
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I am an addictions counsellor and really appreciate the inclusion of 12 step reflections alongside Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Very inspiring authors.
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