The Story behind ACT with Faith

During 2002 I began a journey that was to change my life. I discovered ACT, started practising mindfulness, and began to notice gradual changes in my thinking and behaviour patterns. Over time, I noticed that these changes were taking me consistently towards what I wanted my life as a Christian to look like. I gradually introduced what I was learning into my professional practice, when I had Christian clients who gave their consent. I have no research, yet, to quantify what happened, but I have seen, and received a lot of feedback about, more flexibility and vitality in the lives of my Christian clients.In this book I am offering you the knowledge that I have gained by putting into practise the information gained by simultaneously learning ACT and reading the Bible over the past 8 years.I have learned experientially, through a number of workshops and conferences, how to apply ACT in my life.

This is not an evangelical document; that is not my intention here. My hope is that it will be technically useful to my valued colleagues, who, over the years, have honoured our spiritual differences with respect, and helped me to put my thoughts into words. Very seldom have my beliefs been challenged (as in whether they represent the ‘truth’ or not), rather our informal discussions have revolved around how ACT relates to Christian teaching and whether I find any problems in working with the two approaches together. This has helped me to verbalize the advantages and disadvantages in practising ACT

Dr Jennifer Gregg PH.D; Associate Professor, San Jose State University, San Jose, California, USA.

‘This book is an incredible resource for anyone who seeks to speak the language of their Christian clients in therapy. Ingrid Ord has done a superb job

bringing functional contextualism and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy to Christians in a way that supports, and is supported by, their religion, and she expertly guides ACT therapists working with Christian clients who identify strongly with their faith. Through a rich assortment of scriptural references and client handouts, this book provides invaluable tools for working with Christian clients in a way that not only does not undermine or contradict Christian religious beliefs, but beautifully supports them.’

Joy R, ACT with Faith, pg 127,

“.... this I think is one of the most powerful tools you have ever shared with me, and... others.

It's so tangible and provides clarity when you are feeling 'messy'. It's a cross and yet feels like an anchor when you use it. I especially notice how men relate to a model that is so clear. The model and the 'name' provide relevance and respect for what this model is, does, and stands for. It is Christ centred and the name highlights this fact.”

Julie R, MA, Oregon

“I read the whole manual in one sitting and absolutely loved it.

As I mentioned earlier, I am working on a book about social anxiety specifically for Christians. The traditional treatment models for Social Anxiety Disorder are woefully inadequate (CBT, etc.), with at least a 40% rate of nonresponders. Around 80% will never even seek treatment, which leaves a huge number of suffering (often paralyzed) Christians. What if all those people with SAD continued to experience symptoms, yet lived incredibly purposeful and meaningful lives anyway? The way Act with Faith embraces suffering as a part of purposeful living is so refreshing, and biblically accurate.”

Audrey L

“Thank you for this excellent book (ACT in Faith).

What a terrific job you have done in translating ACT concepts into the Christian world view and idiom. And I can see that the client handouts will be such a useful resource.”