Stuff That Sucks: Accepting what you can't change and committing to what you can
Ben Sedley
Ideas presented are based on the Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) model. It outlines stuff that sucks and provides an understanding of painful emotions and thoughts and explores areas of life that contribute to these experiences recognising the things readers can't change but directing attention to the things the reader can. Suggestions on techniques to try are provided, and an openness to trying things until finding the ones that work are encouraged. The reader is also encouraged to connect with what they value, and through accepting thoughts and emotions they are experiencing instead of struggling with them. This allows readers to recognise that this will give them more energy to be doing the other stuff that matters to them in life. Stuff That Sucks is easy to understand and uses age appropriate language. The chapters flow and build nicely on each other, with illustrations creatively spaced throughout the text. Self-help tools provide both educational information and ideas on techniques to try, are evidence-based and reflect the author's experience of their effectiveness when working with young people.