The Happiness Trap by Dr Russ Harris

Reviews and Media:

Click here to listen to Jim Mora's interview with Dr Russ Harris on Radio New Zealand National 'Afternoons'.

'The point isn't to improve your thoughts and feelings, or stamp out negative ones, so much as to "unhook" from them; to stop being a puppet they jerk around. This isn't a Secret, nor really a Power. It's more of Useful Insight.' Oliver Burkman, The Guardian

‘Russ Harris skilfully leads the reader on a path along which we may pick up and embrace the tools for living a rich, full and authentically meaningful life, a life wherein real “happiness” truly resides. The Happiness Trap is a book for all – therapists and clients alike — it makes the skills of mindfulness accessible and applicable to everyday living.’ Christine Burke Psychologist BA Dip Ed, M Ed (Counselling Psychology) Assoc MAPS

‘Dr Harris shines a powerful and loving beacon into the night. Enjoy the journey. You are in excellent hands.’ Steven Hayes – Bestselling author of Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life

'Physician Harris challenges some basic assumptions about the all-American tradition of the pursuit of happiness, drawing heavily on the “acceptance and commitment therapy” (ACT) work of University of Nevada professor Steven Hayes, which argues that happiness is not a normal state of being; pain is inevitable and what matters is how it is dealt with. The ACT prescription is to be “mindful” of negative thoughts and emotions, reconnect with core values, act in accordance with values and with the “psychological flexibility” to adapt to any situation. ACT techniques include diffusion—decreasing the impact of self-defeating thoughts (without making them go away), turning off the “struggle switch,” practicing “expansion” to make room for self-observation and connecting with the present moment. While these concepts might sound like typical self-help fare, Harris makes key distinctions: ACT is not a form of meditation or a path to enlightenment—to reap the benefits, action is imperative. More of an ACT primer than anything else, there’s enough interesting content here to keep the reader, um, happy.' Publisher’s Weekly (US Book Trade)

'It’s probably no secret that the myths surrounding happiness are directly contributing to our modern day stress epidemic. Anxiety and depression are topping the charts the world over, and popular psychological remedies can make it even worse.
In this easy-to-read, practical and empowering self-help book, Dr Russ Harris, M.D., reveals how millions of people are unwittingly caught in The Happiness Trap. He then provides an effective means to escape, through a revolutionary new paradigm in Western psychology – mindfulness.
Mindfulness is a transformative mental state of awareness, openness and focus. Although it’s worlds apart from the methods of popular psychology, it’s easy to learn and can rapidly and effectively help reduce stress, let go of self-limiting beliefs, overcome fear and increase life satisfaction.' Australian Women Online