Objectives: 1. Examine the concept of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and connect it to situations and emotions 2. Discuss the phases of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and its principles 3. Connect the text, “The Happiness Trap” by Russ Harris, to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy 4. Work on both cognitive and behavioral components of mindfulness and apply to own experiences

Materials: • Pen/Pencils • A copy of The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris • Handouts on the steps of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Warm-up:

(5 minutes) • Ask students to list one thing that make them happy. • Lead a discussion on what happiness means to each student and how one can experience it.

Main Instruction:

(15 minutes) • Introduce the concept of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, Connect ACMT to each student’s experience of feeling happy. • Talk about the different phases of ACMT: Defining values; Becoming Aware of the Present Moment; Accepting Unpleasant Feelings, Thoughts, and Memories; Connecting to Their Commitments. • Explain the core inquiries used in ACMT and how mindfulness can be used to manage challenges one faces.

Application:

(10 minutes) • Pass out the handouts on ACMT and discuss the different components of each step in more detail. • Have the students refer to the text, The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris, as they discuss how to apply the concepts of ACMT to situations in their lives. • Consider the cognitive and behavioral aspects of mindfulness and apply to their own experiences.

Conclusion:

(5 minutes) • Ask the students to share one thing they learned from the lesson. • Lead a discussion on how ACMT can help one become more mindful and aware of their own experiences and how they can use ACMT to better handle and manage difficult feelings. • Wrap-up by emphasizing the importance of setting and achieving self-directed goals.