What Makes You Stronger: How to Thrive in the Face of Change and Uncertainty Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

Discover the skills you need to face change and uncertainty with confidence—and grow even stronger!

Change can happen so slowly that you might not even notice it. And sometimes, it can happen in an instant, causing your world to come crashing down. For many of us, change is scary, and as a result, we may try to avoid it, or even actively resist it. But while burying our heads in the sand can provide some short-term relief, our fear can grow and manifest itself in life-altering ways like stress, anxiety, or depression. The good news is that you can learn to transform how you respond to unwanted change.

In What Makes You Stronger, you’ll learn to apply the authors’ proven-effective DNA-v model (Discoverer, Noticer, Advisor, Value, and Vitality)—a potent blend of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and positive psychology to gain resilience in the face of change. Using this simple six-step process, you’ll not only cope with change and adversity—but grow stronger from it! You’ll discover strategies for managing uncertainty, breaking unhealthy behavior patterns, and reducing overwhelm when things start to feel out of control.

If you’re ready to stop running from change, and start living a life guided by your values, this powerful guide will be with you, every step of the way.

DNA-v: A Simple 6-Step Process to Positive Change

• The Broaden and Build Process – Learn to create, think, play, and explore in a way that builds value and joy
• Mindfulness and Attention Process – Pause and respond to feelings, rather than reacting impulsively
• The Cognitive Process – Disengage from negative self-talk
• The Values-Based Process – Clarify your values to create a meaningful life
• The Self-View Process – Let go of your ego and see your potential rather than your limitations
• The Social-View Process – Build genuine connections, manage difficult people, and forge strong social relationships

Louise L. Hayes, PhD, is an international acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) trainer, speaker, clinical psychologist, and researcher collaborating on interventions for adults and young people. Hayes has published research trials using ACT, and is coauthor of The Thriving Adolescent—the book that introduced DNA-v—plus the best-selling books, Your Life Your Way and Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life for Teens.

Joseph V. Ciarrochi, PhD, is a professor at the Institute for Positive Psychology and Education at Australian Catholic University. He has published more than 140 scientific journal articles and many books, including the widely acclaimed Emotional Intelligence in Everyday Life and The Weight Escape. Ciarrochi has been honored with more than four million dollars in research funding. His work has been discussed on TV and radio, and in magazines and newspaper articles. He is ranked in the top 2 percent of scientists in the world across all disciplines.

Ann Bailey, MPsych, is an experienced ACT practitioner and supervisor who developed an award-winning public mental health service for the treatment of borderline personality disorder (BPD) and anxiety disorders—integrating ACT, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Ann supervises a team of clinicians as director of her ACT-based Anxiety and Stress Clinic.

Illustrator Katharine Hall is based in Wellington, New Zealand. From her wonderful studio in Aotearoa, she tells stories that can translate across language—specializing in ink work and digital designs for individuals, start-ups, and businesses both big and small.