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Join hosts Emma Waddington and Chris McCurry as they explore the surprising truth behind the booming self-help industry with psychologist and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) expert Dr. Joe Oliver. Despite the $13 billion self-help market, anxiety, depression, and loneliness are skyrocketing. What gives?

In this deeply honest and often humorous conversation, the trio unpacks how self-help culture—though well-intentioned—can fuel self-judgment, perfectionism, and a sense of failure when we don’t feel “better.” Joe explains how relentless self-improvement often distracts us from living fully in the present and accepting ourselves as we are.

Rather than trying to fix or avoid unpleasant thoughts and feelings, Joe introduces an empowering alternative: psychological flexibility. Through ACT principles, they explore how we can relate differently to our inner struggles, develop self-compassion, and focus on living a values-based life—even when things are hard.

Topics Discussed in this episode:

• What is ACT therapy and how does it work?
• The self-help paradox: Why improvement can increase suffering
• Tools to manage emotional avoidance and anxiety
• The problem with “trying harder” in mental health
• Real-life examples of psychological flexibility in action

View extended shownotes here

Max Cross Gets Unstuck from Anger: An Acceptance and Commitment Therapy Workbook for Ages 8-12

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