Re: more about...I guess me

[Guest guest]

Hi Ben,

Thank you for the introduction! I'm glad you explained that you are relatively new to ACT and are here to learn, as we all are, and not to promote yourself. We do have some ACT professionals on the list who chime in now and then, and it is entirely appropriate, IMO, for them to promote their ACT publications, etc., even though they show a lot of constraint with that.

A lot of our discussion takes place around the book Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life, by , and The Happiness Trap, by Russ -- among others. Have you read any ACT books, such as those mentioned? What's really cool is that the authors take the time to answer questions about passages in their books, or if we just seem to be stuck, which is amazing.

Your story is inspirational and I applaud you for taking and accepting a "life trauma" and turning it into a vehicle to help others, in service of your values. I think ACT will tie in nicely with your work--or anyone's work, actually. I don't necessarily need/want to know more about you and your work, but would like to hear comments/questions about ACT, if you have any. Of all the people I've gotten to "know" on this forum in the last couple of years, I don't know what most of them do for a living. It comes up now and then if the workplace brings up an ACT-related question; otherwise, it is irrelevant.

Welcome to the ACT journey! By the way, let me add that I am still quite a novice since I don't do nearly enough work on living my values!!! But I intend to (ah, the road to hell is paved with good intentions, I've heard!). Still, intention is the first step to action, so I'm not a lost cause.

Helena

more about...I guess me

Helena and ACT,

I am a certified Life Coach specializing in brain injury, learning disability, and other cognitive challenges. I have just been introduced to ACT by a friend/coworker who is herself very involved with ACT. Strangely enough, the framework and many of the ideas encompassed in ACT reflect the infrastructure present in my own system of recovery/transformation. This was brough to my attention by this friend/coworker, who sat down with me the other day and explained many of the similarities. Then, when I first checked the ACT site, I was delighted to see that it wasn't a pay and get certified kind of thing, but rather a lets all share with each other our gifts kind of thing. All this said, I'm excited to learn more about ACT (and have the intention of writing a forward to my book, Questing Beyond the Horizon: Redefining Personal Potential After Brain Injury touching on the similarities between the two systems of belief.

Where did this system come from? Well now we're striking at the heart of it all...I sustained a severe traumatic brain injury at the age of 12 and spent many years struggling to maintain. Then I discovered martial arts and with it a renewed interest in my body. This physical awareness soon spilled over into the mental and spiritual and I began to rebuild my identity from the bottom up. The system of recovery I speak of is loosely based on my own path of recovery, years of work with dev. disabled populations, as well as years of studying world religions and beliefs.

In essence, I came to realize that my old self, pre-trauma, was gone forever and that I had to ACCEPT my new self. Once I had done that, I had to COMMIT myself to doing whatever it took to face challenge with pride and courage and create for myself a desired identity. Feeling pretty good about where I've ended up, it is now my mission to share with other the lessons I found so valuable.

Thanks again for your interest. If you would like to know more about me and my work, please visit www.launchmentor.com.

Ben-- in, CPCLaunch Empowerment Mentoring1390 Oak St., Suite 1Eugene, OR 97401

[Guest guest]

"restraint" not "constraint"!

more about...I guess me

Helena and ACT,

I am a certified Life Coach specializing in brain injury, learning disability, and other cognitive challenges. I have just been introduced to ACT by a friend/coworker who is herself very involved with ACT. Strangely enough, the framework and many of the ideas encompassed in ACT reflect the infrastructure present in my own system of recovery/transformation. This was brough to my attention by this friend/coworker, who sat down with me the other day and explained many of the similarities. Then, when I first checked the ACT site, I was delighted to see that it wasn't a pay and get certified kind of thing, but rather a lets all share with each other our gifts kind of thing. All this said, I'm excited to learn more about ACT (and have the intention of writing a forward to my book, Questing Beyond the Horizon: Redefining Personal Potential After Brain Injury touching on the similarities between the two systems of belief.

Where did this system come from? Well now we're striking at the heart of it all...I sustained a severe traumatic brain injury at the age of 12 and spent many years struggling to maintain. Then I discovered martial arts and with it a renewed interest in my body. This physical awareness soon spilled over into the mental and spiritual and I began to rebuild my identity from the bottom up. The system of recovery I speak of is loosely based on my own path of recovery, years of work with dev. disabled populations, as well as years of studying world religions and beliefs.

In essence, I came to realize that my old self, pre-trauma, was gone forever and that I had to ACCEPT my new self. Once I had done that, I had to COMMIT myself to doing whatever it took to face challenge with pride and courage and create for myself a desired identity. Feeling pretty good about where I've ended up, it is now my mission to share with other the lessons I found so valuable.

Thanks again for your interest. If you would like to know more about me and my work, please visit www.launchmentor.com.

Ben-- in, CPCLaunch Empowerment Mentoring1390 Oak St., Suite 1Eugene, OR 97401

[Guest guest]

Some people might get a bit defensive if you're posing as a professional on here. Which is understandable - I feel myself getting a bit defensive. The best way to learn about ACT is to read the books and combine that with knowledge gained on here. Read the books and participate in the practical exercises in them.

.

 

Helena and ACT,

 

I am a certified Life Coach specializing in brain injury, learning disability, and other cognitive challenges. I have just been introduced to ACT by a friend/coworker who is herself very involved with ACT. Strangely enough, the framework and many of the ideas encompassed in ACT reflect the infrastructure present in my own system of recovery/transformation. This was brough to my attention by this friend/coworker, who sat down with me the other day and explained many of the similarities. Then, when I first checked the ACT site, I was delighted to see that it wasn't a pay and get certified kind of thing, but rather a lets all share with each other our gifts kind of thing. All this said, I'm excited to learn more about ACT (and have the intention of writing a forward to my book, Questing Beyond the Horizon: Redefining Personal Potential After Brain Injury touching on the similarities between the two systems of belief.

 

Where did this system come from? Well now we're striking at the heart of it all...I sustained a severe traumatic brain injury at the age of 12 and spent many years struggling to maintain. Then I discovered martial arts and with it a renewed interest in my body. This physical awareness soon spilled over into the mental and spiritual and I began to rebuild my identity from the bottom up. The system of recovery I speak of is loosely based on my own path of recovery, years of work with dev. disabled populations, as well as years of studying world religions and beliefs.

 

In essence, I came to realize that my old self, pre-trauma, was gone forever and that I had to ACCEPT my new self. Once I had done that, I had to COMMIT myself to doing whatever it took to face challenge with pride and courage and create for myself a desired identity. Feeling pretty good about where I've ended up, it is now my mission to share with other the lessons I found so valuable.

 

Thanks again for your interest. If you would like to know more about me and my work, please visit www.launchmentor.com.

 

Ben-- in, CPCLaunch Empowerment Mentoring1390 Oak St., Suite 1Eugene, OR 97401

[Guest guest]

Hi Ben, ACT may well prove a worthwhile platform for some of your own experiences and therapies. I have no concerns about you coming to this as a professional - the professional / layperson boundary has incredibly fuzzy edges: I think we all know professionals with profound personal stories to tell; and I think we all know "laypersons" who are incredibly expert! If it's helpful, open and honest - who cares about labels?WelcomeMarkTo: ACT_for_the_Public Sent: Sun, 26 September, 2010 9:07:13Subject: Re: more about...I guess me

Some people might get a bit defensive if you're posing as a professional on here. Which is understandable - I feel myself getting a bit defensive. The best way to learn about ACT is to read the books and combine that with knowledge gained on here. Read the books and participate in the practical exercises in them.

.

Helena and ACT,

I am a certified Life Coach specializing in brain injury, learning disability, and other cognitive challenges. I have just been introduced to ACT by a friend/coworker who is herself very involved with ACT. Strangely enough, the framework and many of the ideas encompassed in ACT reflect the infrastructure present in my own system of recovery/transformation. This was brough to my attention by this friend/coworker, who sat down with me the other day and explained many of the similarities. Then, when I first checked the ACT site, I was delighted to see that it wasn't a pay and get certified kind of thing, but rather a lets all share with each other our gifts kind of thing. All this said, I'm excited to learn more about ACT (and have the intention of writing a forward to my book, Questing Beyond the Horizon: Redefining Personal Potential After Brain Injury touching on the similarities between the two systems of belief.

Where did this system come from? Well now we're striking at the heart of it all...I sustained a severe traumatic brain injury at the age of 12 and spent many years struggling to maintain. Then I discovered martial arts and with it a renewed interest in my body. This physical awareness soon spilled over into the mental and spiritual and I began to rebuild my identity from the bottom up. The system of recovery I speak of is loosely based on my own path of recovery, years of work with dev. disabled populations, as well as years of studying world religions and beliefs.

In essence, I came to realize that my old self, pre-trauma, was gone forever and that I had to ACCEPT my new self. Once I had done that, I had to COMMIT myself to doing whatever it took to face challenge with pride and courage and create for myself a desired identity. Feeling pretty good about where I've ended up, it is now my mission to share with other the lessons I found so valuable.

Thanks again for your interest. If you would like to know more about me and my work, please visit www.launchmentor.com.

Ben-- in, CPCLaunch Empowerment Mentoring1390 Oak St., Suite 1Eugene, OR 97401

[Guest guest]

Hi Mark,

I agree--I am not concerned about Ben's introduction as a professional--the label doesn't matter. My only concern was his possible intention of promoting his career on this forum instead of being here to participate with us and learn about ACT. Revealing that he is a relative newbie to ACT and wants to learn more has allayed my concern. Overlooking his numerous plugs (my choice), I look forward to ACT-related discussions with Ben on how ACT influences his life as a person and intersects with his work as a life coach.

Helena

---- Original Message -----From: "Mark Wilberforce" <mr_wilberforceyahoo (DOT) co.uk>To: "ACT for the Public" <ACT_for_the_Public >Sent: Sunday, September 26, 2010 6:33:14 AMSubject: Re: more about...I guess me

Hi Ben, ACT may well prove a worthwhile platform for some of your own experiences and therapies. I have no concerns about you coming to this as a professional - the professional / layperson boundary has incredibly fuzzy edges: I think we all know professionals with profound personal stories to tell; and I think we all know "laypersons" who are incredibly expert! If it's helpful, open and honest - who cares about labels?WelcomeMark

From: Cornish <danielcornish1988gmail>To: ACT_for_the_Public Sent: Sun, 26 September, 2010 9:07:13Subject: Re: more about...I guess me

Some people might get a bit defensive if you're posing as a professional on here. Which is understandable - I feel myself getting a bit defensive. The best way to learn about ACT is to read the books and combine that with knowledge gained on here. Read the books and participate in the practical exercises in them. .

On 26 September 2010 03:29, Ben in <launchmentorgmail> wrote:

Helena and ACT,

I am a certified Life Coach specializing in brain injury, learning disability, and other cognitive challenges. I have just been introduced to ACT by a friend/coworker who is herself very involved with ACT. Strangely enough, the framework and many of the ideas encompassed in ACT reflect the infrastructure present in my own system of recovery/transformation. This was brough to my attention by this friend/coworker, who sat down with me the other day and explained many of the similarities. Then, when I first checked the ACT site, I was delighted to see that it wasn't a pay and get certified kind of thing, but rather a lets all share with each other our gifts kind of thing. All this said, I'm excited to learn more about ACT (and have the intention of writing a forward to my book, Questing Beyond the Horizon: Redefining Personal Potential After Brain Injury touching on the similarities between the two systems of belief.

Where did this system come from? Well now we're striking at the heart of it all...I sustained a severe traumatic brain injury at the age of 12 and spent many years struggling to maintain. Then I discovered martial arts and with it a renewed interest in my body. This physical awareness soon spilled over into the mental and spiritual and I began to rebuild my identity from the bottom up. The system of recovery I speak of is loosely based on my own path of recovery, years of work with dev. disabled populations, as well as years of studying world religions and beliefs.

In essence, I came to realize that my old self, pre-trauma, was gone forever and that I had to ACCEPT my new self. Once I had done that, I had to COMMIT myself to doing whatever it took to face challenge with pride and courage and create for myself a desired identity. Feeling pretty good about where I've ended up, it is now my mission to share with other the lessons I found so valuable.

Thanks again for your interest. If you would like to know more about me and my work, please visit www.launchmentor.com.

Ben-- in, CPCLaunch Empowerment Mentoring1390 Oak St., Suite 1Eugene, OR 97401

[Guest guest]

Hello All --I just wanted to say that as a newbie who is just learning ACT, I've been a bit uncomfortable when posting because my " Signature " line gives my information as a professional.  I'd like to just state here that despite my signature line, I am truly a newbie and am learning ACT because it speaks to me as an individual.  I have been reading texts for professionals (as I know many non-professionals do) and consulting with ACT therapists so I can responsibly pass on ACT to my clients.  However, I realize that does not make me any less of a newbie.  Not only that -- I'm a newbie who needs to practice more!

Having said that -- the reason I post with my signature is because, frankly, I don't know how to turn it off.  It doesn't show up while I'm writing, but only when it is posted.  And I need to keep the signature line for other email communication.  Having said that, if it makes people uncomfortable, and if someone can help me how to take out the signature for posting here, I'd be happy to do it (or at least try since I can be technologically challenged at times.)

Best,Barbara

 

Hi Mark,

I agree--I am not concerned about Ben's introduction as a professional--the label doesn't matter.  My only concern was his possible intention of promoting his career on this forum instead of being here to participate with us and learn about ACT.  Revealing that he is a relative newbie to ACT and wants to learn more has allayed my concern.  Overlooking his numerous plugs (my choice), I look forward to ACT-related discussions with Ben on how ACT influences his life as a person and intersects with his work as a life coach. 

Helena

---- Original Message -----From: " Mark Wilberforce " <mr_wilberforceyahoo (DOT) co.uk>To: " ACT for the Public " <ACT_for_the_Public >

Sent: Sunday, September 26, 2010 6:33:14 AMSubject: Re: more about...I guess me

 

Hi Ben, ACT may well prove a worthwhile platform for some of your own experiences and therapies.  I have no concerns about you coming to this as a professional - the professional / layperson boundary has incredibly fuzzy edges: I think we all know professionals with profound personal stories to tell; and I think we all know " laypersons " who are incredibly expert! 

If it's helpful, open and honest - who cares about labels?WelcomeMark

From: Cornish <danielcornish1988gmail>To: ACT_for_the_Public

Sent: Sun, 26 September, 2010 9:07:13Subject: Re: more about...I guess me 

Some people might get a bit defensive if you're posing as a professional on here. Which is understandable - I feel myself getting a bit defensive. The best way to learn about ACT is to read the books and combine that with knowledge gained on here. Read the books and participate in the practical exercises in them.

.

On 26 September 2010 03:29, Ben in <launchmentorgmail> wrote:

 

Helena and ACT,

 

I am a certified Life Coach specializing in brain injury, learning disability, and other cognitive challenges. I have just been introduced to ACT by a friend/coworker who is herself very involved with ACT. Strangely enough, the framework and many of the ideas encompassed in ACT reflect the infrastructure present in my own system of recovery/transformation. This was brough to my attention by this friend/coworker, who sat down with me the other day and explained many of the similarities. Then, when I first checked the ACT site, I was delighted to see that it wasn't a pay and get certified kind of thing, but rather a lets all share with each other our gifts kind of thing. All this said, I'm excited to learn more about ACT (and have the intention of writing a forward to my book, Questing Beyond the Horizon: Redefining Personal Potential After Brain Injury touching on the similarities between the two systems of belief.

 

Where did this system come from? Well now we're striking at the heart of it all...I sustained a severe traumatic brain injury at the age of 12 and spent many years struggling to maintain. Then I discovered martial arts and with it a renewed interest in my body. This physical awareness soon spilled over into the mental and spiritual and I began to rebuild my identity from the bottom up. The system of recovery I speak of is loosely based on my own path of recovery, years of work with dev. disabled populations, as well as years of studying world religions and beliefs.

 

In essence, I came to realize that my old self, pre-trauma, was gone forever and that I had to ACCEPT my new self. Once I had done that, I had to COMMIT myself to doing whatever it took to face challenge with pride and courage and create for myself a desired identity. Feeling pretty good about where I've ended up, it is now my mission to share with other the lessons I found so valuable.

 

Thanks again for your interest. If you would like to know more about me and my work, please visit www.launchmentor.com.

 

Ben-- in, CPCLaunch Empowerment Mentoring1390 Oak St., Suite 1Eugene, OR 97401

-- Barbara White, MFTMarriage and Family Therapistbarbarawhitetherapy.com

[Guest guest]

I don't get why posting your signature that reveals you as a professional might make you uncomfortable. I never even noticed it and even if I had, it wouldn't bother me a bit. I've enjoy your posts and find them quite useful. I could be a professional street walker, for all you know : ) There are lots of professionals who are on this journey with me and everyone else on this list. Nothing wrong with that!

So ... maybe that's just your mind telling you to be worried about what other people think and you could just let that thought float on down the stream...

Helena

Re: more about...I guess me

Some people might get a bit defensive if you're posing as a professional on here. Which is understandable - I feel myself getting a bit defensive. The best way to learn about ACT is to read the books and combine that with knowledge gained on here. Read the books and participate in the practical exercises in them. .

On 26 September 2010 03:29, Ben in <launchmentorgmail> wrote:

Helena and ACT,

I am a certified Life Coach specializing in brain injury, learning disability, and other cognitive challenges. I have just been introduced to ACT by a friend/coworker who is herself very involved with ACT. Strangely enough, the framework and many of the ideas encompassed in ACT reflect the infrastructure present in my own system of recovery/transformation. This was brough to my attention by this friend/coworker, who sat down with me the other day and explained many of the similarities. Then, when I first checked the ACT site, I was delighted to see that it wasn't a pay and get certified kind of thing, but rather a lets all share with each other our gifts kind of thing. All this said, I'm excited to learn more about ACT (and have the intention of writing a forward to my book, Questing Beyond the Horizon: Redefining Personal Potential After Brain Injury touching on the similarities between the two systems of belief.

Where did this system come from? Well now we're striking at the heart of it all...I sustained a severe traumatic brain injury at the age of 12 and spent many years struggling to maintain. Then I discovered martial arts and with it a renewed interest in my body. This physical awareness soon spilled over into the mental and spiritual and I began to rebuild my identity from the bottom up. The system of recovery I speak of is loosely based on my own path of recovery, years of work with dev. disabled populations, as well as years of studying world religions and beliefs.

In essence, I came to realize that my old self, pre-trauma, was gone forever and that I had to ACCEPT my new self. Once I had done that, I had to COMMIT myself to doing whatever it took to face challenge with pride and courage and create for myself a desired identity. Feeling pretty good about where I've ended up, it is now my mission to share with other the lessons I found so valuable.

Thanks again for your interest. If you would like to know more about me and my work, please visit www.launchmentor.com.

Ben-- in, CPCLaunch Empowerment Mentoring1390 Oak St., Suite 1Eugene, OR 97401

-- Barbara White, MFTMarriage and Family Therapistbarbarawhitetherapy.com

[Guest guest]

Thanks Helena.  I think you're right...sounds like something my mind would tell me!  And I am willing to let those leaves float away :)Barbara

 

I don't get why posting your signature that reveals you as a professional might make you uncomfortable.  I never even noticed it and even if I  had, it wouldn't bother me a bit.  I've enjoy your posts and find them quite useful.  I could be a professional street walker, for all you know : )  There are lots of professionals who are on this journey with me and everyone else on this list.  Nothing wrong with that!

 

So ... maybe that's just your mind telling you to be worried about what other people think and you could just let that thought float on down the stream...

 

Helena

Re: more about...I guess me 

Some people might get a bit defensive if you're posing as a professional on here. Which is understandable - I feel myself getting a bit defensive. The best way to learn about ACT is to read the books and combine that with knowledge gained on here. Read the books and participate in the practical exercises in them.

.

On 26 September 2010 03:29, Ben in <launchmentorgmail> wrote:

 

Helena and ACT,

 

I am a certified Life Coach specializing in brain injury, learning disability, and other cognitive challenges. I have just been introduced to ACT by a friend/coworker who is herself very involved with ACT. Strangely enough, the framework and many of the ideas encompassed in ACT reflect the infrastructure present in my own system of recovery/transformation. This was brough to my attention by this friend/coworker, who sat down with me the other day and explained many of the similarities. Then, when I first checked the ACT site, I was delighted to see that it wasn't a pay and get certified kind of thing, but rather a lets all share with each other our gifts kind of thing. All this said, I'm excited to learn more about ACT (and have the intention of writing a forward to my book, Questing Beyond the Horizon: Redefining Personal Potential After Brain Injury touching on the similarities between the two systems of belief.

 

Where did this system come from? Well now we're striking at the heart of it all...I sustained a severe traumatic brain injury at the age of 12 and spent many years struggling to maintain. Then I discovered martial arts and with it a renewed interest in my body. This physical awareness soon spilled over into the mental and spiritual and I began to rebuild my identity from the bottom up. The system of recovery I speak of is loosely based on my own path of recovery, years of work with dev. disabled populations, as well as years of studying world religions and beliefs.

 

In essence, I came to realize that my old self, pre-trauma, was gone forever and that I had to ACCEPT my new self. Once I had done that, I had to COMMIT myself to doing whatever it took to face challenge with pride and courage and create for myself a desired identity. Feeling pretty good about where I've ended up, it is now my mission to share with other the lessons I found so valuable.

 

Thanks again for your interest. If you would like to know more about me and my work, please visit www.launchmentor.com.

 

Ben-- in, CPCLaunch Empowerment Mentoring1390 Oak St., Suite 1Eugene, OR 97401

-- Barbara White, MFTMarriage and Family Therapistbarbarawhitetherapy.com

-- Barbara White, MFTMarriage and Family Therapistbarbarawhitetherapy.com