When Life Hits Hard

Book Club

Life hurts sometimes.

Whether it’s a sudden shocking loss or an ongoing hardship, each of us will have to face life’s downturns. Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) offers a powerful approach to staying open to the richness of life and pursuing what matters even when things feel impossibly hard. In this book club, you’ll learn skills that will enhance your resilience and help you thrive when life hits hard.

Brandon Vance MD and Heather Clague MD are offering a six-week book club for the short, sweet and so helpful book, When Life Hits Hard by Russ Harris. Each week we’ll practice brief experiential exercises and break into small groups for discussion. The composition of the small groups will be consistent week to week to allow group members to connect and form community. (When Life Hits Hard is the same book as The Reality Slap, 2nd Edition - it’s fine to get that version.)

Heather and Brandon bring their deep knowledge of TEAM-CBT to this exploration of ACT. If you are already familiar with TEAM therapy, you will find in ACT a complementary approach that builds on those practices. 

Live online via Zoom for six consecutive Mondays,

4:00-5:20pm Pacific Time.

Next dates to be announced.

Click here to purchase the book When Life Hits Hard.

When Life Hits Hard is the same book as The Reality Slap, 2nd Edition. Be sure you get the 2nd Edition if you purchase The Reality Slap.

$144 for six 80-minute sessions. Sliding scale available. No one turned away for lack of funds.

Testimonials for Brandon and Heather for the Feeling Great Book Club

  • This morning I had tears in my eyes but they were from joy. As a result of the book group on Feeling Great I have practiced identifying cognitive distortions. My heart is full and I am grateful for these tools.

    Jodee F.

  • A book club like no other. The goal isn't simply to read and analyze the text of the book. Instead, to learn and grow with like-minded and like-hearted people. Wonderfully organized and a truly worthwhile experience.

    Mike P.

  • Reviewing the "Feeling Great" methods with others and with the expert guidance of Heather and Brandon helped solidify my own use of the methods. The group also brought a lot of collective wisdom and shared how they used the methods to their benefit. Several people in my group shared how well the methods worked in different situations and I had the same experience.

    Deborah H.

  • Heather & Brandon are skilled, caring, humble, & credible.

    Ken K.