Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Practices in the School Setting

Melissa L. Holland, PhD is a professor in the School Psychology Program at California State University, Sacramento and is a practicing clinical psychologist.Jessica L. Hawks, PhD is a clinical child and adolescent psychologist, an associate professor at the University of Colorado, and the Clinical Director of the Pediatric Mental Health Institute, Children’s Hospital Colorado.

• 1. Introduction to Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Practices 2. Research on Mindfulness and ACT Interventions 3. Mindfulness Techniques for Individual Work 4. Acceptance and Commitment Strategies for Individual Work 5. Mindfulness and ACT Strategies for Small Group Work 6. Mindfulness and ACT Strategies for Classroom and School-Wide Programming 7. Creating Systemic Change and Adapting Practices for Different Populations 8. Mindfulness and ACT Techniques for Adult Stakeholders 9. Evaluating Outcomes and Conclusion

"Holland and Hawks are to be commended for this concise and accessible review of a range of empirically supported Mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy practices. Especially relevant for the busy school mental health professional, I particularly appreciated its use of a MTSS perspective. Virtually all educators will find something relevant to their practice in this book’s school-wide, classroom, small group, and individual approaches (which include a range of forms and implementation resources)."Stephen E. Brock, PhD, NCSP, LEPProfessor & School Psychology Program Coordinator, California State University, Sacramento"How do we calm our minds when our thoughts act like tigers? This book is a road map for school-based practitioners interested in integrating mindfulness and ACT practices into their Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) model. Holland and Hawks have created a practical guide that includes the fundamentals of ACT and mindfulness practices, giving detailed real-world examples and easy-to-use strategies that can be implemented in the school system. This is an extraordinary resource for those in education." Danielle McIntyre, Ed.S. School Psychologist & RYT200 Yoga Instructor, Santa Rosa County School District"Given the mental health crisis amongst youth, there is an urgent need to expand school-based mental health services and support. This book provides a practical and comprehensive guide to implement evidence-based interventions to support all students. This book fills a critical need and is a "must have" for all teachers and school-based practitioners." McKenzie Courtney, Ed.S.School Psychologist & Licensed Educational Psychologist, Buckeye Union School District