John Forsyth

I've devoted most of my adult life to writing, speaking, teaching, doing research, and training mental health professionals and the public in the use of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and practices that cultivate mindfulness, loving kindness, and self-compassion.  My abiding passion, if you can call it that, is to discover and share more effective ways to alleviate human suffering, awaken the human spirit, and to nurture psychological health and vitality.  I've been at this for over 20 years, and have seen the enormous impact that ACT can have in the lives of many, including my life too.  My intention is to share my personal journey and experience, balanced with practical insights grounded in scientific evidence, to those wishing to find a path out of suffering and into wholeness. 

I've co-authored several popular books, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Anxiety Disorders (for mental health professionals), and three self-help books for the public:  The Mindfulness & Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety, and ACT on Life, Not on Anger, and Your Life on Purpose.  I am happy to say that the 2nd edition of The Mindfulness & Acceptance Workbook is now available on Amazon and in most major book stores. I am also excited about a forthcoming book that will be out in 2018, called "Anxiety Happens."  This little book is packed with 52 practical teachings and simple strategies to help anyone who may find themselves stuck and struggling with anxiety and fear.  And, honestly, that includes most of us.  We've all been there.

I am also a Professor of Psychology and Director the Anxiety Disorders Research Program at the University at Albany, SUNY in Upstate New York.  This is a job that I absolutely love.  But I also wear many other hats. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist in New York, with expertise in the use and application of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for several forms of psychological and emotional suffering.  I am also an active researcher, teacher, and consultant and serve as a senior editor of the ACT book series with New Harbinger Publications.

I also travel quite a bit, offering talks and co-leading ACT workshops with my wife for the public and mental health professionals in the United States and abroad.  My wife and I regularly offer week long retreat-style ACT workshops at the Omega Institute for Holistic Studies in Rhinebeck, NY, The Esalen Institute, Big Sur, CA, and at 1440 Multiversity in Scotts Valley, CA, where both of us serve as members of the teaching faculty.

In truth, I love what I do.  I bring a good deal of energy, humility and compassion to my work, and and am grateful that our down-to earth workshops are consistently praised for their clarity, depth and utility.

Apart from work, my wife and I do our best to practice what we preach, including mediation and yoga.  I also absolutely love being away from it all, unplugged - the mountains are my cathedral!