Dr Carrie Hayward is a Melbourne-based clinical psychologist whose life’s work is to help individuals live more consciously and purposefully. Specializing in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Carrie advocates for psychological flexibility and resilience in the face of life’s inevitable challenges. In 2022, she spent six months in Zanzibar, Tanzania, living and serving in a different community, enriching her understanding of what it truly means to be present and interconnected.

An empowering guide to managing emotions in difficult situations, from a specialist in Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.
In The Flower in the Pocket, we meet Wilbur, a man gripped by overwhelming anger. Even his beloved garden seems to wither in the face of his fury. Can Wilbur bring his world back into balance? Can he re-empower himself in a situation he can’t control?

This insightful short story explains how our vulnerabilities to psychological struggle can turn emotional pain into more deep-seated suffering, and gives readers tools to combat this. The concise, insightful narrative uses metaphor to delve into the innate challenges of human psychology, and make them accessible for all readers. The narrative concludes with a deep exploration of a unique teaching, and a practical process for readers to implement in their lives. This is the essential guide for anyone struggling to find stability in seemingly uncontrollable situations.

The Being Human Series
This is one of four books in the Being Human series, a self-help collection that dives into the complexities of the human condition. Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy teachings, the stories focus on the importance of developing psychological resilience to help us deal with life’s challenges. Each book stands alone but, when read together, offers a thorough understanding of our shared human experience.

“Carrie’s story, The Woman Who Lost the Sun, is a timely reminder of how easy it is for us to get lost in the gloom and to then go looking for life; it is always right here with us. This is a delightful story with illustrations that can help us pause and reconnect. Dr Hayward has written a charming story that fits the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.“

Louise Hayes, PhD, Clinical Psychologist.Past President and Fellow, Association for Contextual Behavioural Science. Author of What Makes You Stronger.

“Dr. Hayward captures beautifully the struggle that is all too familiar to many of us – the desire to be happy and comfortable at the cost of our contentment and connection on a moment-by-moment basis. Through the protagonist Winnie, you will learn to find your internal sunshine once more.”

Aisling Leonard-Curtin, Chartered Psychologist with the Psychological Society of Ireland. Peer-reviewed ACT Trainer. Co-author of The Power of Small.

This charming and wise story teaches a counter-intuitive life lesson: If you are not willing to have the emotions you have, that is what you’ll get. Highly recommend.”

Steven C. Hayes, Ph.D. Originator of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy

“Dr Carrie Hayward has done such a good job of writing these stories to help make important, complex ideas understandable and relatable”

Lucy Durack, Actor, Writer and Co-founder of Hey Lemonade.

“Touching and important, speaking to the value of  human connection.”

Sally Hepworth, bestselling author of Darling Girls and The Good Sister.