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.
A unique and insightful guide to managing unhelpful thinking, from a specialist in human psychology.
As Wren faces a looming deadline, Mina appears as the ‘voice’ in Wren’s head. Will she be a help or hindrance?
The Unwanted Friend explores the complex relationship between Wren and Mina; between all of us and our inner voice. The concise, insightful narrative uses this metaphor to delve into the complex workings 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. It is an essential guide to managing unhelpful thinking, leading to a more meaningful and secure state of being in all 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.
“The Unwanted Friend is a delightful story based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, that illustrates how powerful your mind can be. It provides a range of helpful skills for dealing with your thoughts, doing the things you care about, and befriending your mind.”
Tamar D. Black, PhD, Educational and Developmental Psychologist and author, ACT for Treating Children.
“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.
“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
“Touching and important, speaking to the value of human connection.”
Sally Hepworth, bestselling author of Darling Girls and The Good Sister.
“This delightful little book by Dr Hayward, will light up your day. It would be gorgeous to give as a gift, to have in your waiting room or to live beside your bed. It is a modern day fable with a deeper meaning conveying hope and action to move you towards living the life you need. Dip into it when you need a pick me up, or when you want to feel less alone when life gets dark. It’s a gorgeous book for anyone!”
Rachael O’Connor, Psychologist. ACT Therapist. Director of The Therapy Spot.