The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Toolbox for Kids
170+ Activities and Games to Address Anxiety, Stress, Trauma, Motivation, Attachment, Self-Esteem, Distractibility, Depression, Behavioral Challenges, and More
- Author:
- Matthew Ercolani | Emily Heydt, PsyD
- Copyright:
-
2026
- Publication Date:
- Sep 09, 2026
- Publisher:
- PESI Publishing
- Product Code:
- PUB180760
- ISBN13:
- 9781683739425
- Format:
- Paperback
- Number of Pages:
- 312
- Media Type:
- Book
Description
Turn tricky sessions into playful opportunities!
When kids come to therapy with big emotions, freeze up, or hit a wall in session, even the most seasoned clinician or caregiver can feel stuck.
The Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) Toolbox for Kids offers a fresh (and fun!) way forward. Inside, you’ll find over 170 kid-friendly worksheets, activities, and games designed to bring ACT to life. From pirate-themed values maps to thought defusion “pop-up blockers,” the interventions in this ready-to-use resource can be used for treating:
- Anxiety and stress
- Trauma
- Motivation challenges
- Attachment and relationship issues
- Self-esteem
- Distractibility and focus
- Depression and mood
- Behavioral challenges
- And more!
Whether you’re new to ACT or an experienced ACT clinician struggling with those “stuck” moments in session, this book has the tools you need to help kids when it matters most.
Credit
Author
Matthew Ercolani Related seminars and products
Matt Ercolani believes in the goodness in people, and in empowering people to use therapy to find the best in themselves. He is an expert in working with queer and trans kiddos and their families in therapeutic settings, and he utilizes Acceptance and Commitment Therapy in this work. Matt graduated magna cum laude from Rowan University with Bachelor’s degrees in both education and music. He worked as a music teacher around New Jersey, before realizing that a career change was necessary to find his calling. He went on to earn his Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling from West Chester University. Today, Matt works as the clinical coordinator for The College of New Jersey’s graduate counseling program, where he also works as a course instructor. Additionally, maintains a private therapy practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor, where he strives to help people grow into who they truly are. He recently published his first peer-reviewed work in the Journal of Dual Diagnosis, entitled “Mental Health and Substance Use Treatment Provider Assessment of Telehealth Effectiveness for Adults and Adolescent Service Provision During the Covid-19 Pandemic”.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Matthew Ercolani has employment relationships with Juniper Counseling and Wellness, Pediatric Psychology Center of Chester County, the College of New Jersey, Chestnut College, and Wilmington University. He is an Exam Item Analyst and Committee Member with the National Board for Certified Counselors. Matthew Ercolani receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Matthew Ercolani is a member of the American Counseling Association.
Emily Heydt, PsyD Related seminars and products
Dr. Emily Heydt is an expert in supporting “big behaviors in little bodies.” Her passion for this work began in high school while helping to run a baseball league for children with special needs. Since then, she has dedicated her career to empowering parents to leverage their child’s strengths and help them reach their full potential. Dr. Heydt graduated cum laude from Bucknell University before earning her Master’s and Doctorate in school psychology from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine. During her time there, she continued working closely with children and families and founded a charity ball that supports local organizations making significant contributions to mental health. Today, Dr. Heydt works with children and families in a private practice near Philadelphia, continuing her mission to foster resilience and growth in young lives.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Emily Heydt has employment relationship with Eastern University and Pediatric Psychology Center of Chester County. She receives a scholarship from PCOM. Emily Heydt receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Emily Heydt is a member of the National Academy of Neuropsychology, the National Association of School Psychologists, and the Association of School Psychologists of Pennsylvania.
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