Holding the Heavy Stuff is a unique, illustrated self-help guide for anyone who has struggled with low mood, worries, self-doubts or mean thoughts about themselves and then found it difficult to move their life forward.

It is for people who feel overwhelmed or consumed by worries about the future, or find themselves stuck reliving moments from their past.

It is for those who have days, weeks or months when sadness takes over and getting through each hour feels challenging.

It is for those who can't imagine life getting better as the world gets worse.

It is for people who feel dumped on or knocked off track.

It is for all of us who face tragedy and difficulty and feel weighed down.

Perhaps you struggle to live the life you want or are holding too much heavy stuff. The more you try to fight this internal pain, the more you have it. Instead of struggling against it, this book offers a different approach. You will learn ways to carry the heavy stuff with you as you go where you want to go.


Ben Sedley is an experienced clinical psychologist using acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) for twenty years in both primary health centres and community mental health teams in New Zealand and London, working with adults, as well as children, adolescents and families facing mental health difficulties. Currently, Ben works in private practice and is co-founder of ACT Wellington.