“The book does an excellent job of helping therapists provide the consistent, highly structured sessions needed to help clients with dysregulated behavior develop a new positive therapeutic routine. Ongoing description on how and when to use authentic affirmation, validation, and therapeutic self-disclosure is provided throughout the book. These valuable client-centered tips help therapists develop a strong, empathic, non-judgmental therapeutic relationship….Detailed descriptions of session content and process from intake to termination are provided with important insights on how to handle expected client reactions and issues. [Mindfulness and Modification Therapy (MMT)] provides an effective treatment protocol grounded in evidence-based principles, while respectful of the therapist’s clinical judgment, their need to be flexible and authentic in order to develop a strong therapeutic relationship. In the era of manualized therapy where clinicians grapple with the question, ‘Do you want to be effective or do you want to be authentic,’ Dr. Wupperman may have found a way to be both.”

—Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy


“Wupperman tackles the thorny problem of dysregulated behavior with an elegant intervention empowered by the science of mindfulness and behavior change. Seamlessly interweaving elements of dialectical behavior therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy, the book provides the tools and perspectives that clinicians need to help people who suffer with chronic, unworkable patterns of action. This is a focused approach, and it is on target.”

—Dennis Tirch, PhD, Founding Director, The Center for Compassion Focused Therapy, New York City


“This masterful book presents an empathic, individualized approach to treating a range of behaviors that might interfere with living a valued life, including, but not limited to, harmful alcohol and drug use, eating behaviors, and gambling. Wupperman's caring and compassion are clearly evident. The treatment artfully brings together concepts and techniques from motivational interviewing, behavior therapy, cognitive therapy, and all of the 'third-wave' therapies. What I love most about the treatment is the focus on the client’s perspective and individual values, as well as the depathologizing of behaviors that are getting in the way for a client. I can picture many clients who would benefit from Wupperman’s pragmatic and compassionate approach. ”

—Katie Witkiewitz, PhD, Regents’ Professor, Department of Psychology and Center on Alcohol, Substance Abuse, and Addictions, University of New Mexico


“This book provides a structured yet very flexible transdiagnostic approach to the treatment of people with dysregulated behavior. It will serve as a practical guide for beginning therapists or those experienced in any therapeutic modality who want to deepen their skills for working with this population. I highly recommend this book and the MMT approach to clinicians in a variety of settings, from inpatient psychiatric units to drug and alcohol centers to eating disorder clinics.”

—Guy Undrill, PhD, MRCPsych, Consultant Psychiatrist, 2gether NHS Foundation Trust, Gloucester, United Kingdom; member, Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT)


“Even the most seasoned practitioners feel overwhelmed by clients presenting with severely dysregulated behavior coupled with impaired relationships. Wupperman masterfully presents an integrative approach for achieving positive outcomes. She fully anticipates the therapeutic challenges and offers expert, step-by-step guidance for effectively treating dysregulated clients with affirming, nonjudgmental interventions.”

—Richard Rogers, PhD, ABPP, Regents Professor of Psychology, University of North Texas


“Wupperman addresses a major gap in the field, offering a much-needed resource for clinicians and researchers. By targeting the shared factors that underlie the development and maintenance of diverse forms of behavioral dysregulation, MMT has utility for clients with a broad range of presenting problems. MMT is unique in its explicit focus on validation and the therapeutic relationship—recognized components of treatment effectiveness that, unfortunately, often are not clearly emphasized in existing cognitive-behavioral treatment protocols. By assisting clients in identifying and pursuing life values, MMT not only aids clients in reducing behavioral dysregulation, but also helps them build the life they want to live.”

—Matthew T. Tull, PhD, Department of Psychology, University of Toledo