What We’re Reading: The Happiness Trap by Russ Harris
Why We Love This Book
If you’ve ever thought, “I should be happier,” this book might be exactly what you need. The Happiness Trap challenges the idea that happiness means feeling good all the time — and shows how that belief actually makes us more anxious and disconnected.
Based on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dr. Russ Harris teaches readers how to make peace with difficult thoughts and feelings instead of fighting them. It’s not about feeling happy, but instead living meaningfully even when life feels messy or uncomfortable.
As therapists, we love how this book gives practical, compassionate tools that anyone can use. It’s a favorite among our team for clients working through anxiety, perfectionism, and the pressure to “stay positive” no matter what.
What You’ll Learn
Here are a few of the biggest takeaways:
You don’t need to get rid of negative thoughts; you just need to stop letting them run the show.
You can’t control every thought, but you can change your relationship with them.
Mindfulness isn’t about being calm all the time. It’s about noticing what’s happening inside you with curiosity instead of judgment.
Values (not feelings) lead the way. A meaningful life often includes discomfort — but it’s worth it.
If you’ve ever said, “I’ll be happy when…” this book will gently challenge that trap by helping you see that real contentment comes from presence, not perfection..
How It Shows Up in Therapy
We often use ACT principles at Found to help clients build flexibility with their thoughts and emotions. Whether you’re healing from trauma, navigating a faith transition, or learning to manage anxiety, The Happiness Trap offers a practical framework for staying grounded in what matters most.
Who We Recommend It For
Anyone caught in cycles of overthinking or self-criticism
Individuals who feel “stuck” in negative thoughts or anxiety loops
People exhausted by the pressure to be happy all the time
Clients exploring mindfulness or trying to reconnect with their values
If you want to learn tools for emotional regulation and self-acceptance
A Found Favorite
At Found Mental Health, we often use ACT principles in therapy to help clients move from fighting their emotions to understanding and integrating them. The Happiness Trap offers a simple, relatable introduction to these tools, whether you’re in therapy or exploring on your own.
If you’re interested in learning how to live more fully even when life isn’t perfect, this book is a great place to start.
Bottom Line
If you’re tired of the endless pressure to “just be positive,” The Happiness Trap offers a refreshingly honest alternative: a way to live with your feelings instead of against them. Because at Found, we believe healing starts with making space for your full emotional experience, no traps required.
Stay Tuned for More Therapist Picks
This is just the first in our What We’re Reading series! Every few months, we’ll highlight a new book that’s resonating with our therapists and clients, from topics like trauma and mindfulness, to relationships, identity, and healing after faith transitions.
If you have a book you’d love us to review, please let us know! We always love to hear a good book rec. And if you’re ready to explore these ideas in therapy, reach out to us! We’d love to help you build a life that feels full and meaningful.
