Coping with Huntington's

This book is a compassionate guide providing practical yet therapeutically oriented mental health support and self-care strategies for people with Huntington’s disease (often referred to as HD) and their families to empower them in navigating this journey with hope and clarity.This book offers strategies for self-help and wellbeing that are firmly grounded in the principles of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). It bridges professional and personal insight by bringing together the author’s professional expertise as a clinical psychologist and researcher, and lived experience as a member of a family affected by Huntington’s. Topics covered include, but are not limited to:• Physical symptoms and mental health difficulties associated with Huntington’s.• Understanding Huntington’s in the family contexts, including impacts across families.• Benefits of ACT strategies for managing difficulties associated with Huntington’s.• ACT aligned practical guidance on emotional resilience, acceptance, and meaningful living.The book expands on similar works in the field to also explore the experiences of "at risk" family members, people without the gene expansion, caregivers and loved ones, and specific challenges that these respective groups may face.With evidence-based strategies to support mental health and wellbeing, this is a compelling read for families and individuals with lived experience of Huntington’s disease. It will also interest practitioners and healthcare professionals who wish to better understand Huntington’s and provide more effective support.

Sarah Gunn, DClinPsy, is a clinical psychologist and researcher from a Huntington’s family, specialising in mental healthcare for people affected by Huntington’s. She uses ACT in her work and leads research into the psychological impacts of Huntington’s, taking a compassionate approach to understanding and supporting people and families navigating the challenges of this condition.