The ACT Matrix: A New Approach to Building Psychological Flexibility Across Settings and Populations

by Kevin Polk (Editor), Benjamin Schoendorff (Editor), Kelly G. Wilson (Foreword)

If you are an ACT practitioner or mental health professional, this eagerly awaited resource is an essential addition to your professional library.

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) is an evidence-based therapy that has been successful in treating a variety of psychological issues, such anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, eating disorders, and more. In contrast to other treatment options, ACT has proven extremely effective in helping clients who are “stuck” in unhealthy thought patterns by encouraging them align their values with their thoughts and actions. However, the ACT model is complex, and it’s not always easy to use.

Traditionally, ACT is delivered with a focus around six core processes that are often referred to as the cognitive defusion, acceptance, contact with the present moment, observing the self, values, and committed action. Each of these core processes serves a specific function, but they are often made more complex than needed in both theory and in practice. So what if there was a way to simplify ACT in your sessions with clients?

Edited by clinical psychologists and popular ACT workshop leaders Kevin L. Polk and Benjamin Schoendorff, The ACT Matrix fuses the six core principles of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) into a simplified, easy-to-apply approach that focuses on client actions and behavior as workable or unworkable, rather than good or bad. Most importantly, you’ll learn how this innovative approach can be used to deliver ACT more effectively in a variety of settings and contexts, even when clients are resistant or unmotivated to participate.

This is the first book to utilize the ACT Matrix model, and it is a must-read for any ACT practitioner looking to streamline his or her therapeutic approach.

Genres: Psychology

280 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 1, 2014

About the author

Kevin L. Polk, PhD, is a clinical psychologist who has been a practicing for twenty-three years, primarily helping veterans and others with troubling trauma memories. For the past eight years he has dedicated himself to the study of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), spending close to 20,000 hours studying the philosophy and theory behind ACT, and learning and designing ACT interventions. He is a peer-reviewed ACT trainer who is passionate about teaching others how to use the matrix to increase psychological flexibility and valued living. Find out more at www.drkevinpolk.com.

Reviews

[Val Finnell, MD, MPH · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is anthology of chapters relating to one method of using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) known as the the "Matrix." The Matrix is a four-quadrant diagram that promotes psychological flexibility. It allows for an easily accessible application of ACT to various contexts. The book begins with a description of the Matrix and then moves on to discuss the theory of functional contextualism. The rest of the book is specific applications of the Matrix in various clinical settings.

ACT is a mindfulness technique that is being increasingly utilized within cognitive behavioral frameworks. If you are interested in a more fundamental introduction to ACT, I would not recommend this book. Instead, read Stephen Hayes' "Get Out of Your Mind and Into Your Life." Once you have a background, pick up this work for a nice practical tool to use either with yourself or in your practice.

[Luiz Fabricio Calland Cerqueira · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mostly good. However, it doesn’t teach how to use the Matrix as much as its applications. To learn to “operate” the Matrix, I went to Polk’s Youtube channel, where he teaches it very well.

Except for the last chapters about that Ostrom and Governing the Commons, which I mostly didn’t understand, it helps to cook some great insights in ACT interventions.

[Valeria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent introduction and examples of applications of the ACT matrix in diverse settings. Really helpful. Enjoyed the references as well.

[Ted · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was interested in the concepts presented by ACT counseling, but this book is geared more toward professional counselors and was beyond my particular interests. I like the ACT approach but am not engaged in professional counseling.