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)

Edited by clinical psychologists and popular ACT workshop leaders Kevin 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. This essential book shows professionals and general readers how this approach can be used to treat a variety of disorders-such as anxiety, depression, substance abuse, trauma, and eating disorders-in a variety of settings and contexts. Professionals will also learn how to work more effectively with difficult clients and increase clients' psychological flexibility. A must-have for ACT practitioners looking to streamline their therapeutic approach.

Genres: Psychology

256 pages, ebook

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.