The Essential Guide to the ACT Matrix: A Step-by-Step Approach to Using the ACT Matrix Model in Clinical Practice 1st Edition

Are you new to Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (or perhaps not so new) and would like to learn how to promote psychological flexibility but are unsure about how to proceed effectively? If so, this may be the book for you. In my opinion, The Essential Guide to the ACT Matrix (by Polk, Shoendorff, Webster, and Olaz) is the best “how to guide” for practicing Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) since the publication of Russ Harris’ ACT Made Simple. Heck, you should have both books in your bookshelf.The land of ACT can be a world filled with confusing nomenclature (e.g., “derived relational responding”, “transformation of stimulus function”, etc. ) which can make for a bumpy ride in your quest to learn ACT. I have seen many would-be ACT therapists get derailed before their journey was over because they lacked practical tools to actually practice their craft. ACT is based on decades of clinical research and some cool scientific principles (e.g. relational frame theory) that are revolutionizing the world of psychotherapy. Yet, without a simple, jargon-free way to translate these principles into a useful clinical package, the world may never get to appreciate what RFT and Contextual Behavioral Science have to offer.Enter the Matrix. The Matrix is a much-needed roadmap that can powerfully guide any willing clinician to navigate through the rough terrain of RFT/CBS (sorry about all these letters). In fact, it is literally a visual cue that helps you to incorporate all the core processes of ACT in an elegantly simple (but not simplistic) six-step approach that leads to psychological flexibility. It is simply a tool, a “finger pointing to the moon”, the moon of your experience. The Matrix not only promotes psychological flexibility for both clinician/client but makes learning the principles of RFT more accessible and even enjoyable.Now if you are really serious about learning the ACT Matrix, The Essential Guide to the Matrix may be just the first step. I took an 8-week online Matrix course with Benjamin Shoendorff (one of the main authors of this book) and Timothy Gordon (a cool Matrix teacher) which provided a rich, experiential learning environment through the first six steps. The best way to learn is to experience it for yourself; then try practicing it on others. The authors have also created a Facebook study group which features cool memes and quotes from the book with plenty of opportunities for dialogue and sharing. (update: please see comment below by author for link to the FB page if you want to join the group).There is a tongue-in-cheek saying that doing the Matrix may be detrimental to your private practice because the clients get better rather quickly. I have certainly found this to be the case in my own practice. And that is absolutely fine with me :)

I have used this approach for several years. It provides both myself and my clients with a powerfully effective perspective from which to better understand what matters to my client, what shows up that gets in the way of living a rich and satisfying life, and how to gain the psychological flexibility to do what matters even when difficult thoughts and feelings show up. It conveys the heart of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) in an incredibly accessible manner. I believe it builds the same crucial skills that formal mindfulness training brings without ever having to explicitly discuss mindfulness, by training a strong noticing stance.I have taken online workshops and webinars, read the first Matrix group, and also attended an excellent in-person workshop. I am an experienced clinical psychologist with lots of other ACT training as well. Even so I found the clarity of the information as laid out in this book very helpful in helping me take this practice to another level. It is generous in its metaphors, examples and handouts. I cannot recommend this book strongly enough!

After reading the first ACT Matrix book, I was hooked immediately. I began experimenting and incorporating it into my therapy sessions with clients and also used it in my clinical research for my thesis in an inpatients setting.When this current book was announced, I pre ordered immediately and I was not disappointed when it arrived by courier from Amazon.Packed with information, the booked leads you in gently by laying out the very basics on how to set-up and introduce the Matrix in a useful way, to your audience and then carefully proceeds to take you on a series of tutorials on how to present the Matrix in the optimum way for a multitude of situations.A big bonus for me was the way the authors use the Matrix to explain clearly to the reader, the most difficult aspects of Contextual Behavioural ScienceThe book is written in a clear, coherent and gentle voice and is a joy to read - its like having the authors right here in the room with you giving you private lessons in this very powerful tool.If you are just starting out with ACT or a seasoned ACT practitioner, this book should be in your personal library.Don't hesitate on this one!Best regardsDov Benyaacov-Kurtzman

The Matrix is an incredibly simple and efficient way to introduce Acceptance and Commitment Therapy principles but its integration into a therapy protocol has been a mystery to many of us. In the essential guide, the authors provide a beautifully clear, logical guide to structuring ACT using the Matrix. In lieu of data from studies supporting its use, the authors provide the benefit of their considerable experience in road testing the approach to highlight common client responses, explain why they have chosen the type and sequencing of activities, while anticipating possible alternative approaches. This book will be invaluable to ACT practitioners - especially those who need to work in brief intervention settings and with clients with modest cognitive abilities. If you've noticed some repetition amongst your ACT books, this one genuinely offers something new.

Excellent book! I've read a number of books related to ACT and RFT. The authors provide an excellent tool, the ACT Matrix, to help with case conceptualization and experiential exercises to use in practice. Easy to implement in a short number of sessions and generalizable to several issues (as well as growth/coaching). Very highly recommended for the ACT therapist. This also accommodates other modalities well for the eclectic practitioner.

Fantastic and informative. Quite an opportunity to learn and integrate ACT therapeutics in a clear and easily digestible read for the novice or experienced therapist. I use theMatrix myself. As importantly the Matrix for the last several years as been my keystone therapeutic guide.

Muy buen libro.

Ja, das ist schon ein ganz gutes Buch. Es stören einige Redundanzen und Wiederholungen. Aber die ACT Matrix wird sicherlich noch für Aufsehen sorgen, insbesondere in Kombination mit anderen Therapie-Ansätzen ein Gewinn (auch wenn manche Kombinationen gar nicht mögen...)

This was a WOW expérience ! A very practical work solidly tied to the theory. I read many books on ACT already but this one is different. Practical with examples, cues, tricks, watch your step sections, in our clinical experience sections, going deeper sections and also theoretical content. Very generous from the writers.And after all that said, a rich book easy to read and a page turner.I told you, this was a WOW expérience.

If you are a psychotherapist or work with clients/patients in a therapeutic context you really should consider buying this book. If you're new to ACT or not there is plenty to learn here. Elegant, accessible yet hugely powerful, the matrix has become central to my own practice in a very short space of time. Its packed with tips and strategies with information on how to apply it in a range of contexts, well worth the money!

Matrix is a wonderful tool. This book is a well written and provides a clear explanation.