ACT Matrix PDF

What is acceptance and commitment therapy?

Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), developed by psychologist Steven C. Hayes, lays its foundations on cognitive behavioral therapy. ACT helps people live fulfilling lives while handling the pain and stress that come with it (Hayes et al., 1999). It concentrates on six core processes: cognitive defusion, acceptance, contact with the present moment, observing the self, values, and committed action. All of these aim to develop psychological flexibility.

What is psychological flexibility?

Psychological flexibility is staying present, thinking openly, and adapting to challenging situations. Studies during the COVID-19 pandemic show that higher levels of depression, anxiety, and stress are linked to lower psychological flexibility. Psychological flexibility is crucial in how people cope with stressful events (Tindle et al., 2021; Wąsowicz et al., 2021).

The ACT Matrix, created by Kevin Polk, helps improve this by guiding individuals to focus on their values and actions. It helps people identify what matters to them and how to move toward those things, even when facing difficulties.

What is the ACT matrix?

The ACT matrix simplifies complex ideas into just two lines, a concept Kevin Polk realized after 17,000 hours of study and practice from 2004 to 2009. He immersed himself in acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), relational frame theory (RFT), and functional contextualism, working with many clients and discussing these topics with colleagues.

The matrix unites the six core principles of acceptance and commitment therapy. Before the matrix, ACT was commonly represented by the hexaflex, a hexagon showing six core processes. Kevin, along with Jerold Hambright and Mark Webster, sought a more practical and user-friendly diagram for client interactions. The ACT matrix aims to cue or increase psychological flexibility, leading to valued living.

Components of the ACT matrix

The ACT matrix is a visual tool to help individuals understand their internal experiences and behaviors. It's a simple diagram that consists of two axes (x and y) intersecting to form four quadrants. Here's a breakdown of the components as well as how to accomplish the matrix (Polk et al., 2016):

Lines

The two axes (x and y) or the lines are the starting point of the ACT matrix. Here's what each of them represents:

• The vertical line (experience line): It represents the experience line, distinguishing between sensory experiences (sight, sound, smell, taste, touch) and mental or internal experiences.
• The horizontal line (behavior line): It shows the difference between actions that move away from unwanted experiences, like fear and those that move toward what matters, like connecting with a loved one.

Four quadrants

The lines discussed above bisect and form the quadrants. When completing the ACT matrix, it is essential to complete the following four categories or quadrants in the order listed below:

• Lower right quadrant: The first step requires the individual to identify who or what is important
• Lower left quadrant: In this quadrant, the individual identifies uncomfortable thoughts or feelings.
• Upper left quadrant: Following the step above, the individual notes how they either move away from or act under the influence of the items in the lower left.
• Upper right quadrant: To complete the matrix, the person should write at least one action that could move them toward the who or what.

All of these map out how you relate or experience with the who or what.

How to use our ACT Matrix PDF worksheet?

To help you lead clients toward psychological flexibility and improved mental health, this ACT Matrix PDF worksheet is a great way to start. Here's how it works:

Step 1: Download the worksheet

Hover on the blank sample worksheet on this page and click the download button. Save it on your device or print it if you want to provide a physical copy to your clients. Prompt clients to write down basic information about them to personalize the worksheet.

Step 2: Explain how to use the template

Your clients must know how to go about the worksheet. In the original procedure of using the ACT matrix, individuals are asked to draw a horizontal line and a vertical line on a piece of paper. However, since we've already done it for you, all your clients need to do is write their answers on each of the four quadrants.

Step 3: Discuss answers

After they have completed the worksheet, you may discuss their answers to help them develop ACT interventions or techniques that focus on the six core processes mentioned earlier. Store this tool after the session and revisit it regularly to reflect on their decisions and personal values. Exercises from resources like 'The Mindfulness and Acceptance Workbook for Anxiety,' by John P. Forsyth and Georg H. Eifert, can be used with the ACT matrix worksheet to promote mindful acknowledgment of thoughts and feelings.

Benefits of using our worksheet

Using the ACT Matrix in practice can lead to profound changes in behavior and emotions, helping an individual lead a more fulfilling life. Here are just some of these advantages:

• Breaking free from avoidance patterns
• Enhancing self-compassion
• Clarifying how values work
• Improving relationships
• Promoting mindfulness

Whether dealing with social anxiety, depression, life transitions, chronic illness, or emotional struggles, the ACT matrix offers a practical framework for psychological wellness.

Using the ACT matrix in practice

The ACT matrix is ideal for therapy sessions, especially at the start of treatment, to help individuals understand the connection between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors and to clarify their internal struggles and desired outcomes. Here's a list of some professionals who can use it in their practice and how:

Psychologists and therapists

These professionals frequently use the ACT matrix in cognitive behavioral therapy to address a wide range of mental health issues, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, and PTSD.

Social workers

Social workers use the matrix to assist clients in understanding and managing their emotions and behaviors in various social contexts, improving their relationships and social interactions.

Counselors

School and career counselors employ the matrix to help students and clients identify their values and align their actions with these values. In return, this fosters personal growth and self-compassion.

References

Hayes, S. C., Strosahl, K., & Wilson, K. G. (1999). Acceptance and commitment therapy: An experiential approach to behavior change. Guilford Press.

Polk, K. L., Schoendorff, B., Webster, M., & Olaz, F. O. (2016). The essential guide to the ACT matrix. New Harbinger Publications.

Tindle, R., Hemi, A., & Moustafa, A. (2021, September 20). Is psychological flexibility a coping mechanism?. https://doi.org/10.31234/osf.io/ebw4g

Wąsowicz, G., Mizak, S., Krawiec, J., & Białaszek, W. (2021). Mental health, well-being, and psychological flexibility in the stressful times of the COVID-19 pandemic. Frontiers in Psychology, 12. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2021.647975