Download PDF The Essential Guide to the ACT Matrix A StepbyStep Approach to Using the ACT Matrix Model in Clinical Practice 9781626253605 Medicine Health Science Books

Product details Paperback 288 pages Publisher Context Press; 1 edition (June 1, 2016) Language English ISBN-10 1626253609

The Essential Guide to the ACT Matrix A StepbyStep Approach to Using the ACT Matrix Model in Clinical Practice 9781626253605 Medicine Health Science Books Reviews

• 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 )
• 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 .
  
  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 Science
  
  The 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 regards
  Dov 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.
• I like how the authors walk you through 6 sessions of therapy utilizing the matrix. I think I would have liked to see examples of how the matrix could be utilized in various contexts ( for example, instead of answering the quadrant questions for all problems, I would like to see how it is used for specific problems and specific contexts and explore the matrix for various issues and symptoms). Otherwise, well done. I have already began to utilize it in sessions and have received good feedback. The second session really gels and is a 'turning point' for many of my clients!
• 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!